Research Technician, Neurotrauma

White Spot; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Vancouver Island University seeks a full-time Research Technician for a funded research program investigating brain injuries related to intimate partner violence. The role involves participant engagement, data analysis, and sample management in a trauma-informed environment. Candidates must have relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree, along with strong organizational and communication skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefit plan

Paid holiday time

Professional development opportunities

Desirable pension plan

Well-being initiatives and services

Strategic discounts

Flexible work opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical or laboratory-based research.
• Experience handling human subjects data and biological samples.
• Willingness to undergo additional training.

Responsibilities

• Participant recruitment and informed consent procedures.
• Collection and processing of biological samples.
• Data management in secure research databases.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Sensitivity to trauma

Education

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, biomedical science, or a related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

REDCap

SPSS

R

Job description

Vancouver Island University (VIU) invites applications for a full-time Research Technician to join a CIHR-, Brain Canada–, and Department of Defence-funded interdisciplinary research program led by Dr. Sandy Shultz. The project investigates brain injuries resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV) and other causes, with the goal of identifying objective biomarkers, improving diagnostic tools, and evaluating evidence-based treatments to enhance clinical care and outcomes for this significantly underserved population.

The successful candidate will contribute to all phases of the study—including participant engagement, sample collection and processing, data analysis, and reporting—while working closely with faculty researchers, clinicians, and community partners in a trauma-informed, ethically responsible research environment. The role requires strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive participant data.

Duties:

• Participant recruitment and informed consent procedures, ensuring sensitivity to trauma-informed care

• Engage with patients and test participants
• Collection and processing of biological samples (e.g., blood, saliva) following ethical and biosafety standards
• Operate and maintain lab equipment for biomarker analysis (e.g., ELISA, centrifuges, imaging software)
• Enter and manage participant data using secure research databases, with attention to confidentiality and privacy
• Preparing Research Ethics Board (REB) applications and other administrative tasks
• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to report writing, figures, or conference presentations as needed
• Adhere to safety protocols, trauma-informed practices, and university guidelines throughout all research activities
• Maintain research databases
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals and social service agencies
• Communicate and work effectively in a team/group environment
• Speak and write in English

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, psychology, biology, biomedical science, or a related discipline

• Minimum 5 years of experience in clinical or laboratory-based research
• Experience handling human subjects data and/or biological samples in compliance with research ethics
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with attention to detail and documentation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team
• Sensitivity and experience working with vulnerable populations, especially survivors of IPV
• Experience preparing and editing documents with Microsoft Word and Excel
• Willingness to undergo additional training

Preferred Qualifications:

• Neuropsychological testing experience
• Venepuncture training and experience
• Experience recruiting and testing participants
• Data entry and database maintenance
• Experience with human ethics
• Basic wet laboratory experience (e.g., use of pipettes and centrifuge)
• Driver's license

• Training in trauma-informed approaches or community-based research

• Knowledge of neuroimaging, hormonal or inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., cortisol, cytokines)
• Experience working with REBs or clinical trial protocols
• Proficiency in data management tools (e.g., REDCap, SPSS, R)

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.

#INDLP