Research Assistant (VEC)

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 40,000 - 48,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The University of British Columbia is seeking a Research Assistant/Technician 3 (VEC) to support clinical fieldwork, data handling and lab activities within the Vaccine Evaluation Centre.

You will collaborate with the Field Coordinator, Data Coordinator, Statistician and Lab Manager, performing data quality checks, database testing and study documentation, and assisting with recruitment and enrolment for vaccine studies.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related 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

Responsibilities

• Performs data quality control monitoring for data collection following and interpreting GCP guidelines, ensuring accuracy, completeness, legibility and verifiability of source information.
• Tests new data entry databases for ease of use within the data management area.
• Documents the structure of the already developed database and the data management process for each study.
• Assists with database setup as directed by the data manager and participates in study recruitment and enrolment.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Diversity & inclusion awareness

Equity & inclusion knowledge

Team collaboration

Education

Relevant technical program or university degree

Health care field degree/graduate

Tools

Database management

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile Non Union Hourly - Research Assistant /Technician 3 Job Title Research Assistant (VEC) Department Vaccine Evaluation Centre | Department of Paediatrics | Faculty of Medicine Compensation Range $29.82 - $35.16 CAD Hourly Posting End Date September 25, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date October 31, 2027 This position will be filled internally. It is posted for informational purposes only. This position is subject to the satisfactory completion of required background checks. 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

Conducts a wide range of tasks that relate to clinical research fieldwork, data handling and/or the laboratory commonly developing a specialization in one area.

Organizational Status Interfaces with Field Coordinator, Data Coordinator, Statistician and Lab Manager. Interfaces with other clinical research sites disseminating data queries and facilitating quality assurance regarding data collected. Works in an office shared with other VEC staff. The work encourages frequent moving around and occasional lifting of boxes up to 10 kg. Will work at offsite clinics and be available to conduct evening telephone-related work.

Work Performed

Performs all duties and tasks described in the Research Assistant Tech 2 position as well as the following:

• Data Provides quality control monitoring for data collection following and interpreting GCP guidelines, ensuring accuracy, completeness, legibility and verifiability of source information.
• Tests new data entry databases for ease of use within the data management area.
• Writes user’s manual for the data entry staff.
• Documents the structure of the already developed database.
• Documents the data management process for each study.
• Performs logical checks of the data, queries and edits the data when errors are found.
• Prepares the database for the statistical team’s use and prepares the computerized data for long term storage according to VEC policies.
• Recruitment Reviews patient charts, determines eligibility for participation based on set guidelines in the study protocol. (This requires a science or medical background). Obtains detailed medical histories (including ability to decide eligibility for study participation although final decision is with study coordinator or investigator(s)). Understands vaccines and their functions and is able to perform recruitment for studies, providing potential study participants with all the necessary information. Performs recruitment for both basic simple studies and complex detailed studies.
• Enrolment Completes informed consent with study participants on studies performed by VEC. Often requires working at offsite clinics.
• Study preparation Creates reports for retrieval of pertinent information on study participants from the computer tracking system building in appropriate safety checks. Creation of source documents and Case Report Forms as directed by the data manager utilizing established SOP and an existing computer design program.
• Develops custom-designed study participant tracking databases utilizing VEC SOP, following study specification requirements as directed by the study coordinator.
• Assists with database setup as directed by the data manager.
• Other tasks Performs other duties as required. Provides input into study setup from implementation to study wind down. Provides input or basic design procedures for carrying out the tasks they are responsible for.
• Consequence of Error/Judgement Duties are performed according to operating procedures and VEC policies. Decisions are made for the tasks at hand as related to the job. Some non-routine decisions are made without consultation. Consequences of errors in decision-making may affect the integrity of databases and/or the integrity of study outcomes. As a result the reputation of the managers, investigators and the VEC could be jeopardized.

Supervision Received

The individual is expected to know the standard tasks that need to be done for the project and carry them out independently, reporting progress to their coordinator. Supervision is limited in that tasks are assigned and the end result is reviewed. Supervision comes from the project coordinators.

Supervision Given

Provides technical guidance to other project team members. Is expected to provide training to other research assistants.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum 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

• Graduate of recognized college or university in the health care field.
• Experience in vaccine clinical trials.
• Must have experience in database management.
• A sound understanding of vaccines and their appropriate use.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of people.
• Must have excellent organizational skills as they are required to work on more than one study at a time.
• Proven ability in accepting responsibility.

This position has the option of a hybrid work arrangement.

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