Research Assistant - Clinical Research Database Specialist

• Reviews the existing hip and knee replacement research database, data sources, and workflows; identifies technical limitations and develops practical improvements to data collection, organization, quality, and reporting.
• Works with surgeon investigators to understand the clinical and surgical information required. Designs and implements improvements to database structure, data categories, and procedures for collecting and maintaining that information.
• Develops tools and procedures to extract, organize, manipulate, validate, and report data from Cerner, operating room reports, and other approved hospital and health authority sources. Works with the team to improve the consistency of source reports where needed.
• Troubleshoots complex database and data quality problems, develops operating procedures, and provides guidance and training to staff and trainees using the database.
• Develops queries and research datasets to help identify and follow patient populations for approved research and quality improvement activities.
• For specific research or quality improvement questions, investigates methods for obtaining relevant information from provincial and national data sources and recommends practical approaches to incorporating that information into the Division’s research work.
• Evaluates emerging tools, including use of artificial intelligence for data extraction and analysis, and recommends whether and how they could improve the Division’s data processes.

• Supports studies by identifying and screening potential participants, obtaining informed consent, coordinating study visits, administering questionnaires, and liaising with participants, investigators, and research staff.
• Conducts chart reviews and data collection; maintains study databases, source documents, participant records, and research files; and checks the accuracy, quality, and confidentiality of research data.
• Assists with Research Ethics Board submissions and amendments, maintains study protocols and procedures, and prepares records for monitoring visits and audits in accordance with applicable research requirements.
• Assists with grant applications, abstracts, reports, presentations, and manuscripts; reports on project progress; and provides technical guidance to students and trainees on assigned research tasks. Performs statistical analyses where required and within the position’s expertise.

• Supervises, schedules, and trains staff; may make recommendations with respect to hiring and staff performance evaluations for research personnel below their level of training.

The incumbent may pursue research and publications within the Division, subject to project priorities and approval. Performs other related duties consistent with the Research Assistant/Technician 4 classification.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work both independently and within an interdisciplinary team environment
• Database scientist expertise - strong computer skills and expertise with databases and/or large datasets  
• Modern clinical database expertise
• Implementation of AI into clinical database workflows
• Past experience with database creation and implementation
• Scientific abstracts and manuscript preparation, with history of peer reviewed publications
• REB submissions
• Grant applications (CIHR, etc).
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbally and in writing)
• Formal training in statistical analysis is an asset for analysis of fellow and resident studies.
• Demonstrated initiative and the willingness to work closely with members of a research team to ensure problems are resolved quickly and appropriately