Research Assistant in Healthy Aging (Research Technician 1; Pay Grade 2)

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position supports grant-funded research studies focused on healthy aging. The candidate will be primarily responsible for participant recruitment, screening, and data collection under the direct supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Lab Research Coordinators. The role involves managing and processing neuroimaging data, recruiting and screening older participants with various health conditions, and maintaining confidential research data files. The Research Assistant will also liaise with participants, assist with lab management tasks, and support intervention classes and knowledge dissemination activities. The University of British Columbia is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Requirements

High school graduation and a minimum of 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.
University degree in a relevant discipline plus a minimum of one year of related experience in a university clinical research laboratory that focused on aging (preferred qualification, but listed as requirement due to strong preference).
Minimum of 1 year of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must be able to work in-person.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
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.

Nice To Haves

Previous research experience in geriatrics, cognitive aging, and falls prevention.
Volunteer experience in rehabilitation centers, clinics, or relevant organizations.

Responsibilities

Manage, process, and perform quality checks on neuroimaging data.
Recruit and screen older participants with multiple co-morbidities, focusing on those with a history of falls, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, or hip fracture, based on established eligible criteria.
Assist with the creation and management of confidential data research files using platforms like REDCap.
Assist with referrals to the Falls Prevention Clinic and in the creation of schedules.
Collect data and enter data using preset forms and databases, ensuring accuracy and proper storage of physical files.
Liaise with research participants to develop positive and informative relationships.
Make monthly telephone calls to collect data, ensuring timeliness.
Liaise and coordinate with members of the research team to complete tasks efficiently and accurately.
Assist the Director in lab management activities, including tracking inventory and supplies, ordering supplies, paying invoices, filing receipts, organizing files, and updating core documents.
Assist in intervention classes (e.g., exercise classes, education seminars) for older adults under the supervision of lead instructors.
Assist in knowledge dissemination activities, including preparing end-of-study result packages and assisting in the organization of speaker series and public talks.
Conduct basic literature searches under direct supervision.
Assist in manuscript preparation by verifying data accuracy and confirming data values.
Run preset experiments or tasks as requested by the Director.
Train and supervise undergraduate students/volunteers for recruitment and data collection.
Contribute to ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for research participants during interventions and assessments.