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

This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks.

This is a term position with the possibility of extension subject to project needs and funding availability.

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 Research Assistant/Technician supports the Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction and Oncology’s clinical research by modernizing and maintaining its hip and knee replacement research database. As legacy systems and manual data management approaches are phased out, the Research Assistant will implement modern, scalable, big-data infrastructure. Working with surgeon investigators and the Research Coordinator, the incumbent reviews existing data sources, procedures, and problems, develops technical solutions to improve how clinical and surgical data is collected and organized, and produces reliable data for research and quality improvement activities. The incumbent applies specialized knowledge of research database design and exercises judgment in selecting technical methods and resolving data and workflow problems. Where feasible, the incumbent incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) in the database modernization, and is expected to have some expertise with AI in this capacity.

Secondarily, the RA aids in the design, REB submission, grant application, and data collection processes for large research projects within the division. The RA works collaboratively with other institutions and societies on collaborative multicenter studies. We support the RA to take an active role in their own research within the division, with the goal of manuscript preparation and publication of research articles in scientific journals. Formal training and expertise in statistical analysis is an asset.

Organizational Status
The UBC Department of Orthopaedics has an international reputation for excellence in teaching, research and patient care. Our mission is to create knowledge, advance learning, and improve musculoskeletal health for the community at the provincial, national, and international levels. The Department consists of seven clinical divisions and a division of orthopaedic research, and is comprised of 200+ academic and clinical faculty who choose to contribute large blocks of their time to advance knowledge in the areas of clinical orthopaedics, musculoskeletal science as well as applied biomedical engineering and related basic science areas. This focus allows the Department to be at the forefront of exciting new developments in the areas of minimally invasive joint replacement, improved bone healing, advanced techniques in spinal surgery, innovative arthroscopic techniques, and improved biomaterials and implants.

This position is part of the Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction & Oncology. The incumbent reports to the Director of Research, Dr. Michael Neufeld, and the Division Head, Dr. Don Garbuz. The incumbent also answers to research requests from surgeon investigators, and works closely with the Research Coordinator, who oversees research projects within the Division.

The Division supports professional growth. Employees who demonstrate strong performance and develop the qualifications needed for future roles may be considered for advancement opportunities.

Work Performed
Primary: Clinical research database and technical operations

• Reviews the existing hip and knee replacement research database, data sources, and workflows; identifies technical limitations and develops practical improvements to data collection, organization, quality, and reporting.
• Works with surgeon investigators to understand the clinical and surgical information required. Designs and implements improvements to database structure, data categories, and procedures for collecting and maintaining that information.
• Develops tools and procedures to extract, organize, manipulate, validate, and report data from Cerner, operating room reports, and other approved hospital and health authority sources. Works with the team to improve the consistency of source reports where needed.
• Troubleshoots complex database and data quality problems, develops operating procedures, and provides guidance and training to staff and trainees using the database.
• Develops queries and research datasets to help identify and follow patient populations for approved research and quality improvement activities.
• For specific research or quality improvement questions, investigates methods for obtaining relevant information from provincial and national data sources and recommends practical approaches to incorporating that information into the Division’s research work.
• Evaluates emerging tools, including use of artificial intelligence for data extraction and analysis, and recommends whether and how they could improve the Division’s data processes.

Secondary: Research support

• Supports studies by identifying and screening potential participants, obtaining informed consent, coordinating study visits, administering questionnaires, and liaising with participants, investigators, and research staff.
• Conducts chart reviews and data collection; maintains study databases, source documents, participant records, and research files; and checks the accuracy, quality, and confidentiality of research data.
• Assists with Research Ethics Board submissions and amendments, maintains study protocols and procedures, and prepares records for monitoring visits and audits in accordance with applicable research requirements.
• Assists with grant applications, abstracts, reports, presentations, and manuscripts; reports on project progress; and provides technical guidance to students and trainees on assigned research tasks. Performs statistical analyses where required and within the position’s expertise.

• Supervises, schedules, and trains staff; may make recommendations with respect to hiring and staff performance evaluations for research personnel below their level of training.

The incumbent may pursue research and publications within the Division, subject to project priorities and approval. Performs other related duties consistent with the Research Assistant/Technician 4 classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent exercises judgment in developing technical methods, maintaining data quality, and resolving problems with the Division’s research database and study records. Errors could result in incomplete or inaccurate clinical data, delays to research projects, additional work to correct records, or unreliable information for research and quality improvement. Failure to follow approved protocols or protect confidential patient information could affect study compliance and the reputation of the investigators and Department.

The incumbent works with sensitive clinical information and must use discretion when communicating with patients, investigators, health authority personnel, and other collaborators. Unusual issues, proposed uses of data, and matters requiring clinical, research ethics, or institutional approval are referred to the appropriate investigator, Research Coordinator, or authorized body.

Supervision Received
The Research Assistant works under the supervision of the Director of Research and the Division Head within the Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction & Oncology. The RA also works collaboratively with the Research Coordinator. However, the RA takes the lead role in the overhaul of the clinical database.

Supervision Given
May supervise, direct, and oversee the work of a small group of employees at lower classifications. May have input into staff selection and performance evaluation. The RA works collaboratively with the Research Coordinator to aid in oversight of research projects within the division.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- 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

Education: Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree is considered an asset. A PhD in a related discipline is considered a strong asset.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team environment
• Database scientist expertise - strong computer skills and expertise with databases and/or large datasets  
• Modern clinical database expertise
• Implementation of AI into clinical database workflows
• Past experience with database creation and implementation
• Scientific abstracts and manuscript preparation, with history of peer reviewed publications
• REB submissions
• Grant applications (CIHR, etc).
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbally and in writing)
• Formal training in statistical analysis is an asset for analysis of fellow and resident studies.
• Demonstrated initiative and the willingness to work closely with members of a research team to ensure problems are resolved quickly and appropriately