Clinical Research Assistant

Job Summary

The Clinical Research Assistant is responsible for providing administrative and financial support for the clinical research activities of the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia (UBC). This includes studies conducted within the Division as well as national and international collaborative network studies in which Division members are involved. The incumbent will also be involved with supporting clinical research trials.

Organizational Status

The UBC Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery educates students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, and pursues research to make innovative advancements in knowledge and practice to improve health. The Department consists of more than 600 physicians, surgeons, scientists and educators and over 70 administrative, research and technical staff in nine divisions distributed across British Columbia. There are nine divisions in the following specialties: Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery. The Department is also home to the Branch for Global Surgical Care (BGSC).

The Clinical Research Assistant will work directly with members of the Division of Pediatric Surgery, including physicians and allied health professionals as well as students and trainees working on specific projects. The Clinical Research Assistant will also liaise with staff at the Institutional Review Board (UBC) and Hospital Research Review Committee (C&W), the Office for Pediatric Surgery Evidence and Innovation (OSPEI), other individuals who are working in equivalent research positions either in the institution or in other institutions or organizations who are research collaborators (e.g. Canadian Consortium for Research in Pediatric Surgery [CanCorps], Canadian Biliary Atresia Registry [CBAR], Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network [CAPSNet]), as well as patients and parents of patients involved in research studies.

Work Performed

• Provide administrative and finance support for clinical research activities in the Division of Pediatric Surgery. This includes studies conducted within the Division as well as national and international collaborative network studies in which Division members are involved.

• Ensure accurate and timely data collection for studies, which may involve participation in the clinical setting to recruit subjects (children and parents) for clinical research projects and assisting with logistical organization in the clinical setting.

• Prepare and submit Research Ethics Board (REB) documents for studies in the division; supervise trainees to submit REB documents for studies; maintain accurate records of REB approvals, submit renewals as required.

• Work with individual investigators to implement new studies in the Division.

• Organize and participate in research review meetings for the Division.

• Prepare written documentation (including lay-language documentation) of Divisional research progress on an annual basis or as requested by the PIs.

• Participate in some data analysis and preparation of abstracts and manuscripts for publication for research projects in the Division.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records for all research activities in the Division.

• Train and support students working on Divisional clinical research projects.

• Promote Divisional research activities at local and external academic events.

• Assist in development and preparation of grant applications to support Divisional research projects. This includes doing formal literature reviews, surveying for possible sources of grant funding, communicating this information to Division members, and assisting with completing/submitting grant applications.

• Contribute to a respectful, inclusive working environment.

• Perform other responsibilities, as required.

Working Conditions

Shared office space in the Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Accuracy, timeliness, and sound judgment are required to maximize effectiveness of the research program. The individual will need to exercise independent judgment, and feel comfortable working with a large and diverse team including physicians, nurses, allied health personnel, trainees, and administrative staff. Errors in judgment would result in a decrease in productivity of the Divisional research program, and might lead to concerns about research credibility. Additionally, errors in the administration of research financial accounts, as well as errors in reporting procedures, could result in a waste of financial resources, non-renewal of research funding, or loss of currently held funding. Inadequate documentation, organization, communication, interactions, and planning may adversely affect the image and reputation of the Division, and individual investigators.

Supervision Received

The Clinical Research Assistant reports to Dr. Hannah Piper, Associate Professor, Division of Pediatric Surgery. The Clinical Research Assistant may take functional direction from individual investigators within the Division of Pediatric Surgery.

Supervision Given
None.

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

• Excellent interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work in a team environment and independently.

• Ability to contribute to a respectful, cooperative and supportive work environment.

• At least two years’ experience supporting clinical research activities.

• At least two years’ experience providing financial administration support.

• Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, and discretion.

• Excellent organizational skills, particularly in the area of prioritizing work and multi-tasking.

• Excellent time management skills especially around meeting deadlines.

• Ability to actively listen and probe for information to clarify complex requests.

• Effective oral and written communications, with the ability to compose clear and grammatically correct correspondence and business documents.

• Highly effective in analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Experience in and knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

• Ability to accommodate a flexible schedule, occasionally including additional hours in evenings and early mornings, as required.