Cardiac Research Assistant: Data & Trials

Job Summary

The Cardiac Research Assistant: Data & Trials at the University of Calgary is a specialized clinical support role within a high-stakes medical research environment. Operating as a “Clinical Data Steward,” you are responsible for the seamless execution of cardiac study protocols and the meticulous management of patient data. This role requires the “wit” to navigate complex regulatory requirements (like Health Canada or FDA standards) and the “grit” to manage the unpredictable scheduling demands of active clinical trials.

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Job Details

• Employer: University of Calgary (Faculty of Medicine / Libin Cardiovascular Institute).

• Position Type: Full-time, Fixed-Term (Approximately 6 months).

• Location: Calgary, AB (Likely based at Foothills Medical Centre or main campus).

• Core Function: Clinical Trial Administration & Data Collection.

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Key Responsibilities: The Clinical Trial Lifecycle

You will support the “front lines” of cardiovascular discovery, ensuring that every patient interaction and data point is captured with absolute precision.

• Patient Coordination: Schedule study visits for cardiac patients, ensuring all procedures align with the specific timing requirements of the research protocol.

• Data Collection & Entry: Collect physiological data (e.g., vitals, ECG results, or blood work) and enter it into Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems like REDCap or Medidata.

• Record Management: Organize and maintain confidential participant records, ensuring strict adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and HIPAA/FOIP privacy standards.

• Administrative Support: Assist principal investigators (PIs) and senior coordinators with ethics board (REB) submissions and the maintenance of the Trial Master File (TMF).

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all study activities are performed according to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the university and health authority.

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Candidate Profile & Qualifications

• The “Clinical Professional”: An undergraduate degree in a health-related field (Nursing, Kinesiology, Biology, or Health Sciences).

• Research Wit: At least two years of direct experience in clinical research, specifically within a hospital or academic setting.

• Certifications: Current certification in TCPS 2 (Ethics) and GCP (Good Clinical Practice) is expected.

• Operational Grit: Strong organizational skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations and multidisciplinary medical teams.

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Technical Insights: The Cardiac Research Framework

In cardiovascular trials, the accuracy of longitudinal data is critical for determining the efficacy of new treatments or devices.

• Adverse Event Reporting: You will be trained to identify and document “Adverse Events” (AEs) or “Serious Adverse Events” (SAEs), which are critical for patient safety and regulatory reporting.

• Informed Consent: You may assist in the “Informed Consent” process, ensuring participants fully understand the risks and benefits of the cardiac study before enrolling.

• Source Document Verification (SDV): You will ensure that the data entered into the digital database perfectly matches the original “source” (e.g., a patient’s medical chart or a printout from a cardiac monitor).

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Diversity and Statistics at UCalgary

The University of Calgary is a leader in promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within its medical research teams.

• Inclusive Recruitment: The university explicitly seeks a diverse staff, recognizing that varied lived experiences improve the quality of patient care and research outcomes.

• Indigenous Strategy (ii’ taa’poh’to’p): Cardiac research at UCalgary often involves working with Indigenous communities to address health disparities. The university provides a culturally competent environment supported by 18 Elders.

• Institutional Scale: As a top research university with 36,000 students, UCalgary provides a robust professional network for research assistants, offering a gateway into long-term careers in clinical trial management.

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Job Description

Do you believe that the future of heart health is built on the integrity of the data we collect today? The University of Calgary is seeking a Cardiac Research Assistant to join our clinical trials team. We aren’t just “filling out forms”; we are the guardians of the data that will lead to the next breakthrough in cardiovascular medicine. If you have the “grit” to manage a busy trial schedule and the “wit” to ensure absolute regulatory compliance, you belong in our research lab.

In this role, you are a “Discovery Facilitator.” You understand that behind every data point is a patient hoping for a better outcome. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Clinical Support,” ensuring our studies are conducted with the highest ethical and professional standards. We look for “Integrity-first” researchers who are meticulous, empathetic, and ready to contribute to Canada’s most entrepreneurial university.

Joining UCalgary means joining a world-class research community in one of Canada’s most livable cities. We offer a professional, fast-paced environment where your clinical research experience will have a direct impact on the lives of Albertans. If you are a health professional with a commitment to “Data Integrity and Equitable Research,” we invite you to apply and help us advance heart health for everyone.