Research Assistant

Staff - Non Union

Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title
Research Assistant

Department
MS Clinical Trials Support Division of Neurology | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range
3,777.25 - $4,501.17 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
July 8, 2022

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

Job End Date

Jul 17, 2023

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

Job Summary
The Research Assistant/Tech. II works in collaboration with the Research Team (e.g.Research Nurses, Coordinator s and Secretay/Clerk etc.) of the MS & NMO Clinical Trials Group to conduct clinical trials focused on supporting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) research, with responsibilities directly related to assisting the study team with planning, organizing and running research studies.
Working Conditions
The incumbent will be working in the MS Clinic and associated laboratory at UBCs Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.  This work is completed within an office with a computer and required supplies.
Organizational Status
The Research Assist/Tech.II reports to and is responsible to the Clinical Research Manager.
Work Performed

o Responsible for subject communication, responding to phone calls and emails.
o Provides direction to ensure subject visits are scheduled according to study protocol and missed visits are reported to the Coordinator and recorded in the source documents.
o Coordinates recruitment of research subjects.
o Coordinates scheduling, confirms research subject appointments and develops visit schedules for subjects.
o Performs Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite testing (training provided as required).
o Coordinates Optical Coherence Tomography testing schedules, reports & provides training to new staff (training provided as required)
o Performs all research related duties based on the trial-specific protocol.
o Reports any study design related issues to the Study Coordinator (including but not limited to data collection and reporting errors).
o Observes study progress and reports to Coordinator issues with enrollment and/ or conduct of study.

 

o Processes blood, urine and CSF samples per study protocols

 

o Observes study progress and reports to Coordinator issues with enrollment and/ or conduct of study.
o Packages blood samples for international shipping to central labs and records on tracking sheet. (Requires certification in Transportation of Dangerous Goods, to be provided as needed).
o Carries out simple tests and measurements (Quality of Life scales etc.).
o Works with study Coordinator in development of study source documents.
o Prepares for clinic visits, source documents and requisitions required for data collection.
o Lab kit preparation and lab report follow up.
o Follows up with clinics and laboratories to ensure timely collection of test results.
o Liaises with all research teams within the MS & NMO Program.
o Liaises with local specialized labs and clinics (e.g. Neuroimmunology, Cardiology)
o Maintains research records ensuring subject source is reviewed and signed by investigator in a timely manner.
o Enters subject data in the electronic data entry system according to study protocol and addresses data queries in a timely manner.
o Ensures annual equipment maintenance and calibration is completed and the records are up to date and filed in site records.
o Ensures cleaning records are up to date for the lab and drug room, including both site and hospital cleaning records.
o Prepares UBC requisitions for submission (e.g. Travel re-imbursement, payment requisition, journal voucher etc.) and reviews FMS progress as needed.
o Carries out other related research duties as required to assist the research team (Manager, Coordinators, Nurses, Clerk and Investigators).
o Maintains regulatory files
o Maintains lab documentation for local/central/satellite labs (current certifications, lab normals)
o Receives lab reports and distributes to appropriate personnel, ensures signatures are collected and files reports appropriately.
o Monitors and maintains inventory of technical supplies (lab kits and general supplies)
o Reports study related issues with trial protocols, data collection and Data reporting to the trial coordinator and/or Clinical Trials Manager.
o Escorts study patients to various hospital departments when necessary
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but is expected to exercise considerable initiative and judgment in establishing priorities, and carrying tasks through to completion.  New or unusual problems would be referred to the Clinical Trials Manager, Study Nurse or Study Coordinator (as required).  Errors in this position would potentially result in incorrect data being collected on a particular study patient when related to error in form preparation or incorrect blood preparation.  Subject records are highly confidential.
Supervision Received
Receives instructions and or training during orientation and on subsequent  new assignments or changes in procedures (study protocol) by Clinical Research Manager  and study team as required. Carries out familiar phases of the work under general  supervision and is required to exercise judgment in establishing priorities to carry out assigned duties. New or unusual problems are referred to the Clinical Trials Manager.
Supervision Given
May distribute work assignments to employees at lower classifications, and may initiate new employees into clinic routines, procedure and office equipment.
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.
Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a medical clinic preferred and work experience in a Clinical Research/Clinical Trials environment an asset. UBC Finance experience an asset. Training and certification in Good Clinical Practice (Health Canada & FDA Regulations) required. The incumbent requires experience in research. Transportation of Dangerous Goods certification and experience preferred. Previous experience in clinical drug trials, computer skills, medical terminology, biochemistry and knowledge of multiple sclerosis are an asset Good organizational and communication skills.