Research Assistant - Brotto Lab

Job Summary

The primary focus of this position will be to provide research coordination for a clinical research study related to sexual health, as well as general administrative support to the Principal Investigator (PI). Duties include coordinating the recruitment, enrolment, and scheduling of study participants; managing data collection and storage; preparing ethics applications and study documentation; and conducting in-lab assessments that require operation of the Virtual Reality (VR) testing equipment with vulnerable study populations.

Due to the highly sensitive nature of the research carried out by UBC Sexual Health Research, this individual must understand and exemplify the ethics of confidentiality, sensitivity, and respect when communicating with all research participants. The Research Assistant must be exceptionally detail-orientated and organized. They must be able to prioritize tasks to ensure that time-sensitive duties are completed in priority. This person must also be self-directed and able to excel in a team environment.

Organizational Status
The Research Assistant reports to the Principal Investigator and will work primarily in an autonomous role, thus previous experience in research is critical. This position will be based in the Diamond Health Care Centre at Vancouver General Hospital.

Work Performed

• Coordinate recruitment and screening of participants.

• Inform potential participants about all aspects of study protocol and obtain informed consent.

• Assist with research ethics amendments for this project.

• Set up equipment for the study, including data collection, troubleshooting, presenting results at lab meetings, and purchasing supplies when needed.

• Operate specialized lab equipment including the VR system, and train other lab members or volunteers on how to use the equipment.

• Oversee the work of volunteers on the study as needed.

• Organise and archive research documents, photos, and publications.

• Assist with the preparation and submission of abstracts, manuscripts, and (poster) presentations.

• Process financial paperwork for invoices and participant honoraria payments.

• Provide administrative support to the study PI, including tracking requests for lab manuals, updating lab documentation, updating the PI’s CV in print format and online databases (CCV, UBC academic CV), booking meetings rooms, onboarding new staff, students, and volunteers, and managing personnel tracking including access to lab space and internal checklists and documents.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant is required to conduct all research activities in an ethical manner and with adherence to the Tri-Council Policy Statement concerning Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans. Any procedures or data recorded as part of this research must be accurate and must accurately reflect the work performed. Strict confidentiality of all study participants must be adhered to. All activities involving participants are accountable to the Research Assistant, Principal Investigator, the Department Head, and the Research Assistant's governing professional organization.

Supervision Received
Most aspects of work will be done independently, while other aspects will be done under the supervision of the study Principal Investigator.

Supervision Given
May oversee and direct the work of one or two employees/volunteers at lower classifications in which case they are responsible for the accuracy, production, and control of the work unit.

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 or equivalent in a discipline relevant to women’s health or communication or knowledge mobilization or equivalent is preferred.

• Working knowledge of qualitative research methodology and design.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in knowledge mobilization for health research.

• Excellent written communication skills.

• Proficiency in computer applications using word processing, database and internet applications and tools.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion while using confidential information

• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills

• Ability to work both independently (self-directed) and within a team environment.