Research Assistant

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Research Assistant

Department

Division of Lower Limb Reconstruction & Oncology | Department of Orthopaedics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

May 16, 2026

Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

May 14, 2027

This position is 1 year in length with the opportunity for extension, dependent on when the trial has reached recruitment goals. However, if the sponsor site terminates the contract with UBC, the Research Assistant position will also be terminated. This position has the option of a hybrid work arrangement. 

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

The Research Assistant’s role will be that of the primary research staff responsible for our site’s (University of British Columbia) participation in a large (n=7600 participants) Canadian multicenter randomized controlled trial (Evaluating Xperience™ Irrigation Solution on Risk of Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial). The main purpose of the “Xperience Trial” is to evaluate two different irrigation solutions in primary hip and knee replacement surgery and their effect on infections rates.

The Research Assistant will be the primary research staff responsible for the remainder of the University of British Columbia (UBC) research ethics application amendments, coordinating with the sponsoring site on study protocol and procedures, participant recruitment, and collection of baseline, surgical, and follow-up outcome data.

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.

The Research Assistant will report directly to the UBC site’s Principal Investigator (Dr. Michael Neufeld) and the Division Head (Dr. Donald Garbuz). The study sponsor will be delegated the task of training the Research Assistant on the study protocol and the monitoring at all centers. Lastly, the Research Assistant will have access to our Division Research Coordinator for research related queries pertaining to the study.

Work Performed

• Undergo mandatory training provided by the sponsor site on the Xperience Trial study protocol, procedures, and study conduct

• Prepare and submit with research ethics application amendments for the Xperience Trial (UBC Ethics for Trial is already obtained) 

• Coordinates and facilitates participant screening and enrollment for the Xperience Trial

• Assists with the randomization process for participants enrolled in the Xperience Trial

• Ensures the Xperience Trial protocols and procedures are implemented and enforced

• Collects and records baseline and perioperative data and outcomes collects post-surgery assessments (2-week, 3-month, 1-year) and analyses and interprets  study outcomes

• Performs data/outcome entry and maintenance as per the Xperience Trial study protocol

• Ensures timely notification of the sponsor site and UBC Principal Investigator if any issues or problems.

Consequence of Error/Judgement Errors or incorrect decisions could potentially result in delays in completing the Xperience Trial, seriously compromise the quality of the research, and impact our site’s study funding from the sponsor site. Supervision Received The Research Assistant works under the supervision of the UBC site Principal Investigator (Dr. Michael Neufeld) and our Division Head (Dr. Donald Garbuz). The sponsor site will train and supervise the Research Assistant with the Xperience Trial study protocol and procedures. Lastly, the Research Assistant is provided access to the Division Research Coordinator. Supervision Given None. 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

• A Master’s degree is considered an asset

• Experience in quantitative research methods is an asset

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

• Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team environment

• Strong computer skills and experience with a research management

• Past experience recruiting research subjects is an asset

• Past experience with research ethics submission is an asset

• Past experience with screening, participant enrollment, data collection, and outcome collection in prospective or randomized studies is an asset

• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbally and in writing)

• Demonstrated initiative and the willingness to work closely with members of a research team to ensure problems are resolved quickly and appropriately