Research Assistant in Healthy Aging

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

9d•CA$4,109 - CA$4,507•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a Research Assistant in Healthy Aging within the Liu-Ambrose Laboratory at the Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine. The role involves supporting grant-funded research studies, with a primary focus on participant recruitment, screening, and data collection. The candidate will work under the direct supervision of Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose and Lab Research Coordinators, reporting daily to the Research Coordinator. The University of British Columbia (UBC) is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, believing it is key to excellence in research, innovation, and learning.

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.
Must be able to work in-person on health authority sites under current BC Public Health Orders.
Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
Background in cognitive neuroscience, with a 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, databases, and the Internet.
Must demonstrate ability to adhere to all public health and institutional guidance on the risk management of COVID-19.

Nice To Haves

University degree in a relevant discipline.
Minimum of one year of experience in a university clinical research laboratory focused on aging.
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 eligibility criteria.
Assist with the creation and management of analytical data research files using platforms like REDCap for confidential data.
Assist with referrals to the Falls Prevention Clinic and in the creation of schedules.
Collect and enter data under direct supervision 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 all 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) delivered by the research lab 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 (telephone screening) and data collection.
Contribute to ensuring a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for research participants during behavior interventions and assessments.