Research Assistant - Yong Lab

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

This offer is conditional upon successful completion of a Criminal Record Check.

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

The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, based at the BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre focuses on clinical and basic science research related to endometriosis-associated pelvic pain (https://yonglab.med.ubc.ca/). Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women of reproductive-age (~1 million women in Canada). It is defined as tissue from inside the uterus growing elsewhere, typically in the pelvis. Endometriosis can cause painful menstrual cramps, chronic pelvic pain, and sexual pain, in addition to potential impact on fertility.

The research assistant, working under the Research Director and Research Manager will support the day-to-day operations of the Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort Data Registry and Tissue Bank (EPPIC) which collects rich quantitative data from patient-reported questionnaires, clinical assessments, surgery, ultrasound and biological samples to inform all projects in the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Laboratory. They will also support the day-to-day operations of a unique project on Quantitative Sensory Testing in endometriosis. Day-to-day tasks include research related activities such as recruitment, obtaining informed consent, data collection, data management, data quality, preparing amendments to Institutional Review Boards (IRB), adhering to and establishing standard operating procedures, and organizing meetings.

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant will be supervised by and report to the Research Projects Manager and Research Director. The incumbent will work closely with the research manager as well as clinical-investigators, clinical fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, research staff, patient partners and a variety of project stakeholders.

This role is required to be undertaken on-site at BC Women's Hospital + Health Centre as quantitative sensory testing and the collection of samples take place in-person.

Work Performed

The Research Assistant will be responsible for:

• Undertaking recruitment and informed consent

• Entering clinical data into research databases and manage data entry, cleaning and quality checks

• Coordinating the collection of samples

• Undertaking data collection and performing quantitative sensory testing

• Working with study participants to complete follow up questionnaires

• Organize and participate in lab meetings and communicate research plans and updates effectively to stakeholders

• Assisting with the drafting of amendments, standard operating procedures, applications to the research ethics board and associated project documentation

• Supporting the preparation of annual reports

• Supporting the preparation of academic manuscripts and presentations

• Undertakes other duties to the support the overall research program as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The Research Assistant exercises professional judgment and initiative in the conduct of and in coordinating research projects. He/she will work with the Research Projects Manager, Principal Investigator and with other members of the team to ensure that study procedures are performed consistent with the study protocol, applicable hospital procedures, ethical guidelines and regulatory policies. The Research Assistant is expected to work in a professional manner exercising poise and discretion especially when dealing with vulnerable patients and their families, and with sensitive medical information.

Inappropriate disclosure of subjects personal information would contravene privacy legislation and could result in legal action. The Research Assistant will be required to show judgment and decision making which has the potential to impact the reputation of the Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Laboratory and the opportunity for future research development. The exercise of poor judgment and lack of consultation with supervisors could adversely affect the viability and validity of research projects or programs. Continued adverse effects to the Office's research projects could negatively affect the ability to obtain funding for future research projects.

Supervision Received
Works with minimal supervision under the Research Projects Manager and Research Director. Orientation and training will be provided for specific tasks. Attendance at weekly laboratory meetings and regular check in meetings will be required.

Supervision Given
There is no direct supervision given but there may be an opportunity to distribute work and provide mentorship and training to undergraduate students, medical students and volunteers.

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

Knowledge of research environment, management of large databases, and/or stakeholder engagement an asset. Exceptional organizational and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to effectively use MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook, Adobe, Zoom, and REDCap

• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities

• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

• Ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail

• Ability to exercise patience and flexibility

• Ability to show initiative and sound judgement

• Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment