Junior Research Coordinator

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

Job End Date

This position will be filled internally. It is posted for informational purposes only.

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 Division of Hematology at the University of British Columbia is seeking a Junior Research Coordinator for the Hematology Research Program (HRP). The Junior Research Coordinator will work with a team of research staff, administrative staff, physicians, nurses and liaise with other healthcare professionals to ensure research studies meet or exceed regulatory and institutional standards. This position requires frequent contact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other hospital staff. The Junior Research Coordinator may be the primary contact with the Research Ethics Board (REB), industry sponsors, government and other not-for-profit granting agencies, and regulatory bodies for research studies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.
Organizational Status
The Hematology Research Program (HRP) conducts phase I, II and III clinical trials, registries and other clinical research in patients with a variety of benign and malignant hematologic disorders.  The Junior Research Coordinator will work under the supervision Research Program Manager, and Research Operations Manager of HRP, as well as principal investigators (PI) to fulfill research-related responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner.
Work Performed
·       Conducts multiple studies from startup to closure under the supervision of Principal Investigators, Program Director, Research Program Manager, and Research Operations Manager.  

·       Ensures that all aspects of study are performed within International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Tri-Council guidelines, as well as institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

·       Assists with PI and Research Managers in study protocol development, grant application and regulatory submission. Assesses study feasibility, resource utilization and assists with budget development.

·       Develops of study workflows and assists with identifying strategies to maximize study enrollment and improve efficiency.

·       Obtains or assists PIs to obtain ethics and institutional approvals for investigator initiated and grant funded trials and sponsored clinical trials. 

·       Maintains trial related documents in regulatory/study binder ensuring accuracy and completeness, including but not limited to source documentation, case report forms, certifications, screening logs, and drug accountability logs.

·       Identifies, consent, and recruits study participants, performs study specific assessments, educates and advises patients regarding protocol requirements.

·       Communicates study procedures to clinical and research personnel; provides updates and support to other staff, as required.

·       Coordinates with radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, health records, and nursing units as required by specific protocols.

·       Oversees study progress, monitors patient safety, triages events appropriately as specified in study protocol.

·       Provides timely reports to PIs, and Research Managers on study progress and any issues may affect the enrollment, timeline and financial status of studies.

·       Collaborates with other Research Coordinators, Research Assistants and Students within the program and provides support as required.

·       Performs other tasks and provides research support as directed.

 
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Junior Research Coordinator should understand that:

a)       The incumbent warrants that their performance in the conduct of clinical trials and research projects will strictly conform to appropriate regulations: 1) maintaining professional behaviour and respect for study subjects and staff; 2) the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board 3) B.C. Privacy Act; 4) Health Canada, International Conference on Harmonization, Tri-Council Policy Statement, Good Clinical Practice; and 5) U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

b)      Lack of careful attention to regulatory guidelines and approvals can lead to suspension of further clinical research and/or funding for the investigator/physician as well as the hospital and University.

c)       Poor communication skills could jeopardize study subjects' participation and continuation in studies, and could reflect badly on the research group and the University with sponsors and referring/community physicians.

d)      The qualified investigator relies on the assistant to alert him/her to problems and unexpected events concerning study subjects and trial conduct. These include, but are not limited to: 1) poor study enrolment; 2) failure to complete work according to deadlines, 3) unexpected or excessive workload or administrative hurdles; 4) additional or non-budgeted requests from sponsors; 5) recurrent problem or concerns raised by clinical staff.

e)      Clinical mistakes made by the coordinator could be life threatening to subjects. Ensuring study subject safety includes: 1) accurately judging study eligibility; 2) being prepared for any side effects (expected or unexpected); and 3) updating clinical skills and knowledge to meet the demands of clinical complexity.

f)        Lack of careful attention to regulatory guidelines and approvals can lead to suspension of further clinical research and/or funding for the investigator/physician as well as the hospital and University.

Supervision Received
Works under the supervision of Program Manager, Research Operations Manager, and Research Coordinators in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities.

 
Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercise judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; liaises with hospital departments and refers new or unusual problems to supervisor.

Supervision Given
May distribute work assignments to employee at lower classification level, including students.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.
- 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

·       Clinical trials research experience or clinical trials experience and/or background in hematology or oncology would be an asset.

·       Medical terminology course/training is an asset.

·       Certification in transportation of dangerous goods is an asset.

·       Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel and Power Point). Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

·       Self-directed, highly self-motivated, assertive, enthusiastic and honest in the performance of all duties.

·       Demonstrates sound judgment, critical thinking, logical decision making. Possesses strong problem-solving skills, able to anticipate and resolve problems in a timely, effective, ethical, professional, and constructive manner.

·       Ability to be flexible, multitask and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

·       Ability to effectively coordinate simultaneous projects and successfully prioritize multiple tasks to meet deadlines.

·       Ability to work in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, and ICH/GCP guidelines.