Position Information

Posting Number:

IMHR25-004E

Title:

Research Assistant 2

Position Status:

Temporary Full-time

Contract End Date:

07/03/2026

FTE:

1.0

Job Schedule:

Days/Evenings

Department:

IMHR

Union:

Non-union

Site:

Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR)

About The Royal

As one of Canada’s foremost mental health care and academic health science centres, The Royal has a clear purpose: to get more people living with mental illness into recovery faster. This is at the core of everything we do and it is driven by the passion, focus and dedication of our employees. Every day, the work that we do transforms the lives of people with mental illness through specialized mental healthcare, advocacy, research and education.

**Position Title:**Research Assistant II

Immediate Supervisor:Dr. Jennifer Phillips

**Reporting Supervisor:**Administrative Director, IMHR

Summary of Responsibilities:

The Research Assistant II (RA) provides specialized research support to the Researchers, Physicians, and Research Coordinators in the Phillips lab. This role will primarily support research involving youth and adolescents with multiple mental health conditions, and adults with mood disorders. The RA will be responsible for scheduling participant interviews, recruiting and screening research participants, leading the informed consent process and administering clinical scales and cognitive testing. The RA will also assist with scheduling and implementing other procedural visits including brain imaging and biomarker collection. The RA will be responsible for preparing and maintaining participant study records and documentation, data entry and database maintenance, and other administrative duties as required. The RA is expected to uphold a thorough understanding and application of ethical research principles. The candidate will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Research project implementation (70%)

• Liaise with investigators, research collaborators, research team members, Research Ethics Board staff, Institute grants, contracts and finance staff, study sponsors and/or regulatory bodies

• Complete regulatory documentation as required, including research ethics and Health Canada applications, etc.

• Operate within established research protocol and under specific instructions as to method, process, and technique to perform or assist with routine tests, experiments and/or procedures relevant to the study

• Establish and coordinate logistical arrangements for research participants and recruitment activities, as appropriate to the study

• Recruit, instruct, and coordinate research participants, as appropriate to specific study objectives

• Ensure the smooth and efficient day-to-day operation of research and data collection activities

• Collect, process, and coordinate data, samples, and/or biospecimens for research projects

• Assist in monitoring the progress of research activities and preparation of reports, as required by investigators, administrators, funding agencies, and/or regulatory bodies

• Independently respond to research project specific correspondence, and telephone and email inquiries as required

• Organize and facilitate meetings, conferences and other events associated with research activities, as required

• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

• Grant, Manuscript, Abstract, and Presentation Preparation (15%) by:

• Organizing, editing, and drafting correspondence to publishers, grantors, contractors, and professional accreditation bodies

• Coordinating, editing, and assisting in drafting grant applications, abstracts, manuscripts, journal presentations, journal articles, letters to the editor, reports, and research protocols

• Ensuring that the necessary agency or publisher specifications are met; that all necessary authorizations and signatures have been obtained; and, that strict deadlines are met

• Assisting researchers with literature searches of various literature databases and using established or developing appropriate search criteria

• Responding to calls for papers/presentation to national and international conferences

• Assisting researchers to ensure compliance with scientific review and research ethics processes; completing relevant application forms and obtaining required signatures

• Maintaining a database of bibliographic references using appropriate software

• Manage researchers' grant cost centres and coordinate financial activity (15%) by:

• Recording, monitoring and signing for financial transactions, as authorized

• Assisting researcher(s)’ and staff members in developing budgets and budget justifications consistent with grantor/contractor eligibility requirements and IMHR policies

Qualifications:

• Relevant undergraduate degree, preferably in Psychology, Neuroscience, Cognitive Sciences or related discipline is preferred OR 2+ years experience in a clinical/medial research environment OR a combination of relevant education and experience
• Evidence of training in ICH Good Clinical Practice and/or TCPS2 is considered an asset.
• Bilingual (French and English) is an asset

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Previous experience in administration of neuropsychological assessments, structured or semi-structured diagnostic interviewing and clinical rating scales is preferred

• Previous experience in screening, recruiting, and leading the informed consent process with research participants is strongly preferred

• Previous experience with neuroimaging (e.g. MRI) and handling biological specimens (e.g. blood, urine), and/or wet lab experience is preferred

• Ability to maintain large databases and use electronic data capture methods (e.g. REDCap) is an asset

• Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities

• Ability to communicate and interact competently and professionally at all levels within a broad, complex clinical research environment

• The ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and diverse stakeholders is essential

• Skill in collecting, validating, analyzing, and manipulating research data

• Knowledge of research principles, methodology, and procedures.

• Knowledge of research ethics related to humans is an asset

• Good working knowledge of ICH Good Clinical Practices and relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines applicable to the clinical research field

• Knowledge of medical and research terminology

• Ability to conduct internet and literature database searches

• Ability to follow data collection and management guidelines.

• Ability to work under pressure and on several projects concurrently

• Self-directed and able to work independently with minimal supervision and within a multidisciplinary team

• Meticulous, detail-oriented, and highly organized

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent computer skills, including research related and statistical software

Salary Range:

$22.84 to $30.06 per hour

Additional Information

• All applicants must provide a recent resume that clearly indicate that they meet the required qualifications.
• The Royal sincerely thanks all applicants for their interest in a career with us; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
• All new hires will be required to obtain a clear and valid Criminal Record or Vulnerable Sector Records Check as a pre-condition of employment.
• The Royal is an equal opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the recruitment process.