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

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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. 

Background

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) is a national study of aging and health, both at population and individual levels. The CLSA has recruited 51,000 individuals across Canada to participate over 20 years, approximately 1500 of whom are interviewed and assessed through a data collection site (DCS) at UBC in Vancouver. Information is collected from participants once every 3 years through in-person interviews, as well as physical assessments and biological sample collections at the UBC DCS. When in-person interviews are not possible, phone interviews are performed instead. The Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Research Program, led by Professor Teresa Liu-Ambrose, focuses on clinical interventional research that promotes cognitive and mobility outcomes in aging adults at risk for functional decline.

Job Summary
The CLSA RA2 will assist in the collection of data from study participants through a variety of tests and surveys administered at the CLSA Data Collection Site (DCS) in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia. In some cases, interviews may be performed by telephone call, for example when participants live out of the commutable area, or when they are physically no longer able to participate in person. The CLSA RA2 will contribute to achievement of overall project goals by assisting the CLSA DCS Manager (the Manager) with administrative tasks at the data collection site, including scheduling of participant appointments. When time allows, RA2 will assist with research activities of the Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Research Program.

Organizational Status
CLSA Research Assistant Tech 2 PG3

The CLSA RA2 reports directly to the CLSA Data Collection Site Manager (the Manager) and works collaboratively with other study personnel on data collection. The Manager reports directly to the UBC CLSA Site Principal Investigator, Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, and the CLSA National Coordinating Centre at McMaster University. For duties associated with Aging, Mobility, and Cognitive Health Research Program, RA2 will be supervised by the Program’s research coordinators, who reports to Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose.

Work Performed
• Performs intake and discharge of participants at the data collection site and at the research program.

• Performs a wide variety of clinical and functional tests at the data collection site including:

o general anthropometric and vital sign measurements

o visual system testing, including visual acuity, ocular pressure and retinal scanning

o audiometry

o olfactory testing

o mobility, balance, and strength testing

o cognitive performance testing

• Assists with intake, inventory, cleaning and dispensing of wearable mobility and sleep tracking equipment.

• May be required to perform some participant interviews by telephone.

• May assist with scheduling of study participants.

• Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
• Inappropriate judgement would compromise the quality of research studies and related data acquisition and the reporting of research outcomes.

• Inappropriate judgement also could compromise the safety and wellbeing of the participants.

• Inappropriate judgement would compromise

Decision Making/Accountability

Works within clearly defined guidelines and procedures, but exercises judgment in establishing priorities, trouble-shooting problems, and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to the Manager, a more senior CLSA research assistant on the team, or the CLSA National Biorepository Coordinator at McMaster University.

Supervision Received
Works under the supervision of the Manager in carrying out all phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions from the Manager or a senior CLSA research assistant during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures, with a goal to achieving functional independence for all tasks and responsibilities; may also receive supervision and/or instruction from other study employees at higher classification levels than themselves and as deemed appropriate by the Manager. When working under the Research Program, will be supervised by its research coordinators.

Supervision Given
N/A

Minimum Qualifications
High school graduation, some additional training in a related field and a minimum two 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

• Fluent in English.

• Technical diploma or university degree in related discipline in the health or biomedical sciences.

• Some work or work/study experience in a related field or research project, for example (but not limited to):

o Experience with tests of physical, psychological and cognitive functioning like those used by CLSA.

o Experience conducting interviews, in person or by telephone, in epidemiological or clinical research.

• Proficiency working with computers running Microsoft operating systems and software applications.

• Must be well organized, detail-oriented and able to adhere to detailed SOPs and keep concise records when required, such as maintenance and calibration records, or case report forms for data collection.

• Must be reliable, independent and professional.

• Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Other Requirements

• Experience using software platforms and computer-assisted interview management and data collection systems like those used by the CLSA.