Research Assistant/Study Coordinator

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has an end date of May 31, 2025 and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 14,000 faculty and staff, over 40,000 students and 260,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Medicine

The University of Alberta's Department of Medicine is a recognized leader in innovative education, world-class research and outstanding patient care.

We are the largest department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and the biggest at the University of Alberta. More than 1,100 academic and clinical faculty, students, residents and fellows help achieve our goal of improving health and health care locally and globally. These efforts are supported by more than 300 health, technical and support staff.

Position

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator (Pl}, Dr.Penelope Smyth, and lead coordinator the Research Assistant/Study Coordinator (RA/SC) will participate in the general research operations of clinical trials which focuses on MS disease. The incumbent will assist in coordinating observational cohort and intervention studies of participants. Current studies include: Canadian Prospective Cohort Study to Understand Progression in Multiple Sclerosis (CanProCo) and Tomorrow MS: The Alberta Extended Cohort. The incumbent will assist in recruitment, assessment, data collection and management. The incumbent will also manage scheduling of study participants. In this position, the Research Assistant/Study Coordinator must be able to work independently to organize and perform the day-to-day operations of the research studies. This may include but is not limited to: recruiting and consenting subjects; coordinating subject research visits; collecting data via questionnaires, cognitive assessments, and other data-gathering processes as required; recording data in local and shared databases; drafting ethics applications and providing ongoing written and oral communication with the Research Ethics Board, NACTRC. Collection of blood samples - training can be provided and transferring of MRI data.

Duties

• Self-monitor and self-audit responsibilities
• Screen, recruit (face-to-face, telephone, e-mail), and enroll research participants
• Coordinate protocol related research procedures, study visits.
• Ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities including assisting the Pl
• Administers cognitive tests, study questionnaires, and other data-gathering processes as per project protocol
• Act as a liaison for participants, investigator, REB, sponsor, and healthcare professionals
• Phlebotomy

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science or equivalent in a related field
• Project administration or related experience in, managing data and patient assessment
• A clear understanding of the sponsor's responsibilities under ICH/GCP requirements and experience in applying ICH/GCP guidelines, research ethics policies and Tri-Council policies for research involving humans
• Knowledge of Alberta's health system and Canada's health research environment (including the submission of ethics applications and related AHS research agreement process)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in clinical research and/or knowledge translation
• Experience with working with online data-entry platforms (e.g., REDCap)
• Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, teamwork and organizational skills
• Strong computer skills (MS Office, SPSS, Google Drive, REDCap, NACTRC, ARISE, etc.)
• Training in research study coordination (e.g., CITI Clinical Research Coordinator Course, NEW DIRECTIONS Coordinator Training Program, etc.)