Research Lab Coordinator

Job Summary

This position is responsible for the general coordination of research projects undertaken at the Auditory Development & Cochlear Implant Lab (ADCIL). Research project design, modification and development in consultation with the Principal Investigator are key elements to this role.

The incumbent will also act as a liaison within the research group, outside institutions and academic research community on behalf of the principal investigator.

Organizational Status
At ADCIL, a clinical-research framework is utilized where the objective is to improve health outcomes through evidence-based assessment and management. There are two central lines of research within the ADCIL. The first is to further our understanding the physiological processes underlying cross-system involvement in understanding of the auditory system of children with and without hearing loss. This line of research focuses on examining the impact of unilateral, or one-sided hearing loss, in childhood. Here we aim to understand how permanent unilateral hearing loss (PUHL) impacts auditory development and its consequences on understanding speech in noise, localization, and overall quality of life.

A second line of research is cochlear implantation. Here, our work aims to understand and improve outcomes for all people who receive a cochlear implant (CI). Most recently this work has focused on adults and children with severe-to-profound unilateral hearing loss, or single-sided deafness (SSD).

Members of the lab include affiliated researchers, clinical faculty, graduate student researchers, and volunteer assistants (generally undergraduate students).

The position will report directly to the ADCIL Director (Principal Investigator), to facilitate the coordination of the ADCIL in the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences (Faculty of Medicine).

Work Performed

• Develops, plans, coordinates, and communicates assigned research project activities within the lab under the direction of the Principal Investigator, including maintaining project timelines, tracking deliverables, and supporting project communications.
• Contributes to research project design, modification, and development by providing recommendations for the PI’s review and approval.
• Coordinate data collection either off-site or in the lab.
• Monitors project expenditures, reconciles accounts, and prepares draft budget information for PI review/approval.
• Provides input int recruiting participants and interact as needed with research participants
• Collection of data, extracting data and analyzing results.
• Training and supporting junior research assistants in data collection and analysis (including administration of experimental tasks).
• Perform preliminary analyses of the data and summarizing of findings.
• Drafting manuscript writing, abstract preparation, drafting posters and academic presentations.
• Investigating funding sources, collaborating and facilitating grant applications with the School's Research Grant Coordinator (includes developing project budgets, editing and proofing grant applications, academic proposals and scientific communications, etc.
• Develop, foster and coordinate communication and the acquisition of information from multiple source and from researchers worldwide.
• Draft/update curriculum vita, develop project budgets, secure appropriate signatures.
• Gather, review and synthesize academic and policy literature through online database searches
• Maintain ADCIL general administration and operations along with onsite research databases.
• Ensure that research projects and associated files comply with UBC Ethics Committee standards.
• Oversee ordering and stock of supplies within the lab.
• Performing other related ADCIL duties

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position will require exercising judgment when corresponding with other agencies or organizations, recruiting and interacting with participants, and collecting, coding and analyzing data. Decisions made without consultation with the Principal Investigator could result in miscommunication with other organizations, and/or the loss of data. It may influence the ability of researchers to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results thereby affecting ADCIL credibility. Poor decisions may be damaging to the reputation of and cause financial loss to the Principal Investigator, the School and the University.

Supervision Received
The position will work under the general direction within established policies, procedures and standards established by the Principal Investigator/Faculty member of the ADCIL. The position requires considerable independent work as well as joint work with the supervisor at regular interval. Work will be reviewed against task objectives and conformity to standards.

Supervision Given
This position will assign work, supervise and check work of students, junior researchers, research assistants and technicians.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of 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

A Bachelor's degree is required (MSc. Graduate degree preferred) in psychology, speech sciences, linguistics, education, or a related discipline. Given the demands of the position and the nature of the research, the applicant must have a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, speech and audiology sciences. In addition, the applicant must have a minimum of three years related experience, ideally experience in audiology research. Other requirements include an ability to: 1) communicate in a clear, attentive, effective and polite manner both verbally and in writing; 2) speak and understand English fluently; 3) conduct experimental research design, implementation and analysis using quantitative methods; 4) work independently with minimal supervision; 5) initiate and conduct research projects; 6) develop research methodologies and techniques; 7) locate required information using a variety of methods (e.g., online information sources, manuals, expert sources). Other desirable skills include an ability to efficiently and effectively coordinate tasks, work independently, along with strong interpersonal skills. Ability to identify key results from scientific, statistical, and quantitative research findings. Ability to perform data modeling functions. Ability to validate data.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.