Research assistant Jobs in West Vancouver, BC

Job Summary

The position is for a full-time research assistant to assist in clinical research at the Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre. The individual will assist study team members in conducting research studies aimed at investigating the microbiome and its correlates in neurodegenerative disease, and creating a repository of biosamples and data for use in future studies. The individual must be knowledgeable and mindful of the research enterprise ongoing. They must ensure: 1) Patient confidentiality and safety; 2) Clinical data reliability and quality.

Organizational Status
The individual will work closely in a multidisciplinary team environment, and have access to electronic medical records. They will report directly to the Research Associate, Lab Manager, and Principal Investigator.

Work Performed

• Coordinates, monitors, and ensures team adherence to study standard operating procedures.
• Provides training to undergraduate students, new and lower level technicians in study operations detailed below.
• Recruits potential participants through various strategies, provides information and answers questions about research studies. This may involve outreach into the community.
• Screens patients for eligibility and schedules study visits.
• Prepares and ships sample collection supplies required for study visits.
• Obtains informed consent from participants and adheres to informed consent procedures and ethical guidelines for research involving human subjects.
• Performs clinical assessments and interviews with participants and collects clinical and demographic information. The clinical data will help document the extent of the movement disorder, using a series of questionnaires, scales, physical examination, cognitive-behavioral testing and interviews, as well as chart reviews.
• Reviews all study visit documentation (e.g. questionnaires) for completeness and accuracy.
• Enters data collected into the research database, and ensures policies and procedures for data management are being followed. The individual must ensure documents are entered and filed as required by ethical guidelines and local standard operating procedures.
• Assists in tracking participant remunerations and petty cash, as well as completing financial requisitions as needed.
• Performs literature reviews when required.
• Participates in group meetings, scientific seminars, and conferences.
• Other duties as delegated.

The applicant's activities will focus on microbiome studies, and will also support other, usually related, clinical research projects as needed. The applicant should plan their day about clinic hours to maximize potential recruitment.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Poor decisions/errors in judgment may compromise the quality of the data, results of the research, breach the trust and confidentiality of study subjects, and may result in financial loss to the Principal Investigators, the Centre's and the University. Even simple typographical mistakes may result in distress to study subjects, and be damaging to the program and the reputation of the team and Principal Investigators. They may influence the ability of the PIs to meet critical deadlines and affect funding applications and ongoing program obligations.

Supervision Received
The research assistant will work closely with research staff, clinical investigators, clinicians, clinical fellows, nursing and multidisciplinary staff as well as students at the PPRC. Overall supervision will be provided by the Research Associate and the Principal Investigator. The research assistant will report to the Lab Manager for approval of vacation days, sick leave, and medical leave.

Supervision Given
The research assistant may oversee and direct the work of undergraduate students and new/junior staff. They are responsible for the accuracy and production of the project(s) they direct.

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

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. Bachelor's degree in Biology or a related science is preferred. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Past experience in a clinical and/or busy hospital environment would be advantageous, as would prior experience in clinical research. The applicant must be sensitive to the issues faced by individuals living with neurological disease and be able to communicate compassionately with patient participants. The need for accuracy in reporting, and attention to detail cannot be overstated. The applicant needs to be well organized in data collection and record keeping. Organizational skills are important, including the ability to prioritize workload. The applicant must have the ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities, and the flexibility to adjust to changing work plans, schedules and deadlines. We require a self-motivated team member with passion and enthusiasm for disease-oriented medical research with the ability to work well in a team environment as well as be proactive at work. The desire to make a positive difference in the lives of patients and their families and this research enterprise is essential. The applicant must enjoy working as part of a large multidisciplinary team. However, they will also have the ability to work independently (albeit under the supervision of clinician scientists/scientists) once they have demonstrated the ability to show initiative. They will be expected to step up and take an active role in project planning, support, and training and supervision of undergraduate students and lower level research assistants. Working between the public and University academics presents some communication challenges. Hence, the applicant must be adept in written and verbal English. Computer skills are of crucial importance: Word Processing, Internet (PubMed), and database (Access, Excel) experience is required. Standard Level First Aid and CPR C is an asset. REDCap and electronic medical record (EMR) system experience is an asset.