Research Assistant

University of British Columbia•Vancouver, BC

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant/Technician II works in collaboration with the Research Team (e.g. Research Nurses, Coordinators and Secretary/Clerk etc.) of the MS & NMO Clinical Trials Group to conduct clinical trials focused on supporting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) research, with responsibilities directly related to assisting the study team with planning, organizing and running research studies. The incumbent will be working in the MS Clinic and associated laboratory at UBC's Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health. This work is completed within an office with a computer and required supplies.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Experience in a medical clinic preferred
Work experience in a Clinical Research/Clinical Trials environment an asset.
UBC Finance experience an asset.
Training and certification in Good Clinical Practice (Health Canada & FDA Regulations) required.
Experience in research.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods certification and experience preferred.
Previous experience in clinical drug trials, computer skills, medical terminology, biochemistry and knowledge of multiple sclerosis are an asset
Good organizational and communication skills

Responsibilities

Responsible for subject communication, responding to phone calls and emails.
Provides direction to ensure subject visits are scheduled according to study protocol and missed visits are reported to the Coordinator and recorded in the source documents.
Coordinates recruitment of research subjects.
Coordinates scheduling, confirms research subject appointments and develops visit schedules for subjects.
Performs Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite testing (training provided as required).
Coordinates Optical Coherence Tomography testing schedules, reports & provides training to new staff (training provided as required)
Performs all research related duties based on the trial-specific protocol.
Reports any study design related issues to the Study Coordinator (including but not limited to data collection and reporting errors).
Observes study progress and reports to Coordinator issues with enrollment and/ or conduct of study.
Processes blood, urine and CSF samples per study protocols
Packages blood samples for international shipping to central labs and records on tracking sheet. (Requires certification in Transportation of Dangerous Goods, to be provided as needed).
Carries out simple tests and measurements (Quality of Life scales etc.).
Works with study Coordinator in development of study source documents.
Prepares for clinic visits, source documents and requisitions required for data collection.
Lab kit preparation and lab report follow up.
Follows up with clinics and laboratories to ensure timely collection of test results.
Liaises with all research teams within the MS & NMO Program.
Liaises with local specialized labs and clinics (e.g. Neuroimmunology, Cardiology)
Maintains research records ensuring subject source is reviewed and signed by investigator in a timely manner.
Enters subject data in the electronic data entry system according to study protocol and addresses data queries in a timely manner.
Ensures annual equipment maintenance and calibration is completed and the records are up to date and filed in site records.
Ensures cleaning records are up to date for the lab and drug room, including both site and hospital cleaning records.
Prepares UBC requisitions for submission (e.g. Travel re-imbursement, payment requisition, journal voucher etc.) and reviews FMS progress as needed.
Carries out other related research duties as required to assist the research team (Manager, Coordinators, Nurses, Clerk and Investigators).
Maintains regulatory files
Maintains lab documentation for local/central/satellite labs (current certifications, lab normals)
Receives lab reports and distributes to appropriate personnel, ensures signatures are collected and files reports appropriately.
Monitors and maintains inventory of technical supplies (lab kits and general supplies)
Reports study related issues with trial protocols, data collection and Data reporting to the trial coordinator and/or Clinical Trials Manager.
Escorts study patients to various hospital departments when necessary