Clinical Research Assistant

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
The Uterine Health Research Lab in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking an experienced Clinical Research Assistant who will work with a team of scientists, research staff, and administrative staff, and liaise with physicians, other healthcare professionals, and community partners to execute recruitment and facilitate participant management of the lab's clinical studies.
Organizational Status
The Uterine Health Research Lab is conducting ongoing research studies aimed at improving the prevention and early detection of gynecolgic pathologies. The Clinical Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the principal investigator (PI) to fulfill research-related responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner. The research team is also part of the BC’s Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, which is a world-leading, interdisciplinary team working together to drive innovative research that transforms how we prevent, diagnose, treat and improve survivorship care for people with gynecological cancer.
Work Performed
The responsibilities of the Clinical Research Assistant will include:

- Participating in research project meetings including preparing agendas, minutes and presentations.

- Executing various tasks using established clinical research protocols to support the overall objectives of the studies.

- Planning and performing clinical research activities such as coordinating participant assessments, managing patient data, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards.

- Assisting in analysis and interpretation of clinical research data by assembling, compiling, and summarizing statistical and other pertinent information.

- Observing and reporting on the behavior and responses of study participants, ensuring accurate documentation of clinical observations.

- Ensuring timely notification of issues/problems to the Principal Investigator.

- Preparing and regularly updating study standard operating procedures (SOPs).

- Preparing and maintaining research-specific materials, including data collection tools, informed consent forms, and other essential documents.

- Assisting research ethics board applications and amendments.

- Delegating responsibilities to undergraduate students and clinical patient navigators, providing guidance on clinical research protocols and ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.

- Organizing and maintaining stock of the research laboratory, overseeing the inventory management of research materials and the distribution of necessary supplies.

- Maintaining and updating CVs, biosketches, and publication lists for the Principal Investigator and lab members.

- Performs any other related duties as required for the successful execution of clinical research.

- As with all lab members, the clinical research assistant will be expected to complete all University mandatory training for the position, Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2; 2022 or later) courses, and any other training for compliance with research, regulators and/or funders.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors made could influence the ability of the researchers and research staff to meet critical deadlines, compromise research results, and result in loss of research program funding. Serious errors may result in delay or withdrawal of research papers and reports, loss of credibility for the research lab, the principal investigator and other co-investigators, and the overall program.

All research activities must be done in an ethical manner and with adherence to the Tri-Council Policy Statement concerning Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. All procedures and data recording/retention must be reliable and accurate. Strict confidentiality of all study participants/contributors must be adhered to. Failure to maintain consistent and reliable communication between project team members may result in delay or quality of research activity, which in turn might impact international health, work quality, funding, and the reputation of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and UBC.
Supervision Received
Many aspects of work will be done independently. Supervision from the Principal Investigator will be given on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.
Supervision Given
The Clinical Research Assistant may be responsible for training in study procedures and distributing the work of junior trainees such as undergraduate and volunteer patient navigators/research assistants.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

- Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in science, health-related field, or a relevant discipline

- Ability to navigate the Internet for the purposes of research is required e.g., PubMed, Web of Knowledge, UBC library and other relevant resources.- Experience with the following is preferred: research experience including scientific writing, literature searches; knowledge of and experience with health projects in the field of women’s health.

- Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office suite at an intermediate level, including data analysis and display.

- Ability to use basic data analytic programs is an asset.

- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

- Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.

- Ability to analyze problems, identify key issues, and find effective solutions.

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with PI, project managers, staff, volunteers, hospital foundations, and other parties as required.