Research Assistant, Nephrology Research Office, BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC)

Providence Research; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Responsibilities include participant recruitment, consent, data collection, and regulatory support, with emphasis on data accuracy, confidentiality, and adherence to GCP guidelines. The position provides hands-on experience in clinical research within a renowned nephrology program.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (sciences, health sciences, psychology) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in clinical, research, healthcare, or busy team environment is asset but not required.
• Strong organization, communication, prioritization, and data-handling skills; attention to detail is essential.

Responsibilities

• Identify, screen, and recruit potential research participants per criteria.
• Support informed consent process where trained and delegated.
• Coordinate participant scheduling and follow-up intervals.
• Conduct study visits and collect data in hospital, clinic, or field settings.
• Maintain accurate study records, CRFs, logs & questionnaires in line with ICH and ALCOA+.
• Coordinate biospecimen collection and handling as required by protocols.
• Assist with regulatory files, training records, and study correspondence.
• Provide support to coordinators and managers to ensure timely study operations.

Skills

Organization

Attention to detail

Communication

Prioritization

Reliability

Judgment

MS Office

Clinical research

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate degree in sciences/health sciences

Tools

Electronic data capture systems

Job description

Research Assistant, Nephrology Research Office, BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC)

The Nephrology Research Office at Providence Research is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support clinical trials and health research conducted within the BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC).

Work location: St. Paul’s Hospital

Employer: Providence Research (1-year term with potential for extension based on funding)

Position Summary:

The Nephrology Research Office at Providence Research is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support clinical trials and health research conducted within the BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC). Research activities take place across St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, and approved community or field settings. Working both independently and as part of a collaborative team, the Research Assistant interacts closely with Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Coordinators, research staff, physicians, allied health professionals, and patients living with kidney disease. This position provides an excellent foundational opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in clinical and health research while contributing to studies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant reports directly to the BC KRC Research Program Manager and works under the day-to-day operational direction of the Research Program Manager and designated Clinical Research Coordinators. The role maintains collaborative working relationships with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators, hospital clinical teams, and external research partners.

Work Performed

Under appropriate supervision, the Research Assistant is responsible for the general day-to-day conduct of assigned research activities in strict compliance with study protocols, institutional policies, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Participant Recruitment and Study Visits

• Identify, screen, and recruit potential research participants according to study-specific eligibility criteria and approved recruitment procedures.
• Support and, where appropriately delegated and trained, conduct the informed consent process.
• Coordinate participant scheduling, track follow-up intervals, and proactively identify potential participation barriers.
• Conduct study visits and research procedures in hospital, outpatient clinic, or field settings as required by individual protocols.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with study participants and their families throughout their involvement.

Data Collection and Research Documentation

• Collect, enter, and review research data accurately within established project timelines.
• Complete and maintain source documentation, case report forms (CRFs), study logs, and questionnaires.
• Ensure all research records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with ICH guidelines and ALCOA+ principles.
• Support database management, resolve basic data queries, and assist with data quality reviews.
• Maintain strict participant privacy and data confidentiality across all research activities.

Clinical Research Procedures and Biospecimens

• Facilitate and coordinate the collection of blood, urine, or other study-specific samples and patient questionnaires.
• Process, label, document, store, and prepare biospecimens for shipment according to protocol requirements and safety procedures.
• Coordinate logistics with clinical departments, hospital laboratories, couriers, and external vendors.

Regulatory and Operational Support

• Assist with the creation, preparation, organization, and maintenance of study documents and regulatory files.
• Support the maintenance of training records, delegation logs, and general study correspondence.
• Provide operational support and cross-coverage to Clinical Research Coordinators and the BC KRC Research Program Manager to support effective and timely study operations.
• Assist with general research administration, study start-up, and close-out activities as assigned.

Consequence of Error/ Impact of Decisions

The Research Assistant performs work that directly impacts participant safety, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. Errors, omissions, or a failure to follow approved procedures could compromise research results, breach patient confidentiality, or result in protocol deviations. Such mistakes can cause distress to study participants and may lead to financial, regulatory, or reputational consequences for the Principal Investigators, the BC KRC, the Research Institute, and the University.

The incumbent is expected to work within their delegated scope of authority, exercise sound judgment, and promptly escalation uncertainties or operational barriers to the Clinical Research Coordinator or BC KRC Research Program Manager.

Supervision Received

The Research Assistant works within timelines set out in project work plans, under the supervision of the BC KRC Research Program Manager and Clinical Research Coordinator(s). While responsibilities and priorities are assigned, the incumbent is expected to plan and schedule their day-to-day work independently. Progress and performance are evaluated against the successful achievement of project milestones and adherence to study protocols.

Qualifications

• Education: An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., sciences, health sciences, psychology), or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience: Prior experience working in a clinical, research, healthcare, or busy team environment is an asset but not required.
• Core Competencies:
  • Organization and attention to detail: Exceptional organization and recordkeeping skills, with demonstrated attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and adherence to study requirements.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and effectively with diverse healthcare teams, research participants, patients, and families.
  • Prioritization and adaptability: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing schedules, deadlines, and operational needs.
  • Reliability and follow-through: Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned responsibilities, follow tasks through to completion, and proactively communicate questions, barriers, delays, or competing priorities.
  • Sound judgment and curiosity: Ability to recognize when information or circumstances require clarification, ask appropriate questions, and seek guidance when work falls outside one’s training or delegated responsibilities.
  • Technical aptitude: Proficiency with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfort learning research databases, electronic systems, study protocols, and new processes.
• Institutional Values: A willingness to respect diverse perspectives and a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.