Research Assistant - Clinical Research Database Specialist

University of British Columbia; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver invites applications for a term Research Assistant/Technician 4 to support the Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction & Oncology in rebuilding its hip and knee replacement research database. The role focuses on modernizing data infrastructure, integrating AI where feasible, and ensuring data collection and reporting meet research and quality improvement needs.

You will collaborate with surgeon investigators, manage data sources, and help prepare

Qualifications

• Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum four years of related experience.
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to inclusive practices

Responsibilities

• Review the hip and knee replacement research database, data sources, and workflows to identify improvements.
• Collaborate with surgeon investigators to understand required clinical and surgical information.
• Design and implement improvements to database structure, data categories, and collection procedures.
• Develop tools to extract, organize, validate, and report data from Cerner and other sources.
• Support REB submissions, grant applications, and data collection for large projects.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

English communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline

Master's degree (asset)

Tools

SQL/Database expertise

AI in clinical data workflows

Job description

Job Title Research Assistant - Clinical Research Database Specialist Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants Job Profile Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 4 Job Family Group Staff - Non Union Department Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction & Oncology | Department of Orthopaedics | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $5,538.94 - $6,497.44 CAD Monthly Job End Date December 31, 2028 Posting End Date November 2, 2026 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.

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.

Primary Responsibilities

• 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 Responsibilities

• 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.

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

About the University of British Columbia

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together? Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Accessibility

If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].