Research Manager, VECTOR Study

Job Summary

The Division of Cardiology in the Department of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, is seeking a highly motivated Research Manager to join the research program of Dr. Teresa Tsang, a leader in cardiac imaging and precision cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Tsang’s research focuses on cardiovascular aging, with the aim of predicting and preventing adverse outcomes such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and stroke. Her team leverages advanced echocardiographic techniques and machine learning models to detect subtle changes in cardiac structure and function that precede clinical disease, enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention.

The Research Manager will play a central role in overseeing projects related to health data, artificial intelligence, and precision health across Dr. Tsang’s existing research initiatives. They will also support the launch of new studies and contribute to the preparation of future grant applications. A key aspect of this role includes supporting the VECTOR study a newly funded initiative designed to enhance our understanding of how genetic factors influence cardiac structure and function. The project aims to produce British Columbia-specific evidence showing where genomics can support earlier diagnosis, more targeted treatment and more efficient use of health resources. It will also help establish a scalable foundation for integrating genomics into future care pathways. The Research Manager will coordinate project activities, timelines, data-access processes, stakeholder communications, reporting, and knowledge translation related to VECTOR.

The Research Manager will also support other projects in the Tsang laboratory and will coordinate and execute projects related to provincial health data initiatives, including projects with the BC Ministry of Health, Provincial Health Services Agency and regional health authorities, and national projects including the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Organizational Status
The Research Manager will report to the Principal Investigator, collaborate closely with the VCHRI AI Hub and the VGH + UBC AI Echo Core Lab while working closely with research staff, clinical teams, collaborators, regulatory bodies and external stakeholders.

Work Performed

Facilitation of Research Project Activities

• Develop and implement project proposals, protocols, work plans, and timelines.
• Oversee multi-site research projects from conception to completion.
• Identify and pursue new research opportunities, secure additional funding and develop new grant applications.
• Draft, edit and coordinate grant applications, research proposals, scientific reports, correspondence, briefing and speaking notes, and presentation materials.
• Build and leverage research collaborations with universities, provincial health systems, and policy and healthcare leaders.
• Lead and facilitate regular project meetings to drive research progress.
• With input from project leads, prepare research and knowledge translation materials, plain-language summaries.
• Prepare, submit, and manage ethics applications and amendments; advise on regulatory requirements; attend ethics review meetings; and ensure compliance with applicable guidelines.

VECTOR Study Coordination

• Coordinate and support the implementation of the VECTOR study, including project activities, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor project progress and identify strategies to enhance efficiency and address emerging issues.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure adherence to approved protocols and project requirements.
• Work with UBC ARC, HDPBC and regional health authorities to coordinate data access and data transfer processes for clinical, imaging, laboratory and genomic data.
• Coordinate communications and activities among investigators, research staff, collaborators, and external partners.
• Support reporting, knowledge translation, and dissemination activities related to VECTOR.

Project Administration and Communication

• Provide operational support across affiliated sub-projects.
• Manage inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, including trainees, collaborators, vendors, and administrative departments such as Finance and HR.
• Take a lead role in drafting annual reports and progress summaries for internal use and for funding agencies or affiliated organizations.
• Coordinate preparation of grant-related materials, project reports, presentations, and other research communications.

Data Management and Analysis

• Oversee data collection and assist in the design, development, and maintenance of research databases and registries.
• Manage data collection tools such as REDCap, ensuring data accuracy, privacy, and integrity.
• Support coordination of health, clinical, imaging, laboratory and genomic data required for research projects.
• Support statistical analysis in collaboration with biostatisticians and other data experts

Finance and Budget:

• Support long-term budget development and forecasting
• Oversee expenditures for research project grants to ensure that the use of funds is in line with the guidelines of the institutions and funding agencies.
• Support preparation of grant budgets and budget justifications and monitor budget variances.
• Understand and explain budget variances to the PI
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The UBC Department of Medicine engages an interdisciplinary research network of faculty, researchers, and trainees from major universities in Canada, as well as stakeholders and policy makers from provincial and federal level governments, and professional organizations across the country. Errors made, or inappropriate judgement exercised, may result in the loss of collaborative relationships and partnerships, compromising the quality of the research findings, overall project deadlines not being met, budget overages, and damage to the reputation of the team and the credibility of the investigators.

Supervision Received
Work is self-directed and performed with considerable latitude. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of goals and functioning of the projects. Position requires a high degree of independent decision making, ability to assess and implement the work required, strong organizational skills and the ability to provide leadership and support.

Supervision Given
Will supervise volunteers, students, and staff in research and projects as well as recruitment, hiring, training, coaching, feedback and evaluation if required.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the 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

• Recent experience in research management or project coordination, with demonstrated success in preparing grant applications, writing and publishing scholarly materials, and supporting or conducting data analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse, interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience leading or coordinating national or multi-site research projects and working with provincial health data, genomics, artificial intelligence, or precision health is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous or equity-deserving communities is an asset, as is knowledge of Indigenous-specific anti-racism and cultural safety.
• Candidates should be familiar with ethical standards and regulatory requirements, including proven ability to prepare and manage Research Ethics Board (REB) applications, amendments, and renewals.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills are required, along with the ability to anticipate challenges, meet deadlines, and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience supervising staff or trainees is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database systems (e.g., REDCap, EDC), and data management or statistical software is expected.
• Familiarity with specimen collection, handling, and storage procedures in clinical research is an asset.