Research Assistant, Nephrology Research Office, BC Kidney Research Collaboratory; BC KRC)

Research Assistant, Nephrology Research Office, BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC)

The Nephrology Research Office at Providence Research is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support clinical trials and health research conducted within the BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC).

Work location: St. Paul’s Hospital

Employer: Providence Research (1-year term with potential for extension based on funding)

Position Summary:

The Nephrology Research Office at Providence Research is seeking an organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support clinical trials and health research conducted within the BC Kidney Research Collaboratory (BC KRC). Research activities take place across St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver General Hospital, and approved community or field settings. Working both independently and as part of a collaborative team, the Research Assistant interacts closely with Principal Investigators, Clinical Research Coordinators, research staff, physicians, allied health professionals, and patients living with kidney disease.

This position provides an excellent foundational opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in clinical and health research while contributing to studies aimed at improving patient outcomes.

Organizational Status

The Research Assistant reports directly to the BC KRC Research Program Manager and works under the day-to-day operational direction of the Research Program Manager and designated Clinical Research Coordinators. The role maintains collaborative working relationships with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators, hospital clinical teams, and external research partners.

Work Performed

Under appropriate supervision, the Research Assistant is responsible for the general day-to-day conduct of assigned research activities in strict compliance with study protocols, institutional policies, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Participant Recruitment and Study Visits

• Identify, screen, and recruit potential research participants according to study-specific eligibility criteria and approved recruitment procedures.
• Support and, where appropriately delegated and trained, conduct the informed consent process.
• Coordinate participant scheduling, track follow-up intervals, and proactively identify potential participation barriers.
• Conduct study visits and research procedures in hospital, outpatient clinic, or field settings as required by individual protocols.
• Communicate professionally and compassionately with study participants and their families throughout their involvement.

Data Collection and Research Documentation

• Collect, enter, and review research data accurately within established project timelines.
• Complete and maintain source documentation, case report forms (CRFs), study logs, and questionnaires.
• Ensure all research records are accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with ICH guidelines and ALCOA+ principles.
• Support database management, resolve basic data queries, and assist with data quality reviews.
• Maintain strict participant privacy and data confidentiality across all research activities.

Clinical Research Procedures and Biospecimens

• Facilitate and coordinate the collection of blood, urine, or other study-specific samples and patient questionnaires.
• Process, label, document, store, and prepare biospecimens for shipment according to protocol requirements and safety procedures.
• Coordinate logistics with clinical departments, hospital laboratories, couriers, and external vendors.

Regulatory and Operational Support

• Assist with the creation, preparation, organization, and maintenance of study documents and regulatory files.
• Support the maintenance of training records, delegation logs, and general study correspondence.
• Provide operational support and cross-coverage to Clinical Research Coordinators and the BC KRC Research Program Manager to support effective and timely study operations.
• Assist with general research administration, study start-up, and close-out activities as assigned.

Consequence of Error/ Impact of Decisions

The Research Assistant performs work that directly impacts participant safety, data integrity, and regulatory compliance. Errors, omissions, or a failure to follow approved procedures could compromise research results, breach patient confidentiality, or result in protocol deviations. Such mistakes can cause distress to study participants and may lead to financial, regulatory, or…