Research Assistant /Technician 2

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Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

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

To provide support to the Teresa Liu-Ambrose’s Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Neuroscience (AMC) Lab. Under the direct supervision of Teresa Liu-Ambrose, will provide ongoing administrative and research support for research activities related to falls prevention in the AMC Lab. The AMC Lab functions under the umbrella of the Department of Physical Therapy, the DM Centre for Brain Health, and the Centre for Hip Health & Mobility.

Organizational Status

Reports directly to the program Director (Teresa Liu-Ambrose)

Working Relationship

The position will work directly and report to the Faculty member who is mounting the studies. This will involve working with developed systems and procedures, following direction from the Director of the AMC research program.

Work Performed

• Act as the contact person for the VGH Falls Clinic, part of the AMC Lab, and address all queries made to the VGH Falls Clinic
• Complete referrals to the VGH Falls Clinic and schedule patients according to availability of geriatricians.
• Will conduct the standard assessments of the VGH Falls Clinic according to protocol
• Recruit older adults with diverse chronic conditions and comorbidities, who attend the VGH Falls Clinic, for studies related to falls prevention, fracture prevention, and healthy aging
• After discussion and planning with Director, will coordinate randomized controlled trials and cohort studies with efficiency and quality, including development of Standard of Procedures (SOPs). Key responsibilities include:
  • Ensuring adherence to protocols. This includes the completion of scheduled observations and checklist, documenting any deviations, and reporting them back to the Director.
  • Monitor all adverse events reported in the different studies, document them, and have them reviewed by each study’s data and safety monitoring committees.
  • Create and manage confidential data research files; will be responsible for accuracy/validity of data entered as well as proper storage of physical files
  • Prepare (cleaning, quality checks, organization) data ready for statistical analyses and publication
• Communicate with health care professionals (e.g., general physicians, physical therapists) to promote referrals to the VGH Falls Clinic, a major source of recruitment for the AMC Lab
• Assist and develop relationships with study physicians involved in various studies

• Coordinates time lines on deadline driven research projects
• Collect all data (clinical and research) according to standard protocol, on time and with accuracy
• Assures established lab safety & ensures safety procedures are followed
• Conducts literature searches, prepares ethics applications and obtains informed consent as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Develops brochures and materials required for research, including seminars and conferences, and for the overall promotion and visibility of the VGH Falls Clinic
• Supervises and trains WorkLearn students working in the VGH Falls Clinic
• Supervises part time research staff
• Disseminate knowledge regarding falls prevention, with guidance from Dr Liu-Ambrose
• Submits hourly payroll on behalf of the AMC Lab
• Oversees day to day budget use, invoice payments, as well as assisting in creating budget projections with Dr Liu-Ambrose, as it relates to the operations of the VGH Falls Clinic

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Inappropriate judgement would compromise the quality of research studies and related data acquisition and the reporting of research outcomes.

Inappropriate judgement also could compromise the safety and wellbeing of the participants.

Poor financial decisions would affect the ability of the Unit to manage its resources effectively that would result in research projects being delayed or cancelled altogether.

Inappropriate judgement would compromise research success and affect the credibility of the Principal Investigator.

Supervision Received

Works independently in consultation with the Director of the AMC research program

Supervision Given

Responsible for supervising measurement staff and research assistant

Responsible for contributing to ensuring a safe environment for research participants during assessments.

Working Conditions

Office environment with current computer equipment. Will be interacting directly with older adults on a daily basis and work within a team composed of graduate students and research assistants. Will be required to make home visits on occasion for recruitment or data collection. Will be required to travel between UBC and VGH - sites of the AMC research program.

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

Education & Experience:

University degree in a relevant discipline plus a minimum of two year experience of related experience in a university health research laboratory that focused on clinical research, with a strong preference for research experience in geriatrics and falls prevention.

Must have had direct working experience (i.e., frequent in-person contacts) with older adults with cognitive or physical impairment. Strong preference will be given to those who have experience in falls prevention, mobility assessments, and neuropsychological testing across a diverse population of older adults

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of age-related changes in physical and cognitive abilities

Must demonstrate excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Laboratory maintenance and development experience

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills including ability to manage multiple tasks

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment

Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines

Discretion, tact, and confidentiality

Technical proficiency using various word processing software, spreadsheet programs, presentation software, databases and the Internet

Knowledge user of REDCap, MS Teams, and Microsoft Office