Research Assistant

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Vancouver is seeking a part-time Research Coordinator to support research and best practices. The role involves managing personal health information (PHI), developing data catalogues, and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. Candidates should have a Bachelor's in relevant fields, 1-2 years of related experience, and strong organizational skills. This temporary position starts January 19, 2026, for 20 hours a week, with applications due by January 2, 2026.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of related experience.
• Experience working with multi-centre projects.
• Familiarity with clinical research processes.
• Knowledge of data cataloguing standards.

Responsibilities

• Review and organize personal health information (PHI).
• Develop and maintain catalogues for research data.
• Maintain confidentiality and security protocols.
• Identify discrepancies in PHI and research data.

Skills

Data management

Organizational skills

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Data Science, or a related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute (Praxis) is a Canadian-based not-for-profit organization that leads global collaboration in spinal cord injury research, innovation, and care. We advance ground-breaking ideas that can be put into practice, making lives better. We actively engage people living with spinal cord injuries and other world‑class experts to work together to identify and solve the most urgent challenges to make exceptional improvements in the health of people with spinal cord injuries. Praxis Spinal Cord Institute is proudly accredited by Imagine Canada and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Charities by Maclean’s and Money Sense magazines, achieving an A+ rating.

Through a diverse workforce, Praxis is committed to excellence in research, innovation and care for people living with spinal cord injury. Praxis recognizes that a diverse workforce, comprised of individuals with an array of identities, abilities, backgrounds, cultures, skills, perspectives and experiences is vital to creativity, growth and innovation and our success in making an impact on quality of life. We support our commitment by fostering an inclusive workplace which is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful, allowing us to continue to transform health outcomes.

JOB SUMMARY

As a member of the Data Services team, the Research Coordinator will facilitate and support research and best practice activities (BPI) for the Praxis Spinal Cord Institute by working closely with the Associate Director of Data Services, the Associate Director of the Research and Care Program, the Compliance and Privacy Officer and the Director of Accountability and Impact. The research and care activities will be specifically in the area of personal health information (PHI) review, cataloguing and managing research and clinical data, and other duties as necessary. This is a temporary part‑time position starting from January 19 2026 to March 31 2026. The hours for this position is 20 hours per week.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Review, organize and maintain personal information (PI) and personal health information (PHI) in compliance with privacy regulations.
• Develop and maintain accurate catalogues for research and clinical data.
• Ensure proper version control and documentation of data holdings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and security protocols for PHI and research/clinical data.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies or inconsistencies in PHI and research and clinical data.
• Review data retention schedules for ethics‑approved research data holdings, recommend actions, follow processes and procedures to destroy data as needed.
• Perform other research or administrative duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences, Data Science, or a related field. Coursework or certification in health data privacy and security is an asset.
• Experience:
  • 1‑2 years of related experience.
  • Experience working with multi‑centre projects, and with researchers and clinicians from diverse disciplines, and with individuals living with various health conditions.
  • Familiarity with clinical research process.
  • Familiarity with clinical data management practices.
• Skills/Behaviours:
  • Ability to manage sensitive data ethically and securely.
  • Knowledge of data cataloguing standards and data management.
  • Detail‑oriented with excellent organizational skills.
  • Strong understanding of PHI regulations and ethical considerations.
  • Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
  • Familiar with research in SCI or other health conditions.
  • Ability to articulate and communicate clearly and professionally.
  • Interpersonal skills and ability to work with discretion, tact, and diplomacy.
  • Pleasant, considerate, and respectful in team settings.
  • Intermediate or advanced level with MS Office.

An equivalent combination of education, experience and skills/behaviours will be considered.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates can apply by January 2 2026. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For more information on Praxis, please visit www.praxisinstitute.org.

Praxis Spinal Cord Institute would like to acknowledge that the land on which we are located is on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the shared traditional territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil‑Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) First Nation.