Research Assistant

The Hearts in Rhythm Organization (HiRO) research office at St. Paul’s Hospital leads national research projects, including data registries and biobanks. The research assistant (RA) will be part of the HiRO research team focusing on participant recruitment, data entry, biobanking, and follow-up of study participants with inherited heart conditions. The RA will work closely with the Research Project Team to assist the clinical research endeavours of the HiRO investigators, consenting willing participants, organizing participant data, and biospecimens. This role collaborates with the cardiology staff and faculty of UBC’s Division of Cardiology and Hearts in Rhythm Organization provincially, nationally and internationally. Most importantly, the RA will build relationships with study participants, healthcare providers, and admin staff in the cardiology and research departments at St. Paul’s Hospital. Opportunities for a hybrid work model may be available depending on project needs. The RA must be able to commute to work in Vancouver, BC (no out-of province/out-of lower mainland applicants will be accepted)

**Organizational Status**

The HiRO research team at UBC/SPH provides the research infrastructure both locally for project enrolment and nationally as the HiRO Coordinating Center. The Research Coordinator reports to the Research Program Manager(s) and the Principal Investigators (Dr. Andrew Krahn and Dr. Zachary Laksman). The Research Coordinator will work closely with other research staff and will participate in activities within the UBC/Vancouver HiRO Research Program. The Research Coordinator will be the main contact for study participants and hospital staff.

**Work Performed**

Conducts sponsor and investigator-initiated research projects by performing assigned tasks, including:

- Reviews study protocols to assist with the logistics of study management
- Establishing standards of practice for protocols to ensure studies comply with TCPS2, FDA, Health Canada, GCP and Institutional Guidelines.
- Works with hospital personnel to arrange logistics for studies
- Prepares instructions for healthcare professionals on the research process that may be carried out
- Reviews healthcare information for potential study participants
- Interview potential study participants to determine interest and willingness to participate
- Conducts the informed consent process according to SOP and documents
- Coordinates study visits when necessary for study protocols
- Conducts participants interviews in person or by phone
- Completes data collection and case report forms as required
- Facilitates collection of biospecimens, and preparation for transportation
- Attends meetings, training and workshops as required
- Composes and types correspondence, develops study documents, forms, and data spreadsheets
- Prepares data summaries for presentations and publications as required
- Ensures data quality and maintenance
- Aids with protocol and research design development
- Works within defined guidelines, and exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion

**Consequence of Error/Judgement**

The RA is required to conduct all research activities in an ethical manner in accordance with the University of BC and the Tri-Council Policy 2. All procedures and data recorded as part of the research work must be accurate and must reflect the work performed. Errors could result in damage to the reputation of the Inherited Arrhythmia Research Group and the University of British Columbia.

**Supervision Received**

The research assistant is under the direct supervision of the research managers and HiRO Investigators. The scope and direction of the research is under the jurisdiction of the principal investigator. The position works within an integrated team, and the research assistant will be expected to be able to work independently as required.

**Supervision Given**

From time-to-time supervision of new employees, students and volunteers may be required.

**Minimum Qualifications**
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

**Preferred Qualifications**

Health Science degree, with specialized clinical experience/training in clinical research in the areas of cardiology and/or medical genetics and/or registries and biobanks being most desirable. Clinical research professional certification (CCRP) desirable. Preference for those with certification in phlebotomy and cardiovascular research experience.

Strong technical skills, including experience with electronic data capture, medical record databases and Microsoft office preferred. Experience with RedCap and similar research databases an asset. Excellent oral and written communication ability is a must, as are good interpersonal and problem-solving skills and attention to detail. The successful appl