Research Assistant - UBC, Vancouver

Position summary

The Research Assistant/Technician supports the Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction and Oncology’s clinical research by modernizing and maintaining its hip and knee replacement research database. As legacy systems and manual data management approaches are phased out, the Research Assistant will implement modern, scalable, big-data infrastructure. Working with surgeon investigators and the Research Coordinator, the incumbent reviews existing data sources, procedures, and problems, develops technical solutions to improve how clinical and surgical data is collected and organized, and produces reliable data for research and quality improvement activities. The incumbent applies specialized knowledge of research database design and exercises judgment in selecting technical methods and resolving data and workflow problems. Where feasible, the incumbent incorporates artificial intelligence in the database modernization, and is expected to have some expertise with AI in this capacity.

Secondarily, the RA aids in the design, REB submission, grant application, and data collection processes for large research projects within the division. The RA works collaboratively with other institutions and societies on collaborative multicenter studies. We support the RA to take an active role in their own research within the division, with the goal of manuscript preparation and publication of research articles in scientific journals. Formal training and expertise in statistical analysis is an asset.

What you'll do

The incumbent handles primary duties focused on clinical research database and technical operations, as well as secondary research support tasks:

• Reviews the existing hip and knee replacement research database, data sources, and workflows; identifies technical limitations and develops practical improvements to data collection, organization, quality, and reporting.
• Works with surgeon investigators to understand the clinical and surgical information required, designing and implementing improvements to database structure, data categories, and procedures.
• Develops tools and procedures to extract, organize, manipulate, validate, and report data from Cerner, operating room reports, and other approved hospital and health authority sources.
• Troubleshoots complex database and data quality problems, develops operating procedures, and provides guidance and training to staff and trainees using the database.
• Develops queries and research datasets to help identify and follow patient populations for approved research and quality improvement activities.
• Investigates methods for obtaining relevant information from provincial and national data sources and recommends practical approaches to incorporating that information into the research work.
• Evaluates emerging tools, including use of artificial intelligence for data extraction and analysis, and recommends whether and how they could improve the Division’s data processes.
• Supports studies by identifying and screening potential participants, obtaining informed consent, coordinating study visits, administering questionnaires, and liaising with participants and research staff.
• Conducts chart reviews and data collection, maintains study databases, source documents, participant records, and research files, and checks data accuracy, quality, and confidentiality.
• Assists with Research Ethics Board submissions and amendments, maintains study protocols, and prepares records for monitoring visits and audits.
• Assists with grant applications, abstracts, reports, presentations, and manuscripts, reports on project progress, and provides technical guidance to students and trainees.
• Performs statistical analyses where required and supervises, schedules, and trains staff.

Qualifications

Minimum and preferred qualifications required for the incumbent:

• Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four 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.
• Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree is considered an asset; a PhD in a related discipline is considered a strong asset.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Database scientist expertise with strong computer skills and experience with databases or large datasets.
• Modern clinical database expertise and implementation of AI into clinical database workflows.
• Past experience with database creation and implementation.
• Scientific abstracts and manuscript preparation, with a history of peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with REB submissions and grant applications such as CIHR.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills in English.

Perks and benefits

UBC provides an environment that supports professional growth and inclusion:

• The Division supports professional growth, offering advancement opportunities for employees who demonstrate strong performance and develop required qualifications.
• Commitment to employment equity, workplace diversity, and inclusion to help achieve a rewarding career.
• Opportunity for the RA to take an active role in their own research within the division, aiming for manuscript preparation and publication in scientific journals.