ALS Assistant

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

Non Union Technicians and Research Assistants

Job Profile

Non Union Salaried - Research Assistant /Technician 2

Job Title

Target - ALS Assistant

Department

Pioro Laboratory Support Division of Neurology | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$4,333.86 - $5,155.61 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

June 5, 2026

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

Job End Date

May 31, 2027

Please note, this position is a 10 month term position, with the possibility of 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 Target-ALS Assistant will provide technical and research support for various functions and duties related to clinical research operations at the UBC Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis & Related Disorders (ALSRD) Clinic, with a primary focus on the “Target ALS” global natural history longitudinal study.

This position is situated in the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health (DMCBH) – UBC Vancouver campus. Working conditions consist of locked and shared office space with office furnishings and shared supplies.

In addition to areas of the hospital and DMCBH, outpatient study visits take place in clinical offices/exam rooms, and research recording and communication occurs within the research office. Attendance at study progress or research meetings within the hospital or DMCBH is expected. Attendance at clinical research-related professional development training programs or webinars will be strongly encouraged.

Organizational Status

This position reports to the Clinical Research Manager and works in collaboration with the Clinical Research Coordinator. Additional oversight may be provided by the Research Coordinator and Principal Investigator, Dr. Erik P. Pioro. The role liaises with research study participants, study site staff, UBC/VCH institutional staff, and study sponsor personnel as needed.

Work Performed

Summary of Work Performed – Target ALS Biomarker Study

Research & Technical Support

• Provides research and technical support for a large, multi-site longitudinal observational study involving neurological research participants, using established methods and procedures.
• Assists with routine protocol-related activities, including review of study materials, preparation of research documentation, and support of scheduled study visits and assessments, under supervision.
• Performs research tasks in accordance with approved study protocols, laboratory manuals, and direction from senior research staff.

Data Collection & Data Management

• Supports the collection, recording, entry, verification, and maintenance of study data related to clinical research assessments, questionnaires, and visit activities using standardized forms and approved electronic systems.
• Assists with upkeep of study databases and performs routine data review and quality checks, identifying missing or inconsistent data for follow-up by senior team members.
• Organizes and maintains study records, visit logs, sample logs, trackers, and supporting documentation required for routine study operations.

Participant Interaction & Study Procedures

• Assists with participant-related activities for both patient and control cohorts, including screening support, enrolment and visit tracking, scheduling assistance, and follow-up communications, in accordance with study requirements.
• Supports informed consent processes by preparing and organizing consent materials, tracking consent status, and confirming documentation prior to protocol-defined activities.
• Conducts participant-facing research activities within scope of role, including administering standardized questionnaires and assessments, assisting with interviews, and providing general guidance related to study procedures.
• Supports protocol-defined remote or telephone-based follow-up activities as directed, including documentation of participant-reported information.

Sample & Materials Management

• Assists with protocol-defined collection support, handling, labeling, processing, storage, inventory tracking, and preparation for shipment of biological samples, following established procedures.
• Maintains biospecimen documentation such as sample logs, freezer inventories, and shipment records under supervision.
• Supports organization and maintenance of study supplies, laboratory materials, and basic research equipment required for participant visits and sample processing.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Support

• Assists with preparation, organization, and maintenance of research ethics and regulatory documentation related to the study, including amendments, renewals, and essential study files.
• Documents and communicates study-related events or issues, including participant-reported concerns or adverse events, to senior research staff in accordance with study procedures.
• Supports adherence to approved protocols, institutional policies, and applicable research ethics and quality guidelines.

Administrative & Team Support

• Provides routine administrative and logistical support for study operations, including filing, scheduling assistance, meeting preparation, and documentation management.
• Communicates with research team members and study collaborators to support coordination of daily study activities.
• Participates in research team meetings, study meetings, training sessions, and required protocol-specific training.
• Performs other related duties consistent with the scope and responsibilities of a Research Assistant / Technician 2 (TRA2) role.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

• Clinical mistakes, including lack of careful attention to detail and/or monitoring of study participants, may jeopardize participant safety, wellbeing, and/or confidentiality.
• Lack of /delays in study enrollment, inattention to detail, data entry errors, and work not completed according to deadlines and applicable requirements would threaten integrity of the research, loss of time (project delays) and wasted resources, loss of funding and consideration for future invitations to participate in clinical trials, or lead to investigator / site suspension.
• Poor communication skills with patients or study participants would jeopardize their participation, and with sponsors and referring/community physicians would reflect poorly on the reputation of the research group and site PI.

All activities involving study participants are accountable to the Research Manager and the PI.

Decision Making/Accountability

While the work may be of complex nature, tasks are assigned in line with the qualifications and requirements of the role. The Assistant is expected to be able to independently plan and schedule their own work, in accordance with any timelines or deadlines that may apply.

Supervision Received

This position reports directly to the Clinical Research Manager and may receive additional oversight from the Research Coordinator and Principal Investigator. Training for the Assistant will be provided by senior research team members, including the Clinical Research Coordinator and/or Research Manager. May collaborate with other research assistants. Works under general supervision; receives detailed instructions on the assignment of new duties and thereafter only on new or unusual problems.

Supervision Given

None but may explain work sequence to others.

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

• University degree in relevant discipline or completion of a technical program
• Certification in current research guidelines and regulations an asset (TCPS2, ICH-GCP, Health Canada Div. 5).
• Computer proficiency mandatory, including use of Word, Excel and similar applications.
• Working knowledge of REDCap and other EDC systems an asset.
• Experience & working knowledge in the handling of biological specimens an asset.
• Training and experience in phlebotomy by venipuncture.
• Ability to exercise judgement and make decisions in accordance with broad research objectives.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, diplomacy, and empathy.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills; ability to collaborate with diverse staff, study team members, patients and families.
• Availability for some after-hours and weekend work may be required.
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge and skills related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Sound judgment and discretion in maintaining confidentiality & privacy in the management of patient- and study-related sensitive information.
• Superior communication and writing skills, analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to independently organize workload & work with minimal supervision, both independently and within a team environment.
• Ability to maintain high standards in quality of work, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to receive and act on constructive feedback.