Job Description

Your Opportunity:
The Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System (ACASS) is a provincial birth defects monitoring system responsible for the ongoing collection, interpretation, analysis and reporting of birth defects in Alberta. ACASS has an important public health function providing reliable and valid data on the birth prevalence and trends of congenital anomalies in Alberta. ACASS is also important to clinicians and researchers in advancing knowledge of prevalence rates and known or suspected risk factors associated with birth defects. Given the comprehensiveness of ascertainment, validation and quality control measures, ACASS is recognized nationally and internationally as a gold standard surveillance system and has been a long-standing member of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research. The processes for case ascertainment and reporting are outlined in ACASS reports available online through Alberta Health. With a background in anatomy, embryology and genetics, the major responsibilities of the Research Assistant I are to ascertain eligible cases using a variety of data sources, review and code incoming provincial birth defects reporting forms, and validate birth defects with available medical records. Other duties include but are not exclusive to assisting with reports, grants, proposals, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, participating in epidemiological research, and assisting with teaching. Clinical trial duties are not relevant to this position. The ACASS Research Assistant has a fundamental role in supporting the excellence of birth defects monitoring and reporting for Alberta. This temporary 1.0 FTE Research Assistant I position is located at the Alberta Children's Hospital and works closely with Genetic Services. This position reports to the Unit Manager for Genetic Services, AHS South / ACASS.
Description:
As a Research Assistant I, you will primarily focus on supporting research projects. Duties may include collecting and managing data, conducting literature searches, assisting with dissemination of research findings, and maintaining research project files. You will use your knowledge and skills to contribute to maintaining high quality data with the philosophy and standards of AHS.

Classification:

Research Assistant I

Union:

HSAA Facility PROF/TECH

Unit and Program:

Alberta Congenital Anomalies Surveillance System

Primary Location:

Alberta Children's Hospital

Location Details:

As Per Location

Multi-Site:

Not Applicable

FTE:

1.00

Posting End Date:

17-NOV-2025

Temporary Employee Class:

Temp F/T Benefits

Date Available:

05-JAN-2026

Temporary End Date:

30-JUL-2027

Hours per Shift:

7.75

Length of Shift in weeks:

2

Shifts per cycle:

10

Shift Pattern:

Days

Days Off:

Saturday/Sunday

Minimum Salary:

$35.50

Maximum Salary:

$46.82

Vehicle Requirement:

Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:

Completion of post-secondary diploma; or degree in a health or science related field; or Certification as a Clinical Research Associate through the Society of Clinical Research Associates (SOCRA).

Additional Required Qualifications:

An Undergraduate Science degree is required. Education and work experience in areas pertaining to health care including public health, embryology, genetics, health information management, and epidemiology. 3-5 years hospital experience and knowledge of the health systems. Experience using Connect Care (Epic) to perform data abstraction. Experience with large data sets. Knowledge and competencies in ICD coding. Demonstrated experience in performing and critiquing literature searches. Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing with experience supporting publications as a team member. Demonstrated experience in communicating effectively to various audiences such as health professionals, government agencies and the public. Demonstrated knowledge, confidence and experience with computer databases and software. Familiarity with medical terminology, anatomy and disease processes, especially as relevant to rare genetic diseases. Extensive experience using Microsoft office (Excel, Outlook, Word, Access), and experience with data cleaning. Experience reviewing and analysing datasets to identify and resolve potential issues, errors and gaps. Must be able to sit and type on the computer and use a mouse for prolonged periods of time. Must be physically able to lift up to 50lbs. Must be able to lift a range from floor to above shoulders. Must be able to twist, bend, squat, kneel, push, pull and climb ladders. Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

Proven ability to perform highly accurate, detailed, organised work, including prioritising workload and meeting established deadlines. Education background and/or experience in human genetics, public health, health information management, and health care research. Knowledge of epidemiology and biostatistics is an asset. Working knowledge of congenital anomalies classification and birth defects coding is an asset. Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.