Clinical Research Assistant

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Posting End Date

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

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Looking to hire this position at a 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours per week).

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
Reporting to the Clinical Research Manager, Principal Investigator or designate, the Clinical Research Assistant provides operational and administrative support to the Principal Investigator(s) and other study staff in the implementation and conduct of clinical research studies evaluating treatments for substance use disorders in accordance with applicable policies, standards, procedures, and protocols.

Organizational Status

The BC Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction. BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use through the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines, and standards. With the support of the Province of BC, the BCCSU aims to transform substance use policies and care by translating research into education and care guidance, thereby serving all British Columbians.

At the heart of our endeavors lie three core functions: research and evaluation, education and training, and clinical care guidance. Through these integrated activities, we strive to achieve our goals and positively impact the lives of individuals affected by substance use.

For the most up-to-date information on our innovative work, we invite you to explore our website and blog, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Work Performed

• Prepares data collection forms, study consent forms, and recruitment materials.
• Recruits, screens, schedules and evaluates research participants.
• Performs data coding, entry, checking using electronic data capture systems.
• Collects back-up source documentation as required.
• Understands the data requirements of various study protocols.
• Updates and maintains study databases and develops source document worksheets.
• Maintains strict confidentiality and ethical requirements related to identification and release of study data.
• Assists in the preparation and submission of research protocols for funding applications and REB review.
• Conducts literature reviews and assists in the development of proposals and associated documents.
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Errors in the Clinical Research Assistant role can have significant consequences, including compromising participant safety, data integrity, and research validity. Mistakes may lead to non-compliance with regulatory standards, risking audits, sanctions, or suspension of the study, which can damage the institution's reputation and jeopardize funding. Errors in data management, protocol adherence, or communication with participants—especially marginalized populations—can erode trust, delay study timelines, and impact future research opportunities. Additionally, breaches of ethical or legal standards may lead to legal repercussions, emphasizing the need for precision and adherence to protocols in this role.

Supervision Received

Works under direct supervision of the Clinical Research Manager, Principal Investigator or designate.

Supervision Given
None but may explain work sequences to others.

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

• Bachelor's Degree in a health-related science or discipline.
• 1-3 years' previous research experience working in the healthcare field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Experience with recruitment, interviewing and data collection in human research studies, and marginalized populations is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge in using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Microsoft Office Software, and reference manager software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical terminology, hospital charting and clinical trials.
• Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated data entry and data management skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and ability to work independently with minimum supervision.