Research Assistant​/Tech

Position: Research Assistant/Tech 2
Job Summary
The Division of Hematology at the University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Assistant for the Hematology Research Program (HRP). The Research Assistant will work with a team of research staff, administrative staff, physicians, nurses and liaise with other healthcare professionals to ensure research studies meet or exceed regulatory and institutional standards. This position requires frequent contact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other hospital staff.

The Research Assistant may be the primary contact with the Research Ethics Board (REB), industry sponsors, government and other not-for-profit granting agencies, and regulatory bodies for research studies. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.

Organizational Status
The Hematology Research Program (HRP) conducts phase I, II and III clinical trials, registries and other clinical research in patients with a variety of benign and malignant hematologic disorders. The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of the Director, Research Program Manager and Research Operations Manager of HRP, as well as principal investigators (PI) to fulfill research-related responsibilities in a professional and ethical manner.

This position is located within a health-care facility. Therefore, this position requires successful verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by the provincial health mandate.

Work Performed

• Assists with research work by performing specific assigned tasks, such as administrates regulatory documents and forms or questionnaires to Research Ethics Board (REB) in a timely manner; maintains database, records results, including computer data entry and/or observations and sample under supervisions.

• Assists in analyzing and interpreting experiment results or research data, including assembly, compilation and summary of statistical and other data, as requested by the director supervisor(s) or PI.

• Processes blood sample, including performs venipuncture, centrifuges, prepares shipping by following established technical procedures according to written protocol.

• Organizes study and regulatory documents, SOPs, and CVs. Maintains inventory and distributes supplies.

• Demonstrates work routines or procedures to less experienced staff as designated.

• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements in this position.

• Performs other tasks and provides research support as directed.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant should understand that:

a) The incumbent warrants that their performance in the conduct of clinical trials and research projects will strictly conform to appropriate regulations:
1) maintaining professional behaviour and respect for study subjects and staff;
2) the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board
3) B.C. Privacy Act;
4) Health Canada, International Conference on Harmonization, Tri-Council Policy Statement, Good Clinical Practice; and
5) U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

b) Lack of careful attention to regulatory guidelines and approvals can lead to suspension of further clinical research and/or funding for the investigator/physician as well as the hospital and University.

c) Poor communication skills could jeopardize study subjects' participation and continuation in studies, and could reflect badly on the research group and the University with sponsors and referring/community physicians.

d) The qualified investigator relies on the assistant to alert him/her to problems and unexpected events concerning study subjects and trial conduct. These include, but are not limited to:
1) poor study enrolment;
2) failure to complete work according to deadlines,
3) unexpected or excessive workload or administrative hurdles;
4) additional or non-budgeted requests from sponsors;
5) recurrent problem or concerns raised by clinical staff.

e) Clinical mistakes made by the coordinator could be life threatening to subjects. Ensuring study subject safety includes:
1) accurately judging study eligibility;
2) being prepared for any side effects (expected or unexpected); and
3) updating clinical skills…