Target - ALS Assistant

University of British Columbia • Vancouver, BC

13d • CA$4,334 - CA$5,156 • Onsite

About The Position

The Target-ALS Assistant will provide technical and research support for various functions and duties related to clinical research operations at the UBC Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Related Disorders (ALSRD) Clinic, with a primary focus on the “Target ALS” global natural history longitudinal study. This position is situated in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) – UBC Vancouver campus. Working conditions consist of locked and shared office space with office furnishings and shared supplies. In addition to areas of the hospital and DMCBH, outpatient study visits take place in clinical offices/exam rooms, and research recording and communication occurs within the research office. Attendance at study progress or research meetings within the hospital or DMCBH is expected. Attendance at clinical research-related professional development training programs or webinars will be strongly encouraged.

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
• Computer proficiency mandatory, including use of Word, Excel and similar applications.
• Ability to exercise judgement and make decisions in accordance with broad research objectives.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, diplomacy, and empathy.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate with diverse staff, study team members, patients and families.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge and skills related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Sound judgment and discretion in maintaining confidentiality & privacy in the management of patient- and study-related sensitive information.
• Superior communication and writing skills, analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to independently organize workload & work with minimal supervision, both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain high standards in quality of work, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.

Nice To Haves

• University degree in relevant discipline or completion of a technical program
• Certification in current research guidelines and regulations an asset (TCPS2, ICH-GCP, Health Canada Div. 5).
• Working knowledge of REDCap and other EDC systems an asset.
• Experience & working knowledge in the handling of biological specimens an asset.
• Training and experience in phlebotomy by venipuncture.
• Availability for some after-hours and weekend work may be required.

Responsibilities

• Provides research and technical support for a large, multi-site longitudinal observational study involving neurological research participants, using established methods and procedures.
• Assists with routine protocol-related activities, including review of study materials, preparation of research documentation, and support of scheduled study visits and assessments, under supervision.
• Performs research tasks in accordance with approved study protocols, laboratory manuals, and direction from senior research staff.
• Supports the collection, recording, entry, verification, and maintenance of study data related to clinical research assessments, questionnaires, and visit activities using standardized forms and approved electronic systems.
• Assists with upkeep of study databases and performs routine data review and quality checks, identifying missing or inconsistent data for follow-up by senior team members.
• Organizes and maintains study records, visit logs, sample logs, trackers, and supporting documentation required for routine study operations.
• Assists with participant-related activities for both patient and control cohorts, including screening support, enrolment and visit tracking, scheduling assistance, and follow-up communications, in accordance with study requirements.
• Supports informed consent processes by preparing and organizing consent materials, tracking consent status, and confirming documentation prior to protocol-defined activities.
• Conducts participant-facing research activities within scope of role, including administering standardized questionnaires and assessments, assisting with interviews, and providing general guidance related to study procedures.
• Supports protocol-defined remote or telephone-based follow-up activities as directed, including documentation of participant-reported information.
• Assists with protocol-defined collection support, handling, labeling, processing, storage, inventory tracking, and preparation for shipment of biological samples, following established procedures.
• Maintains biospecimen documentation such as sample logs, freezer inventories, and shipment records under supervision.
• Supports organization and maintenance of study supplies, laboratory materials, and basic research equipment required for participant visits and sample processing.
• Assists with preparation, organization, and maintenance of research ethics and regulatory documentation related to the study, including amendments, renewals, and essential study files.
• Documents and communicates study-related events or issues, including participant-reported concerns or adverse events, to senior research staff in accordance with study procedures.
• Supports adherence to approved protocols, institutional policies, and applicable research ethics and quality guidelines.
• Provides routine administrative and logistical support for study operations, including filing, scheduling assistance, meeting preparation, and documentation management.
• Communicates with research team members and study collaborators to support coordination of daily study activities.
• Participates in research team meetings, study meetings, training sessions, and required protocol-specific training.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of a Research Assistant / Technician 2 (TRA2) role.

Benefits

• UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential.
• New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work.
• Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED