medical research assistant jobs in Toronto, ON

The Toronto Clinical Osteoarthritis Research Program is currently looking for a Research Assistant II to join its growing research efforts, and in particular, support projects co-lead by physicians and scientists at St. Michael’s Hospital, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, and an international team of experts in osteoarthritis.

The Research Assistant II will provide essential assistance, organizational and administrative support to research projects, including but not limited to collecting, recording and processing of data, following research protocols, screening and consenting study participants, labeling and shipping samples and study related material. Research may take place in a clinical, community, or laboratory settings and thus tasks may vary depending on the nature of the research.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people in underrepresented communities are less likely to apply to jobs when they don’t meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still welcome you to apply.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Research Duties (55% of work time)

The Research Assistant II supports and assists the research activities needed for each project.

• Act as a point of contact for studies at participating community/healthcare organizations.
• Support screening, recruitment and consenting of research participants.
• Collect data via chart review, phone calls, interviews and quantitative surveys to study participants using online survey tool (REDCap).
• Develop and maintain accurate records of participant’s data and progress during projects (including eligibility criteria, recruitment info, sample collections, follow-up, and other relevant information).
• Coordinate appointments with research participants and various departments such as pharmacy, laboratories, medical records, etc.
• Facilitate compensation of study participants under direction of study team/PI.
• Travel to participant sites as required.
• Conduct general coding/analysis of quantitative and qualitative research data.
• Support the preparation and submission of forms (e.g., reimbursement forms, REB applications, contract submission forms). Help prepare REB/CTO submissions relative to the initiation and conduct of individual studies. Register study protocols.
• Perform literature searches/data mining on requested topics.
• May assist with manuscript and report writing and submission.

Administrative Duties (30% of work time)

• Organize video/teleconference meetings and in-person appointments for research studies, including contacting attendees and preparing meeting materials.
• With support from study team/PI creates slides for meetings and conferences.
• General office duties, e.g. filing, mailings, courier services, inventory maintenance, etc.
• Post on social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Staff Guidance Tasks (5% of work time)

• May assist in training research students and new recruits (Research Assistant I’s) in collecting data, and coordinating summer student’s schedules.

Performs Cross Functional and Other Duties as Assigned and/or Requested.

All staff are expected to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner which prioritizes patient and employee safety and confidentiality. Key accountabilities in this regard include:

• Strict compliance with patient/employee confidentiality practices and policies.
• Strict compliance with patient/employee safety practices and standards.
• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee confidentiality breaches in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee safety risks and incidents/events in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Undergraduate Degree and 1 year of relevant experience, or demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.
• TCPS CORE 2 is preferred (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire).
• Health Canada Division 5 is preferred (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire).
• Good clinical practice certificate is an asset (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire).
• Responsible Conduct of Research is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of medical and scientific terminology.
• Knowledge of research ethics, confidentiality and documentation standards.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience with a reference manager (i.e EndNote, Mendeley, etc.) is preferred.
• Statistical programming (E.g., Stata, R/R Studio, SPSS, SAS, etc.) and qualitative analysis skills (e.g. NVIVO) are an asset.
• Experience in programming and managing online surveys and databases (e.g. REDCap) is an asset.
• Proven ability to learn new skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal/written) and interpersonal skills are necessary.
• Able to understand written and verbal direction.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.