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 Vancouver Spine Research Program | Department of Orthopaedics | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly Posting End Date July 6, 2025 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Jul 6, 2026 This position is 1 year in length with the possibility of extension. 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 Description Summary As a member of the Vancouver Spine Research Program (VSRP) at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), the Research Assistant’s primary role is to provide support for research projects lead by Investigators of the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute (VSSI). Organizational Status The UBC Department of Orthopaedics has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and patient care. Our mission is to create knowledge, advance learning, and improve musculoskeletal health for the community at provincial, national, and international levels. The Department consists of seven clinical divisions and a division of orthopaedic research, and is comprised of 200+ academic and clinical faculty who choose to contribute large blocks of their time to advance knowledge in the areas of clinical orthopaedics, musculoskeletal science as well as applied biomedical engineering and related basic science areas. This focus allows the Department to be at the forefront of exciting new developments in the areas of minimally invasive joint replacement, improved bone healing, advanced techniques in spinal surgery, innovative arthroscopic techniques, and improved biomaterials and implants. The VSRP provides the research infrastructure for the VSSI. The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager and may receive direction from Investigators. The Research Assistant will work closely with other research staff and will participate in activities within the VSRP. Work Performed Provides administrative support for a variety of research projects by: assisting with completion of study protocols; creating study documents such as participant consent and data collection forms; preparing and submitting applications to appropriate UBC research ethics boards; preparing and submitting documents to obtain hospital approval. Assists with enrolment of potential research participants at VGH (Acute Spine Unit, Brenda and David McLean Integrated Spine Clinic, and other hospital departments) and at GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre by introducing research studies to patients and their families, explaining the nature and requirements of the study, and obtaining consent to participate in research, as needed. Performs data collection and enters clinical and scientific data into spreadsheets and databases, and manages data for specific studies, ensuring accuracy and integrity. Data for studies are stored in different formats including Excel, REDCap and other proprietary web-based software applications. Maintains research study records in electronic and paper format ensuring that information is accurately completed and appropriately saved/filed. Communicates with various personnel within the VSSI, with UBC and VCH (Vancouver Coastal Health) departments to facilitate completion of required research documents and approvals, coordinate ongoing research as required and answer inquiries regarding research studies. Participates in other initiatives of the VSRP, including data quality improvement, administrative tasks, such as filing and photocopying, as well as maintenance of publication lists and investigator CVs, as required. Communicates regularly with the Research Program Manager and/or periodically with Investigators about the status of research projects. Performs other related duties for other projects, as required. Consequence of Error/Judgement The Research Assistant exercises professional judgment and initiative in the conduct of and in coordinating clinical research studies. They will work with the Research Program Manager and with other members of the team to ensure that study procedures are performed consistent with the study protocol, applicable hospital procedures, ethical guidelines and regulatory policies. The Research Assistant is expected to work in a professional manner exercising poise and discretion especially when dealing with vulnerable patients and their families, and with sensitive medical information. Inappropriate disclosure of research participants’ personal information would contravene privacy legislation and could result in legal action. Errors in data, reference materials or publications, if detected, would result in delays and requirements for additional resources to obtain or validate data. Supervision Received The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager, however, most duties will be carried out independently following appropriate training. They may be given direction by Principal Investigators and Co-Investigators. The Research Assistant will receive training, and guidance from senior research team members who are more familiar with the program’s standard operating procedures. Senior team member may provide supervision to ensure that study procedures for specific research studies are conducted appropriately. Supervision Given None. 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 Qualification Education: Undergraduate degree in health or medical sciences. Experience: Experience in clinical research, particularly in administrative procedures such as preparation of REB applications and renewals, data collection, and data management an asset. Experience in approaching patients and their families in an acute hospital or outpatient setting, for the purpose of obtaining consent for research studies and completing required study procedures an asset. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. • Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities, and adapt to various project requirements, as needed. • Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. • Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. • Ability to apply sound analytical skills, exercising initiative, good judgement, poise and discretion while working in an acute clinical environment. • Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required. • Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve. • Ability to be thorough, accurate and have a high level of attention to detail. • Ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks. • Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions. • Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships. • Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous and effective manner. • Ability to conduct research interviews to obtain accurate, complete, and relevant information. • High degree of proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; and internet applications and tools The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca.
