Research Assistant/Technician 3 - Thompson lab

Job Summary

The Research Assistant will primarily support a deprescribing guideline project led by Dr. Wade Thompson. The Research Assistant will contribute significantly to developing a clinical practice guideline and performing evidence syntheses (both systematic and non-systematic reviews) and using evidence to form recommendations together with a team of experts.

The research assistant will perform and coordinate systematic reviews and guideline activities which includes : designing data collection forms, performing data analysis, knowledge synthesis, and critical appraisal of clinical studies, as well as drafting and preparation of scientific manuscripts.

Organizational Status

The Therapeutics Initiative (TI) is an independent research organization within UBC’s Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics.

The TI’s mission is to provide clinicians and decision makers with up-to-date, evidence-based, unbiased, and practical information on prescription drug therapy.

This position will report to Dr. Wade Thompson, Assistant Professor, and Patrick Salame, TI General Manager. The position is located in Vancouver, but works collaboratively with other research team members in the TI’s Offices in Victoria and Vancouver.

Work Performed

1. Complete ethics applications, amendments, renewals, and closures.

2. Coordinate meetings, including assisting with scheduling, preparing agendas and meeting materials, taking minutes, and following up on action items.

3. Coordinate and complete systematic and non-systematic reviews (screening titles / abstracts, design of data collection forms, extracting data, appraising evidence, data analysis, knowledge synthesis).

4. Perform literature review of observational epidemiology studies, organize focus group sessions to confirm findings, amalgamate and analyze data.

5. Field, direct, and track communication from study participants and research collaborators.

6. Plan and write scientific manuscripts, incorporate feedback from collaborators and submit to high impact peer-reviewed journals.

7. Use diplomacy, persuasiveness, and tact in dealing with study participants, research collaborators, UBC faculty and staff, Health Authority officials, members of government, and the general public.

8. Perform other related duties as required, suitable to the skills and experience of the position.

Consequence of Error / Judgement

This position is required to participate in and conduct all work related activities in an ethical manner and to maintain strict confidentiality where required.

These projects may deal with sensitive matters involving government, medical community, public relations, etc. This position has access to highly confidential information that requires discretion and professionalism.

Errors or privacy breaches could lead to serious losses in reputation to the projects and to the University, loss of revenue, legal proceedings, and embarrassment to the TI Executives.

Expected to exercise judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion in a timely manner.

Supervision Received

Reports to Dr. Wade Thompson, Assistant Professor, and Patrick Salame, TI General Manager. Must be highly self-directed, taking initiative and working independently under the general direction of the assigned Executives and as part of a team environment

Supervision Given

May assign and check work of support staff or students

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

• Knowledge and experience conducting systematic reviews and critical appraisal of the research evidence
• Must have intermediate skills in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Working knowledge of MS Project preferred.

Ability to quickly learn new software independently.

• Experience with videoconferencing and teleconferencing systems. Demonstrated ability to operate a range of office equipment and troubleshoot hardware and software issues.
• Ability to plan, schedule and organize a variety of tasks, often concurrently. Ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to compose correspondence, reports, minutes, presentations and other written materials using clear concise business English.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, and have a high level of attention to details.
• Ability to exercise tact, sound judgment, and discretion with confidential matters.
• Highly effective interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to work with a diverse group of people in a calm, courteous and professional manner, and to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships within the team.
• Experience working in a post-secondary research environment preferred, including knowledge of UBC policies and procedures, tri-council research policies, ethics, and data access.
• Education or experience in conducting semi-structured interviews, qualitative data analysis, and knowledge translation an asset.
30+ days ago