Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
January 11, 2027
This is a 1 year term position with the possibility of extension
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
As a member of the Vancouver Spine Research Program (VSRP), the Spine Deformity Research Assistant supports clinical research studies in the area of spinal deformity. The Spine Deformity Research Assistant is expected to assist with enrollment and data collection, and with coordinating prospective spine deformity-related projects lead by Investigators from the Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute (VSSI).
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 surgery, innovative arthroscopic techniques, and improved biomaterials and implants.
The VSRP provides the research infrastructure for the VSSI. The Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager and may receive direction from Investigators. The Research Assistant will work closely with other research staff and will participate in activities within the VSRP.
Work Performed
Identifies and screens patients admitted to the Spine service under one of the VSSI physicians, for eligibility and enrolment into VSRP research studies.
Enrolls potential research participants in the Integrated Spine Clinic or other hospital departments by introducing research studies to patients and their families, explaining the nature and requirements of the study, and obtaining consent to participate in research.
Conducts research interviews, administers study questionnaires, and completes other study requirements while research participants are on-site (Spine Clinic, Acute Spine Unit) or via telephone.
Performs data collection by abstracting health and clinical information from electronic medical records (e.g. Cerner), medical charts and other available sources, including clinical information from spine surgeons or other physicians.
Enters clinical and scientific data into spreadsheets and databases, and manages data for various studies, ensuring accuracy and integrity.
Ensures that research follow-up assessments are conducted by: tracking study visits in a timely manner; preparing study documents for follow-up mail-outs; telephoning participants; and checking scheduled clinical appointments in the Spine Clinic for completing study visits on-site.
Works with the Clinical Research Coordinator in maintaining accuracy of research data by organizing data clarification forms in specific study folders on the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Shared drive, assisting with responses to data clarification queries, and may participate in periodic data review meetings with study sponsor representatives, as required.
Participates with planning and conducting VSRP studies by: assisting with amendments to study protocols; creating study documents such as participant consent and data collection forms; preparing and submitting applications to a UBC research ethics board; preparing and submitting documents to obtain hospital (VGH and/or other hospitals) approval.
Maintains research study records in electronic and paper format ensuring that information is accurately completed and appropriately saved/filed.
Communicates with, and reports regularly to, the Research Program Manager and/or periodically with investigators about the status of research projects.
Participates in other initiatives of the Vancouver Spine Research Program, including data quality improvement, and in ongoing training and development, as required.
Performs other related duties, as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Spine Deformity Research Assistant exercises professional judgment and initiative in conducting clinical research studies. The incumbent will work with the Clinical Research Coordinator and with other members of the team to ensure that study procedures are performed in alignment with study protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), ethical guidelines and regulatory policies. The incumbent is expected to work in a professional manner exercising compassion, poise and discretion especially when dealing with vulnerable patients and their families, and with sensitive medical information.
Inappropriate disclosure of research participant’s personal information would contravene privacy legislation and could result in legal action. Errors in data, reference materials or publications, if detected, would result in delays and requirements for additional resources to obtain or validate data.
Supervision Received
The Spine Deformity Research Assistant reports to the Research Program Manager, however, most duties will be completed independently following appropriate training. The incumbent will receive training and guidance from the Clinical Research Coordinator and other senior research staff, who are more familiar with the program's SOPs and with specific research studies. The incumbent may be given direction by VSSI investigators leading Spine Deformity research within the VSRP.
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
Education: Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline.
Experience: Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in clinical research, particularly in consenting, data collection and management. Experience in approaching patients and their families in an acute hospital setting, for the purpose of obtaining consent for research studies and completing required study procedures is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize workload and efficiently manage multiple tasks.
Ability to apply sound analytical skills, exercising initiative, good judgement, poise and discretion while working with vulnerable patient populations within an acute clinical environment.
Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.
Ability to listen actively and attentively, and obtain clarification as required.
Ability to analyze problems, identify key information and issues, and effectively resolve.
Ability to be thorough, accurate and have a high level of attention to detail.
Ability to make thoughtful, informed, and thorough decisions.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous and effective manner.
Ability to conduct job-related interviews to obtain accurate, complete, and relevant information.
High degree of proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint; and web-based applications or tools.