Research Assistant, Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, UofC

Position Overview

The Department of Medical Genetics in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Fixed Term Full-time position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Program Manager.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Assist with patient contact from referrals in the research program

Review consent forms, respond to questions and obtain consent for families who wish to enrol

Complete and send out requisitions to obtain relevant samples where required

Liaise with research facilities and assist with coordination of sample collection and transfer

Assist with research ethics and other regulatory applications

Assist with documentation in research database of patient and family enrolment including details of date of enrolment, demographics, samples obtained etc.

Compile, draft and maintain correspondence, spreadsheets

Comfortable with contacting families through multiple means for enrolment and follow up

Knowledge pertaining to participant privacy and methods employed to protect it with meticulous attention to those methods in day to day work

Completion of Tri-council Policy Statement CORE module version 2

Completion of Alberta Health Services Privacy and Confidentiality module

Desire and motivation to continuously improve on procedures and practices to increase effectiveness and efficiency of work area

Qualifications / Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in a health or science related field

Experience in medical genetics would be an asset

Minimum three years research experience with experience in sample and data collection

Detail oriented and comfortable with complex work flows

Experience with clinical research and/or direct patient contact would be an asset

Requires excellent organization and analytical skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills are a necessity

Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint)

Ability to create spreadsheets

Ability to collect, organize and analyze data

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to multi-task and effectively work with all members of the team, dealing with tact and diplomacy in all situations

A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are critical to success

Knowledge of the University of Calgary processes and procedures is desirable