Research Assistant Technician

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

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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
The Research Assistant Technician for the UBC Neurosurgery Vascular & Oncology Research Unit, led by Drs. Peter Gooderham and Serge Makarenko, co-PIs, is responsible for assisting with all aspects of the research endeavors within vascular and oncology neurosurgery, primarily with recording data and maintaining the study database. 

Organizational Status

The UBC Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery educates students at the undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, and pursues research to make innovative advancements in knowledge and practice to improve health. The Department consists of more than 600 physicians, surgeons, scientists and educators and over 70 administrative, research and technical staff in nine divisions distributed across British Columbia. Specialty training programs are offered in Cardiac Surgery, Colorectal Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, Otolaryngology, Pediatric Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Thoracic Surgery and Vascular Surgery. The Department is also home to the Branch for Global Surgical Care (BISC).

The candidate reports directly to Drs. Peter Gooderham and Serge Makarenko, Principal Investigators. The Research Assistant interacts with the rest of the study team, patients healthcare professionals, trainees, and staff in the UBC Department of Surgery and UBC Faculty of Medicine.
 

Work Performed

•    Designs, creates and maintains research database for clinical trials
•    Administers and documents patient test results into database.
•    Tracks the status of research trials into database. 
•    Assists with the research endeavors within neurosurgery. 
•    Assists with drafting, revising, and submitting research grants.
•    Coordinates research patient visits to the clinic, including tracking visit and test times, and sending reminders to patients.
•    Administers and processes research funding; including maintaining accounts, flagging expenses to PIs, processing financial reimbursements for research study expenses, and preparing accounting journals. 
•    Contributes to a respectful, inclusive working environment.
•    Performs other responsibilities, as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

All work is directly reviewed by Drs. Gooderham and Makarenko, PIs. The TRA 2 is required to conduct the research activities in an ethical manner and to maintain strict confidentiality with regards to information, particularly about study participants. Along with other colleagues, the TRA 2 is accountable for conduct concerning participant-related activities to the Principal Investigator. 

The TRA 2 works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion. New or unusual problems are referred to the Principal Investigators.

Supervision Received

The candidate is directly supervised by Drs. Gooderham and Makarenko, Principal Investigators.

Supervision Given
None.

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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

•    High school graduation, some additional training in a related field, and 2 years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
•    Computer literacy and experience required (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, FileMakerPro, PACS, Unix preferred).
•    Experience with databases including design, creation and maintenance. 
•    Experience with neurosurgery research. 
•    Interpersonal skills, along with the ability to work in a team environment and independently.
•    Ability to contribute to a respectful, cooperative and supportive work environment.
•    Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality, tact, and discretion.
•    Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
•    Ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. 
•    Demonstrated ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
•    It is preferred if the candidate has a university degree in a relevant discipline.