Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
November 14, 2026This 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
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
Reports to the Director and Program Manager of HRP.
Recognizes and maintains confidential information.
Ensures that all aspects of study are performed within International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Tri-Council guidelines.
Ensures compliance with institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for clinical trials conduct.
Reviews, becomes knowledgeable about, and adheres to clinical research protocols.
Assists to develop informed consent forms in consultation with PI, sponsor and REB.
Assists with REB and regulatory submissions; submits relevant documents to REB, sponsors and regulatory bodies.
Maintains trial related documents in regulatory/study binder ensuring accuracy and completeness, including, but not limited to, source documentation, case report forms, certifications, screening logs, and drug accountability logs.
Develops excellent study specific work files and document information precisely. Reports adverse events promptly and accurately as specified in study protocol. Ensures appropriate study close-out, including archiving and document storage and security.
Conducts daily aspects of the trials according to defined study protocols. Prepares for and participates in sponsor site visits, regular monitoring visits and study conference calls, as required.
Organizes and prepares charts/case report forms/remote data entry for study monitor visits.
Corresponds with PI, sponsors, REB, regulatory agencies as requested and document all correspondence in a clear, concise and timely fashion.
Communicates study procedures to physicians, clinical and research personnel, and provides updates and supports to other staff as required.
Completes time sheets and study tracking logs required for fiscal monitoring of study resource utilization.
Works with other members in the Program to ensure each study is conducted efficiently and in a fiscally responsible manner. Coordinates with radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, health records, and nursing by specific protocols, as required.
Assists with develop study advertisement, promotional material and teaching material for study subject recruitment and conduct, as required.
Screens hospital charts for potential study participants and be able to discuss eligibility with coordinators and physicians, as required.
Conducts study questionnaires and performs assessments, reviews medical charts for past medical history and current medications, as required.
Performs study specific assessments, including vitals, phlebotomy, ECG monitoring, as required.
Participates in screening, consenting, enrollment, and participants' study follow-up. Prepares and organizes materials (e.g. documents, lab kits) for ongoing patient follow up study visits.
Provides support including filing, directing phone calls, updating tracking logs and maintaining trial regulatory documents. Prepares documents, blood samples and other materials for proper handling and shipping, as required.
Work effectively with research coordinators and manager to ensure effective and efficient study conduct.
Perform other tasks and provides research support as directed.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant should understand that:
a) As a delegate of the qualified investigator, the assistant warrants that his/her 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 and knowledge to meet the demands of clinical complexity.
f) 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.
Supervision Received
Works under the supervision of Program Manager, Research Operations Manager, and Research Coordinators in carrying out familiar phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures. Works within well-defined guidelines and procedures, but exercise judgment in establishing priorities and carrying tasks through to completion; liaises with hospital departments and refers new or unusual problems to supervisor.
Supervision Given
May distribute work assignments to employee at lower classification level, including students.
Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three 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
Undergraduate degree in a health-related field (e.g. BSc, BScN, RN, LPN, pharmacy) and clinical research experience is preferred (other research experience will be considered).
Certification in venipuncture, Certification in transportation of dangerous goods, Certification with Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) or Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is an asset. Medical terminology course/training is an asset.
Willingness to further professional knowledge through informal (e.g. reading journals/books) and formal education (e.g. attending rounds, conferences, training programs) preferred.
Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel and Power point). Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Must demonstrate sound judgment, critical thinking, and logical decision-making.
Must possess strong problem solving skills, able to anticipate and resolve problems in a timely, effective, ethical, professional, and constructive manner. Must show strong negotiation, conflict resolution and rapport-building skills.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work in a team environment as well as independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to be flexible, multitask and work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to effectively work on multiple simultaneous projects and successfully prioritize to meet deadlines.
Self-directed, highly self-motivated, assertive, enthusiastic and honest in the performance of all duties.
Ability to work in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, and ICH/GCP guidelines.
Must maintain competency in regulatory and institutional requirements to conduct clinical studies in human subjects (e.g. ICH/GCP guidelines, Tri-Council regulations).