Research Assistant / Technician - Hippy Lab

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

This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks.

This is a term position with the possibility of extension subject to project needs and funding availability.

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 supports data quality control and data management activities across research registries within the Hippy Lab. These registries enable global research in all areas of paediatric hip related conditions.

The incumbent performs a variety of moderately complex technical tasks related to data management and quality control. Work is carried out using established protocols.

Organizational Status
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 s

urgery, innovative arthroscopic techniques, and improved biomaterials and implants.

This position reports to the Research Director in the Hippy Lab in the Department of Orthopaedics, and works closely with the rest of the team.

Work Performed
Under general supervision, and using established protocols, the incumbent:

• Checks and verifies registry data, including reporting of data according to established protocols
• Coordinates with centres to schedule reviews and reports; tracks requests, monitors turnaround, and follows up on outstanding or delayed items
• Executes established software scripts to clean and standardize data, and performs longitudinal quality checking of files against defined acceptance criteria
• Identifies discrepancies, missing records and data quality issues; resolves routine issues within established procedures and refers new or unusual problems to the supervisor
• Assists with drafting and updating standard operating procedures and workflow documentation for established data and image management processes, under the direction of the supervisor
• Initiates new students and employees at lower classification levels into routines, and procedures
• Performs comparable data quality, management and coordination duties in support of all registry data within the research program as required
• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification

Consequence of Error/Judgement
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 supervisor.

Errors in data quality and management, file naming, or tracking would compromise the integrity of the registries, resulting in loss of research time , funding, and the ability to generate high quality evidence. Failure to follow approved research ethics protocols and privacy requirements when accessing clinical records could result in a privacy breach, loss of research ethics approval, and reputational harm to the research program and its partner institutions.

Supervision Received
Works under general supervision in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities. Receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures.

Supervision Given
May initiate new employees and students into routines, procedures and the operation of equipment. Does not have formal supervisory responsibility.

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

• Post-secondary education in a life sciences, biomedical or health-related discipline
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Software (Excel) and REDCap; experience with Power BI an asset
• Ability to execute existing software scripts and to perform systematic quality checking of large image and data file sets
• Experience working with research or clinical databases, and ability to accurately abstract information from clinical documentation
• Understanding of research ethics and privacy obligations applicable to identifiable and coded health information
• Demonstrated attention to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to maintain accuracy while managing high volumes of files and records
• Ability to work with minimal day-to-day direction within established procedures, to set priorities among competing tasks, and to communicate effectively with core facility staff and research team members