Research Assistant - Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging

Staff - Non Union

Job Category: Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile: Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title: Research Assistant - Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging
Department: Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging | Leadership | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range: $28.10 - $33.14 CAD Hourly
Posting End Date: March 5, 2025

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

Job End Date: Feb 28, 2026
This is a 1-year term position, with the possibility of extension.

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 will support a study that aims to investigate the impact of social prescribing on the development and progression of frailty in older adults living in the community and molecular and cellular markers of aging. The incumbent will be based at multiple social prescribing sites throughout the Metro Vancouver area. The research assistant will oversee participant recruitment and consenting, collecting data and samples from participants, completing clinical frailty scale assessments, entering data into databases, de-identifying participant data, and coordinating with participants to complete follow-up study visits. The candidate will be working with confidential information and adhering to strict study protocols.

Work Performed:

• Performs recruitment activities, development of recruitment materials, phone screening, pre-screening assessments, study communications with potential participants.
• Obtains informed consent from study participants.
• Responsible for data collection, data entry, documentation of process, ongoing monitoring of data quality, and ensuring that data is accurately and timely entered into databases.
• Prepares sample collection kits for study visits, performs blood collection using single-use lancets, and processes blood samples for storage.
• Prepares documents, samples, and other materials for proper handling and shipping.
• Undertakes data collection and conducts clinical frailty scale assessments on research participants.
• Provides clerical assistance, including answering phones, booking appointments, scheduling meetings, and participant reimbursements.
• Works with research participants to complete follow-up visits.
• Liaises with community connectors and other staff at social prescribing sites for completion of the study.
• Actively participates in team meetings, provides regular updates on research activities; establishes effective communication with all team members; ensures timely notification to the Study PI of issues or problems.
• Drafts amendments, standard operating procedures, and applications to the research ethics boards, as required in collaboration with the PI and research director.
• Assists with data analysis and interpretation, preparation of reports to funders, and other documents as required.
• Undertakes other duties to support the overall research program as required.

Minimum Qualifications:
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum of three 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:
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline including nursing, biology, or psychology. Experience working with people in a health care, academic, and/or research environment with knowledge of medical, clinical, and research terminology. Demonstrated ability with computers and to effectively use MS Word, Excel, Power Point, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic communications at an intermediate level. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, sensitivity, and respect with a diversity of people. Ability to exercise good judgment, prioritize workload, and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail. Ability to exercise initiative and maintain confidentiality. High motivation, initiative, and ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Ability to think critically, analyze, interpret data, and respond in a broad range of activities with a high level of independence. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Exceptional organizational skills. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. Demonstrated initiative and the willingness to work closely with members of a research team to ensure problems are resolved quickly and appropriately. Experience with using UBC RISe (Research Information System) an asset, to assist with ethics submissions.