Spine Deformity Research Assistant

Staff - Non Union

Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title Spine Deformity Research Assistant

Department Vancouver Spine Research Program | Department of Orthopaedics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range $4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date January 14, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date January 11, 2027

This is a 1 year term position with the possibility of extension.

As a member of the Vancouver Spine Research Program (VSRP), the Spine Deformity Research Assistant supports clinical research studies in the area of spinal deformity. The Spine Deformity Research Assistant is expected to assist with enrollment and data collection, and with coordinating prospective spine deformity-related projects led by Investigators from the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute (VSSI).

The UBC Department of Orthopaedics has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and patient care. Our mission is to create knowledge, advance learning, and improve musculoskeletal health for the community at the provincial, national, and international levels. The Department consists of seven clinical divisions and a division of orthopaedic research, and is comprised of 200+ academic and clinical faculty who choose to contribute large blocks of their time to advance knowledge in the areas of clinical orthopaedics, musculoskeletal science as well as applied biomedical engineering and related basic science areas.

This focus allows the Department to be at the forefront of exciting new developments in the areas of minimally invasive joint replacement, improved bone healing, advanced techniques in spinal surgery, innovative arthroscopic techniques, and improved biomaterials and implants.

The VSRP provides the research infrastructure for the VSSI. The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager and may receive direction from Investigators. The Research Assistant will work closely with other research staff and will participate in activities within the VSRP.

• Identifies and screens patients admitted to the Spine service under one of the VSSI physicians for eligibility and enrolment into VSRP research studies.
• Enrolls potential research participants in the Integrated Spine Clinic or other hospital departments by introducing research studies to patients and their families, explaining the nature and requirements of the study, and obtaining consent to participate in research.
• Conducts research interviews, administers study questionnaires, and completes other study requirements while research participants are on-site (Spine Clinic, Acute Spine Unit) or via telephone.
• Performs data collection by abstracting health and clinical information from electronic medical records (e.g. Cerner), medical charts and other available sources, including clinical information from spine surgeons or other physicians.
• Enters clinical and scientific data into spreadsheets and databases, and manages data for various studies, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
• Ensures that research follow-up assessments are conducted by tracking study visits in a timely manner; preparing study documents for follow-up mail-outs; telephoning participants; and checking scheduled clinical appointments in the Spine Clinic for completing study visits on-site.
• Works with the Clinical Research Coordinator in maintaining accuracy of research data by organizing data clarification forms in specific study folders on the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Shared drive, assisting with responses to data clarification queries, and may participate in periodic data review meetings with study sponsor representatives, as required.
• Participates with planning and conducting VSRP studies by assisting with amendments to study protocols; creating study documents such as participant consent and data collection forms; preparing and submitting applications to a UBC research ethics board; preparing and submitting documents to obtain hospital (VGH and/or other hospitals) approval.
• Maintains research study records in electronic and paper format ensuring that information is accurately completed and appropriately saved/filed.
• Communicates with, and reports regularly to, the Research Program Manager and/or periodically with investigators about the status of research projects.
• Participates in other initiatives of the Vancouver Spine Research Program, including data quality improvement, and in ongoing training and development, as required.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

The Spine Deformity Research Assistant exercises professional judgment and initiative in conducting clinical research studies. The incumbent will work with the Clinical Research Coordinator and with other members of the team to ensure that study procedures are performed in alignment with study protocols,…