Research Technician

Key responsibilities include recruitment of study participants, scheduling study visits, and conducting clinical procedures for both grant- and industry-funded studies. The incumbent will maintain clinic and laboratory supplies, ensure accurate and complete data records, and assist with regulatory and administrative tasks, including liaison with study collaborators, sponsors, and other health care departments, to ensure compliance with applicable guidelines and regulatory bodies.

This position requires independent work in a fast-paced research environment, frequent collaboration with research team members, and strict adherence to laboratory and clinical protocols. The incumbent will play a central role in the successful delivery of APEL research projects, contributing to the lab’s mission to study the effects of air pollutants on lung health.

Organizational Status
The Air Pollution Exposure Laboratory (APEL), under the direction of Dr. Chris Carlsten, focuses on understanding how air pollution exposures affect lung health and on developing policy, preventive, and therapeutic interventions to protect human health. This research is conducted through controlled human exposure studies that investigate the impact of air pollutants on the human body, with a focus on respiratory function.

This position is full-time, on-site, and located at the UBC Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) site, within the University of British Columbia (UBC), Respiratory Medicine Division. The incumbent will report regularly to the Research Manager and Dr. Carlsten regarding project progress, tasks, and goals. Frequent interaction and collaboration with research team members, as well as with external stakeholders such as study collaborators, healthcare workers, and other research groups, is required.

As this position is located within a health-care facility, the successful candidate must comply with current and evolving provincial health and safety requirements, in accordance with applicable Provincial Health Orders. These may include, but are not limited to, masking or vaccination requirements, as indicated by public health authorities.

Work Performed
- Recruit study participants and conduct informed consent procedures in accordance with ethical guidelines and study protocols

- Conduct clinical study procedures, including blood draws, lung function testing, nasal sampling, sputum induction, and other participant-related activities, ensuring participant safety and comfort. Training will be provided for all clinical procedures and study-specific tasks.

- Schedule clinic dates and coordinate study visits to align with laboratory and research team availability.

- Maintain accurate, up-to-date study documentation, including clinical records, databases, and project-related reports; may be required to assist the Research Manager in preparation of interim and final reports for grant agencies according to funding requirements.

- Ensure strict adherence to laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) ethics training, and all regulatory requirements.

- Provide regular updates to the research team regarding project progress, challenges, and next steps.

- Effectively communicate research procedures to participants.

- Act as a liaison between study collaborators, sponsors, healthcare workers, and the immediate research team to ensure smooth communication and coordination across projects.

- Organize and maintain clinical and laboratory supplies for studies, and assist in developing or implementing protocol amendments as needed.

- Support students, research assistants, and colleagues in study-related tasks, providing guidance and training where appropriate.

- Perform other duties as required, including routine lab or equipment maintenance, quality assurance tasks, or participation in study-related and lab meetings.

- Work hours are primarily scheduled during regular business hours; however, occasional flexibility may be required to accommodate study schedules, participants availability, or clinical procedures. Any adjustments can be coordinated with the Research Manager.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent is responsible for making professional decisions and recommendations across all aspects of their work and for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and compliance of research activities. Errors or inadequate performance may compromise project objectives, affect publication outcomes, and impact the success of future funding. Effective organizational and prioritization skills are required to balance multiple responsibilities and…