Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank
About the role
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank
Department
Clinical Research Unit | Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
November 3, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
November 30, 2026
This position is for a one-year term with possibility of an extension.
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 Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Clinical Research Unit (CRU) assists VCH/UBC investigators to conduct human clinical trials of biomedical or health-related research that follows a pre-defined protocol. Trials can be industry funded, grant funded, or investigator initiated. The CRU is operated by the VCHRI which is affiliated with the University of British Columbia
VCHRI CRU Biobank Services is one of the two sub-teams within the VCHRI Clinical Research Unit (VCHRI CRU), providing services to support researchers at VCH in collecting, processing, and temporarily storing biospecimens.
The Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank is be responsible for performing day-to-day operational activities of the VCHRI CRU Biobank. This role supports research study applications and ensure the accurate consent, collection and proper handling of specimens identified for research purposes in collaboration with research laboratories in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Organizational Status
The VCHRI CRU Director in coordination with the Study pathologist will direct the Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank in all research activities. The incumbent works with other members of the research team as well as other hospital groups, health care professionals and study participants.
Work Performed
- Performs/facilitates the routine harvesting of specimens to obtain tissue for use by other researchers and research areas, with appropriate consultation with a Pathologist as required.
- Review request for service requests, and initiates Statement of Work. Formats study worksheets for data collection to include procedures for collection, labeling, log-in, and sample handling.
- Maintains all databases related to the Biobank and ethic policies. Oversees activity of users.
- Maintain, update and create biobank SOPs as required including labeling and tracking samples, participant consent, sample collection, sample processing, sample storage, sample release, quality assurance and data entry.
- Ensures proper handling of specimens; meets with technologists and lab assistants to advise how specimens should be handled in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Arranges for the collection of specimens with surgical suites; reviews and handles requests for access to archived materials and ensures documentation is provided, that requests have been approved by a relevant ethics committee; locates appropriate archival specimens for research, sends to the appropriate research facility and monitors for timely return.
- Performs routine lab duties such as fixing tissue (FFPE and OCT); freezing tissue; processing and separating blood into components and derivatives.
- Communicates with patients to inform them about research projects such as biobanks, obtains and documents consent, communicates with patients if consent is withdrawn and draws blood and/or arranges for blood collection.
- Retrieves tissues for quality assurance when requested by the Study pathologist. Investigates and resolves sample discrepancies.
- Prepares specimens for transport to other facilities by methods such as packaging items, completing related transport forms in accordance with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Transportation of Dangerous Goods guidelines.
- Responds to enquiries from researchers regarding study feasibility, collection procedures, tissue availability, retrieval and delivery
- Manage and maintain inventory of supplies by methods such as identifying depleting stock, notifying applicable personnel and/or completing requisitions and forwarding to Supervisor for approval and ordering.
- Participates in departmental training programs in related areas with a view to learning new/existing tests and procedures by methods such as attending training sessions and demonstrations, being coached/mentored on new testing benches, reading training materials and demonstrating competencies for newly learned tests/ procedures.
- Maintains a clean and safe work area creating and implementing equipment and work area maintenance records including checking equipment function, replacing hood filters, cleaning laboratory equipment, work surfaces and benches according to established procedures and storing items in appropriate areas.
- Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
Communication:
- Facilitates internal and external meetings
- Holds regular status meetings with project teams
- Work with biobank users to establish processes that meet their needs
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant should understand that:
As a delegate of the qualified investigator, the Research Assistant warrants that his/her performance in the conduct of clinical trials and research projects will strictly conform to appropriate regulations: 1) maintaining professional behavior and respect for study participants and team members; 2) the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board; 3) B.C. Privacy Act; 4) Health Canada, International Conference on Harmonization, Tri-Council Policy Statement, Good Clinical Practice; and 5) U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Lack of careful attention to regulatory guidelines and approvals can lead to suspension of further clinical research and/or funding for the investigator/physician as well as the hospital and University. Poor communication skills could jeopardize study participants’ participation and continuation in studies and could reflect badly on the research group and the University with sponsors and referring/community physicians. The VCHRI CRU Director relies on the research assistant to alert him/her to problems and unexpected events concerning study participants and trial conduct. These include but are not limited to: 1) Poor study enrolment; 2) failure to complete work according to deadlines, 3) unexpected or excessive workload or administrative hurdles; 4) additional or non-budgeted requests from sponsors; 5) recurrent problem or concerns raised by clinical staff. The Research Assistant will be held accountable for failure to perform duties consistent with the above principles.
Supervision Received
Directly supervised by VCHRI Clinical Research Unit Director, from oral/written instructions and to established procedures. The Research Assistant must be able to complete the various study tasks independently.
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
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. Certificate in Venipuncture and experience with open specimen is an asset. Experience working with people in a health care, academic, and/or research environment with knowledge of medical, clinical and research terminology. Working knowledge of overall lab operations (i.e. using various research techniques to fix tissue, freeze tissue, etc.) Knowledge of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Regulations, Health Canada Div 5 and TCPS2 Certificate. Training in WHMIS, Chemical Safety, Biological Safety and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, -80 freezers etc.). Ability to perform research-related procedures (e.g., prepare solutions, dissecting, prepare specimens). Ability to conduct job-related interviews to obtain accurate, complete, and relevant information to determine suitability for studies and, where applicable, obtain patient consent. Demonstrated ability with computers and to effectively use MS Word, Excel, Power Point, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic communications at an intermediate level. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, sensitivity, and respect with a diversity of people. Ability to exercise good judgment, prioritize workload and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail. Ability to exercise initiative and maintain confidentiality. High motivation, initiative, and ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Ability to think critically, analyze, interpret data and respond in a broad range of activities with a high level of independence. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Exceptional organizational skills. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. Demonstrated initiative and the willingness to work closely with members of a research team to ensure problems are resolved quickly and appropriately. Experience with using UBC RISe (Research Information System) an asset, to assist with ethics submissions.
Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank
About the role
Staff - Non Union
Job Category
Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants
Job Profile
Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 3
Job Title
Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank
Department
Clinical Research Unit | Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$4,567.04 - $5,385.67 CAD Monthly
Posting End Date
November 3, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
November 30, 2026
This position is for a one-year term with possibility of an extension.
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 Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) Clinical Research Unit (CRU) assists VCH/UBC investigators to conduct human clinical trials of biomedical or health-related research that follows a pre-defined protocol. Trials can be industry funded, grant funded, or investigator initiated. The CRU is operated by the VCHRI which is affiliated with the University of British Columbia
VCHRI CRU Biobank Services is one of the two sub-teams within the VCHRI Clinical Research Unit (VCHRI CRU), providing services to support researchers at VCH in collecting, processing, and temporarily storing biospecimens.
The Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank is be responsible for performing day-to-day operational activities of the VCHRI CRU Biobank. This role supports research study applications and ensure the accurate consent, collection and proper handling of specimens identified for research purposes in collaboration with research laboratories in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Organizational Status
The VCHRI CRU Director in coordination with the Study pathologist will direct the Research Assistant, VCHRI CRU Biobank in all research activities. The incumbent works with other members of the research team as well as other hospital groups, health care professionals and study participants.
Work Performed
- Performs/facilitates the routine harvesting of specimens to obtain tissue for use by other researchers and research areas, with appropriate consultation with a Pathologist as required.
- Review request for service requests, and initiates Statement of Work. Formats study worksheets for data collection to include procedures for collection, labeling, log-in, and sample handling.
- Maintains all databases related to the Biobank and ethic policies. Oversees activity of users.
- Maintain, update and create biobank SOPs as required including labeling and tracking samples, participant consent, sample collection, sample processing, sample storage, sample release, quality assurance and data entry.
- Ensures proper handling of specimens; meets with technologists and lab assistants to advise how specimens should be handled in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Arranges for the collection of specimens with surgical suites; reviews and handles requests for access to archived materials and ensures documentation is provided, that requests have been approved by a relevant ethics committee; locates appropriate archival specimens for research, sends to the appropriate research facility and monitors for timely return.
- Performs routine lab duties such as fixing tissue (FFPE and OCT); freezing tissue; processing and separating blood into components and derivatives.
- Communicates with patients to inform them about research projects such as biobanks, obtains and documents consent, communicates with patients if consent is withdrawn and draws blood and/or arranges for blood collection.
- Retrieves tissues for quality assurance when requested by the Study pathologist. Investigates and resolves sample discrepancies.
- Prepares specimens for transport to other facilities by methods such as packaging items, completing related transport forms in accordance with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and Transportation of Dangerous Goods guidelines.
- Responds to enquiries from researchers regarding study feasibility, collection procedures, tissue availability, retrieval and delivery
- Manage and maintain inventory of supplies by methods such as identifying depleting stock, notifying applicable personnel and/or completing requisitions and forwarding to Supervisor for approval and ordering.
- Participates in departmental training programs in related areas with a view to learning new/existing tests and procedures by methods such as attending training sessions and demonstrations, being coached/mentored on new testing benches, reading training materials and demonstrating competencies for newly learned tests/ procedures.
- Maintains a clean and safe work area creating and implementing equipment and work area maintenance records including checking equipment function, replacing hood filters, cleaning laboratory equipment, work surfaces and benches according to established procedures and storing items in appropriate areas.
- Carries out responsibilities in accordance with health and safety requirements. Immediately reports unsafe situations by notifying supervisor or other appropriate personnel.
Communication:
- Facilitates internal and external meetings
- Holds regular status meetings with project teams
- Work with biobank users to establish processes that meet their needs
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The Research Assistant should understand that:
As a delegate of the qualified investigator, the Research Assistant warrants that his/her performance in the conduct of clinical trials and research projects will strictly conform to appropriate regulations: 1) maintaining professional behavior and respect for study participants and team members; 2) the UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board; 3) B.C. Privacy Act; 4) Health Canada, International Conference on Harmonization, Tri-Council Policy Statement, Good Clinical Practice; and 5) U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Lack of careful attention to regulatory guidelines and approvals can lead to suspension of further clinical research and/or funding for the investigator/physician as well as the hospital and University. Poor communication skills could jeopardize study participants’ participation and continuation in studies and could reflect badly on the research group and the University with sponsors and referring/community physicians. The VCHRI CRU Director relies on the research assistant to alert him/her to problems and unexpected events concerning study participants and trial conduct. These include but are not limited to: 1) Poor study enrolment; 2) failure to complete work according to deadlines, 3) unexpected or excessive workload or administrative hurdles; 4) additional or non-budgeted requests from sponsors; 5) recurrent problem or concerns raised by clinical staff. The Research Assistant will be held accountable for failure to perform duties consistent with the above principles.
Supervision Received
Directly supervised by VCHRI Clinical Research Unit Director, from oral/written instructions and to established procedures. The Research Assistant must be able to complete the various study tasks independently.
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
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or Graduation from a technical college or institute. Certificate in Venipuncture and experience with open specimen is an asset. Experience working with people in a health care, academic, and/or research environment with knowledge of medical, clinical and research terminology. Working knowledge of overall lab operations (i.e. using various research techniques to fix tissue, freeze tissue, etc.) Knowledge of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and Good Clinical Practice (ICH GCP) Regulations, Health Canada Div 5 and TCPS2 Certificate. Training in WHMIS, Chemical Safety, Biological Safety and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). Ability to operate job-related equipment (e.g., centrifuges, incubators, biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, -80 freezers etc.). Ability to perform research-related procedures (e.g., prepare solutions, dissecting, prepare specimens). Ability to conduct job-related interviews to obtain accurate, complete, and relevant information to determine suitability for studies and, where applicable, obtain patient consent. Demonstrated ability with computers and to effectively use MS Word, Excel, Power Point, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic communications at an intermediate level. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to exercise a high level of tact, discretion, sensitivity, and respect with a diversity of people. Ability to exercise good judgment, prioritize workload and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of efficiency, accuracy, and attention to detail. Ability to exercise initiative and maintain confidentiality. High motivation, initiative, and ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment. Ability to work a flexible schedule. Ability to think critically, analyze, interpret data and respond in a broad range of activities with a high level of independence. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Exceptional organizational skills. Physical ability to perform the duties of the job. Demonstrated initiative and the willingness to work closely with members of a research team to ensure problems are resolved quickly and appropriately. Experience with using UBC RISe (Research Information System) an asset, to assist with ethics submissions.