Research Assistant in Healthy Aging

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Posting End Date

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

Job End Date

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
To assist in and carrying out activities to support grant-funded research studies. Candidate will be primarily be responsible for participant recruitment, screening, and data collection under the direct supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Lab Research Coordinators. Candidate will report to Research Coordinator on a daily basis.

Organizational Status
Reports directly and daily to the Lab Research Coordinator and weekly to program Director (Teresa Liu-Ambrose).

Work Performed

• Work with the Research Coordinators to facilitate studies undertaken within the Falls Prevention Clinic and the Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Lab
• Key responsibilities are to manage, process, and perform quality checks on neuroimaging data.
• Other responsibilities are listed below
   
• Based on established eligible criteria, recruit and screen older participants with multiple co-morbidities, with a specific focus on those with a history of falls and/or mild cognitive impairment and/or stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases and/or hip fracture
• Assist with the creation and management of analytical data research files collection, using platforms such as REDCap, for confidential data research files
• Assist with referrals to the Falls Prevention Clinic and in creation of schedules
• Collect data and enter data with direct supervision from the Director and Lab Research Coordinator using preset forms and databases; will be responsible for accuracy/validity of data entered as well as proper storage of physical files
• Liaises with research participants to develop relationships that is positive and informative
• Make telephone calls on a monthly basis to collect data; every effort must be made to ensure the timeliness of these phone calls
• Liaises and coordinates with all members of the research team to complete tasks with efficiency and accuracy
• Assist the Director in activities relating to lab management, such as tracking inventory and supplies, ordering supplies, paying invoices, filing receipts, organizing files, and assist with updating core documents
• Assist in intervention classes (e.g., exercise classes, education seminars) delivered by the research lab for older adults under the supervision of the lead instructors
• Assist in knowledge dissemination activities, including preparing end of study result packages, assisting in the organization of speaker series and public talks
• Conduct basic literature searches under direct supervision
• Assist in manuscript preparation by verifying accuracy of data entered and confirming data values
• Run preset experiments or tasks as requested by the Director

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Inappropriate judgement would greatly compromise the quality of research studies and related data acquisition and the reporting of research outcomes.

Inappropriate judgement also could compromise the safety and wellbeing of the participants.

Inappropriate judgement would compromise research success and affect the credibility of the Principal Investigator.

Poor financial decisions would affect the ability of the Unit to manage its resources effectively that would result in research projects being delayed or cancelled altogether.

Supervision Received

Works independently in consultation with the Director of the research program on a regular basis and with the Lab Research Coordinator on a daily basis.

Supervision Given

Responsible for training and supervising undergraduate students/volunteers for recruitment (i.e., telephone screening) and data collection purposes.

Responsible for contributing to ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for research participants during the delivery of behaviour interventions (e.g., exercise classes) and during assessments.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation and a minimum one year 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

Education & Experience:    

High School graduation. Candidate must have a university degree in a relevant discipline plus a minimum of one year experience of related experience in a university clinical research laboratory that focused on aging.

Strong preference will be given to those with previous research experience in geriatrics, cognitive aging, and falls prevention OR volunteer experience in rehabilitation centres, clinic, or relevant organizations.

Minimum of 1 year of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be able to work in-person on health authority sites under current BC Public Health Orders.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:                                                                                

Must have excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

Have a background in cognitive neuroscience, with basic understanding of neuroanatomy.

Must enjoy engaging and interacting with older adults.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with older adults from various socioeconomic/education backgrounds as well as physical and cognitive abilities

Must demonstrate excellent aptitude for data management and organization.

Excellent organizational skills including the ability to manage multiple tasks.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Discretion, tact and confidentiality.

Technical proficiency using various word processing software, spreadsheet programs, presentation software, data bases, and Internet.

Must demonstrate ability to adhere to all public health and institutional guidance on the risk management of COVID-19.