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. 

At BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment. We do not tolerate racism, sexism, misogyny, discrimination, or any form of harassment. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities who share our values of equity, integrity, and respect.

Job Summary
BC Children's Hospital BioBank (BCCH BioBank, BCCHB) collects patient samples and annotated data from children and women with their consent and securely stores them for future research purposes. BCCH BioBank requires a Research Assistant for 1 year (with possibility of extension) to provide general assistance in a research setting under the direction of the BCCHB Scientific Director, Dr. Jonathan Bush, and senior members of the BioBank.
Organizational Status
The BCCHB Research Assistant (RA) will work closely with the other BCCHB laboratory technicians. Reports to the BCCHB lab manager and dotted reporting line to BCCHB Scientific Director.
Work Performed

• Assist in the collection of biospecimens from surgical suites
• Carries out processing, labelling, and tracking of biospecimens according to BCCHB Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Enters clinical data and inventory information into the biobank information management system
• Records and document laboratory processes
• Check Operation Room (OR) slates daily for eligible patients
• Screens patients for research enrolment
• Obtains informed consent from patients and/or family members
• Assists with quality assessment of biospecimens and derivatives
• Assists in checking, updating and ordering of laboratory inventory/supplies
• Assists in retrieving and shipping biospecimens according to SOPs
• Distributes research surveys to patients and/or family members

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Assistant (RA) is responsible for the ethical and transparent engagement of potential participants in accordance with BCCH BioBank policies and procedures. This role requires sound judgment, professionalism, and strict adherence to ethical guidelines governing patient recruitment and data confidentiality. Breach of these protocols, including inappropriate disclosure or misuse of patient information, may constitute just cause for termination of employment.

This position plays a critical role in the recruitment and retention of participants for the BCCH BioBank. Inadequate management of recruitment efforts may lead to participant withdrawal, resulting in loss of biological samples and research data, ultimately jeopardizing the success of the project. Errors in participant data entry or documentation may compromise data integrity, leading to inaccurate reporting, wasted resources, and increased project costs.

The RA must demonstrate professionalism and discretion when interacting with patients and obtaining informed consent, as they represent the face of the BCCH BioBank. A lack of transparency or professionalism during these interactions could negatively impact the reputation of both the BioBank and the broader research community at BCCHRI.

Supervision Received

The BCCHB Research Assistant will be supervised directly by the BCCHB Lab Manager.
Supervision Given
None but may explain work sequences to others.
Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

• Bachelor Degree in Health Science or Molecular Biology/Immunology/Cell Biology,
• Preferences will be given to applicants with research experience.
• Highly self-motivated with excellent time management skills and detail-oriented
• Ability to take on assigned responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively use email and internet, MS Excel/Word.
• Ability to accept responsibility and work effectively independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a team environment.