Research Assistant

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

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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 2 supports data curation and specimen management activities across research studies within OVCARE and the AIM Lab, with a primary focus on the development of an integrated image database that combines digital histology images with longitudinal clinical, molecular, laboratory and patient-reported data. This database enables the development and validation of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms for biomarker discovery and treatment selection in gynecologic cancer.

The incumbent performs a variety of moderately complex technical tasks related to specimen and image inventory management, data curation and quality control, and coordination of scanning, molecular and imaging work with core facility laboratories. Work is carried out using established techniques and protocols.

Organizational Status

OVCARE and the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative accelerate research on the prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship of gynecologic cancers, with the goal of reducing incidence, death and suffering by 50% by 2034. The Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Lab at OVCARE, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and UBC develops machine learning and AI algorithms and software that combine omics and imaging data to discover novel biological information and biomarkers.

The incumbent reports to the Clinical Research Manager for performance management and overall priority setting, and receives work assignment and technical direction from the Data Manager. Liaises regularly with core facility laboratory staff, research staff, trainees and clinical database custodians.

Work Performed

Under general supervision, and using established techniques and protocols, the incumbent:

• Maintains inventory of study cohorts, histology glass slides, tissue blocks and digital histology image files; records and tracks specimen and file location, status and movement using established tracking systems
• Curates primary data for study cohorts, including the assembly, compilation and summary of clinical, molecular, laboratory and imaging data for entry into the integrated image database according to established protocols
• Organizes histology image files and associated data files, applying standardized file naming conventions, folder structures and version control practices
• Retrieves physical histology glass slides and tissue blocks from archive storage and returns them to storage, following established handling, documentation and chain of custody procedures
• Coordinates with core facility laboratories to schedule the scanning of histology slides and to arrange molecular and imaging experiments; tracks requests, monitors turnaround, and follows up on outstanding or delayed items
• Executes established software scripts to clean and standardize data, including batch renaming of image files, and performs quality checking of image and data files against defined acceptance criteria
• Identifies discrepancies, missing records and data quality issues; resolves routine issues within established procedures and refers new or unusual problems to the supervisor
• Retrieves and abstracts information from surgical pathology reports in clinical databases in accordance with approved research ethics protocols and institutional privacy requirements
• Assists with drafting and updating standard operating procedures and workflow documentation for established specimen retrieval, data curation and image management processes, under the direction of the supervisor
• Initiates new students and employees at lower classification levels into routines, procedures and the operation of equipment
• Performs comparable data curation, specimen management and coordination duties in support of other studies within the research program as required
• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion. New or unusual problems are referred to the supervisor.

Errors in data curation, file naming, quality checking or specimen tracking would compromise the integrity of the integrated image database and could invalidate downstream algorithm development and validation, resulting in loss of research time and funding. Mishandling of glass slides or tissue blocks could result in damage to or permanent loss of irreplaceable archival specimens. Failure to follow approved research ethics protocols and privacy requirements when accessing clinical records could result in a privacy breach, loss of research ethics approval, and reputational harm to the research program and its partner institutions.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities. Receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given

May initiate new employees and students into routines, procedures and the operation of equipment. Does not have formal supervisory responsibility.

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.

- 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

• Post-secondary education in a life sciences, biomedical or health-related discipline
• Experience in a research, pathology or laboratory setting, including handling of histology glass slides and tissue blocks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software (Excel)
• Ability to execute existing software scripts and to perform systematic quality checking of large image and data file sets
• Experience working with research or clinical databases, and ability to accurately abstract information from clinical documentation
• Understanding of research ethics and privacy obligations applicable to identifiable and coded health information
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to maintain accuracy while managing high volumes of files and records
• Ability to work with minimal day-to-day direction within established procedures, to set priorities among competing tasks, and to communicate effectively with core facility staff and research team members