Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant Technician Department MS Clinical Trials Support Division of Neurology | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly Posting End Date August 26, 2025 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date September 7, 2026 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 Research Assistant/Technician III works in collaboration with the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) & Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Clinical Trials Research Team (Research Nurses, Coordinators, Research Assistants/Technicians, Undergrad and Coop students) to conduct industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials focused on supporting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research, with responsibilities directly related to assisting the study team with planning, organizing and running research studies. The incumbent will supervise and train lower level Research Assistants, provide tech support and perform complex assessments, such as performing OCT and EGG. Organizational Status The Research Assist/Technician III reports to and is responsible to the Clinical Research Manager. The incumbent will be working in the MS Clinic and associated laboratory at UBC’s Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (CBH). This work is completed within an office with a computer and required supplies. Work Performed Observe, identify and conducts the following study assessments: Timed and measured walks for 25-foot walk and EDSS mobility assessments, Nine-hole peg testing (9HPT), Symbol Digit Modality testing (SDMT) and other cognitive testing (training provided as required per protocol). Responsible for conducting electrocardiograms (ECG and/or Holter hook-up) as needed per study protocol (training provided as required) Facilitates Optical Coherence Tomography per testing schedules, reports & provides training to new staff (training provided as required) Responsible to collect blood and process biological samples (for example, blood, urine, fecal, saliva and spinal fluid) in the CBH per study specific lab manuals and protocols. Must be venipuncture certified and obtain/maintain UBC Biosafety training. Packages biological samples for international shipping to central labs and records tracking. Must obtain and maintain certification in Transportation of Dangerous Goods. Responsible for Lab kit preparation and lab report follow up. Coordinates with clinics and laboratories to ensure timely collection of test results. Works with study Coordinators in development of study source documents and is responsible for performing techniques outlined in study protocols and lab manuals Reports any study design related issues to the Study Coordinator (including but not limited to data collection and reporting errors) Provides technology and electronic device (tablets, phones, software) support related to study related technology issues to the Study Participants and Research team Prepares for clinic visits, source documents and requisitions required for data collection. Liaises with all research teams within the MS & NMO Program. Ensures participant visits are scheduled according to study protocol and missed visits or assessments are reported to the Coordinator/Research Nurse and recorded in the source documentation. Supervises and trains lower-level Research Assistants overseeing that the study assessments are visits are completed according to protocol, assign various administrative tasks as well as provide continual training and support with new studies and technology. Assists with recruitment of research subjects, observes study progress and reports to Coordinator issues with enrollment and/ or conduct of study. Administers study questionnaires and other study measurements (Quality of Life scales etc.). Responsible for subject communication, scheduling and confirmation of appointments (in accordance with study visit schedules), responding to phone calls and emails, assisting out of town participants with travel and accommodation needs Performs all research related duties based on delegation to the trial-specific protocols Liaises with local specialized labs and clinics (e.g. Medical Day Care, MRI, Cardiology, MS Clinic) Maintains research records ensuring subject source is reviewed and signed by investigator in a timely manner. Enters subject data in the electronic data entry system according to study protocol and addresses data queries in a timely manner. Ensures annual equipment maintenance and calibration is completed and the records are up to date and filed in site records. Ensures cleaning records are up to date for the lab and drug room, including both site and hospital cleaning records. Prepares requisitions for UBC Workday submission (e.g. Travel re-imbursement, payment requisitions) Carries out other related research duties as required to assist the research team (Manager, Coordinators, Nurses, Research Assistants and Investigators). Maintains lab documentation for local/ central/ satellite labs (current certifications, lab normals) Receives lab reports and distributes to appropriate personnel, ensures signatures are collected and files reports appropriately. Monitors and maintains inventory of technical supplies (lab kits and general supplies) Reports study related issues with trial protocols, data collection and Data reporting to the trial coordinator and/or Clinical Trials Manager. Escorts study participants to various hospital departments when necessary, assists with lunch orders and delivery to participants with longer study visits/infusions. 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 Supervise and trains new staff for study assessments and ensuring the assessments are being completed according to the assessment standards and protocols. The incumbent is also expected to support them with any questions or retraining. 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 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. 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.
