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 Appel-Cresswell Lab, at PPRC, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH), UBC, is seeking a full-time (1.0FTE) Research Assistant (RA). This role involves supporting biobank processing operations within movement disorders research.

The successful candidate will contribute to research efforts focused on neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and movement disorders. Core responsibilities include venipuncture, biospecimen collections (urine, blood, fecal, saliva), sample logging, sample shipments, equipment inventory and ordering, data collection, database management, development of SOPs and protocols, and ensuring compliance with ethical standards. The role also involves coordinating the collection, transport, processing, and cataloging of biospecimens from collaborating labs. The Research Assistant will work onsite fulltime at the UBC PPRC at DMCBH in Vancouver, BC.
Organizational Status
The Research Assistant will report to the Research Manager and Principal Investigator (PI). The RA may work with graduate students, Fellows, administrative staff, and various hospital

staff. This position requires frequent contact with study participants. Once trained, the RA will work independently as per the study protocol procedures, with primary direction as needed from the Research Manager. The RA will meet with the team on a weekly basis; decision-making will be done in consultation with the PI and Research Manager.

Work Performed

• Collects human biospecimens (e.g., blood, urine, fecal, saliva) from study participants (venipuncture certificate completion via BCIT preferred; training will be provided),
• Processes, preserves, and retrieves biospecimens according to SOPs and protocols; assesses sample quality and performs cell/tissue isolation and culture procedures as needed,
• Plans and performs experiments, utilizing complex procedures or techniques; troubleshoots problems; collects, records, analyzes and interprets results,
• Organizes shipping of biospecimens according to MTA and SOPs,
• Logs and manages biospecimen data using OpenSpecimen, REDCap, and Excel; assists with database development, maintenance, and data extraction,
• Assists with informed consent of participants for related studies; coordinates study sample collections, administers questionnaires, and ensures timely, accurate data entry,
• Maintains Biosafety and ethics approvals; develops and updates SOPs related to sample processing and lab operations,
• Maintains processing operations, testing, ensuring the implementation and enforcement of biospecimen safety rules and procedures,
• Maintains the operations, testing, and maintenance of core biobanking equipment (i.e. freezers, centrifuges, fridges),
• Maintains inventory of supplies and materials; orders supplies as needed,
• Participates in weekly lab meetings and research rounds,
• Supports other lab duties, administrative tasks, and related studies as needed.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors made could influence the ability of the Principal Investigator to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results of research projects and affect funding applications, thereby impacting the credibility of the Investigator. Poor decisions may be damaging to the reputation of and cause financial loss to the PI, PPRC, and the University. Errors in the processing and sorting of biospecimens could have significant detrimental effects on the study progress. Breach of policies and procedures, including misuse or inappropriate disclosure of patient information, may be just cause for the termination of employment.
Supervision Received
The Research Assistant will report to the PI and Research Manager.
Supervision Given
None, but may provide minimal supervision of volunteers or junior research staff, or may initiate new lab team members in the basic routines and procedures of the lab.
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.
- 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 a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience,
• Experience in a hospital or research laboratory or biobanking preferred,
• Experience with processing of human biological samples (training provided) and cell culture experience preferred (training provided),
• Completion of the UBC Biosafety and Chemical Safety courses,
• Experience in clinical research data collection and interacting with patient populations in a respectful and confidential manner,
• Working knowledge of research ethics and clinical research,
• Completion of TCPS-2 (2022), GCP, and privacy courses,
• Proven organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize workload, attention to detail in data collection and record-keeping,
• Working knowledge of REDCap, Excel, and OpenSpecimen,
• Self-motivated with demonstrated ability to show initiative and sound judgment,
• Proactive verbal and written communications skills, and adaptable to changing scenarios,
• Computer program proficiency (MS Word, Zoom, Teams),
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision,
• Ability to work with others in a calm, courteous, and effective manner,
• Training and working knowledge in Biosafety and Chemical safety courses,
• Training and experience in phlebotomy and obtaining patient consent for research will be considered an asset.