Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSISTANT(I)

Job ID

71086

Location

HSC- Central Campus

Open Date

07/28/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

08/26/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Pediatrics

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 7

Salary Range

$25.70 - $39.89 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12.2 Months

Hours per Week

28

Posting Details

Schedule

28 hours per week

Education Level

Bachelor's degree

Career Level

2 years of experience

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

JD/TJD #

JD00569

Pay Grade:

7

Title:

Clinical Research Assistant (I)

Unit/Project Description:

For Department use only.

The Department of Pediatrics at McMaster University and McMaster Children’s Hospital is home to over 200 pediatricians, scientists, teachers, and trainees whose collective mission is to improve the wellbeing of children and their families – both locally, and around the world.

We are proud to represent faculty who hold Canada Research Chairs, are members of the Order of Canada and are national award-winning teachers. Our members leverage their voices as child health leaders to support our communities and advocate for change so that all children, regardless of health status, can experience a fulfilling life. Our administrators are valued team members and are critical to the success and impact of our work.

Our Vision: A brighter path for every child and their family

Our Mission: Together, we lead to advance child and youth health. We are committed to patient-centred care, research, education, learning, and advocacy. We strive for diverse representation, inclusive participation, equitable opportunities, and we address structural barriers to improve healthcare outcomes. Our innovative work achieves global impact and enhances the well-being of all children and their families. We support the welfare of our team members and engage with respect and accountability.

Values: We value compassion, collaboration, excellence, and innovation. We recognize it is our responsibility to create environments where all people feel safe and supported.

We invite you to find out more about us by visiting our website: https://healthsci.mcmaster.ca/pediatrics

Join a collaborative, multi-site research team dedicated to advancing discovery in neurodevelopmental science. This position is based within the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network McMaster University Site. Established in 2012 and funded by the Ontario Brain Institute, POND is one of Canada's leading and longest-standing research programs focused on understanding the biology and treatment of neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, intellectual disability, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

The McMaster site is a key contributor to this interdisciplinary network, providing a supportive environment for research professionals who are motivated to build expertise in clinical research, developmental assessment, and child health. The Research Assistant will play an integral role in both longitudinal studies and clinical trials, gaining practical experience in participant engagement, assessment administration, data management, and research ethics.

This position offers a strong foundation for individuals seeking to develop a career in clinical research, developmental psychology, pediatrics, or neuroscience. It is particularly well-suited to applicants who are proactive, detail-oriented, and committed to contributing to high-quality research that supports meaningful improvements in care for children and youth with neurodevelopmental conditions.

Job Summary:

Responsible for organizing and administering one or more clinical research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.

• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.

• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.

• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.

• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.

• Liaise between the centre and remote clinic sites and personnel.

• Conduct structured patient interviews.

• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.

• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.

• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and patients.

• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters.

• Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs.

• Conduct literature searches.

• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.

• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.

• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.

• Write a variety of letters and memos.

• Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance.

• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions. Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Additional Information:

Key Responsibilities:

• Build trust with participants and families by guiding them through the consent and assent process in accordance with research ethics standards.
• Score standardized assessments and questionnaires used in neurodevelopmental research adhering to standard protocols
• Maintain accurate, high-quality data entry in secure study databases such as REDCap.
• Collaborate with team members to follow up on clinically important imaging or genetic findings and ensure appropriate communication with families or care providers.
• Support the preparation and submission of Research Ethics Board (REB) applications and amendments.
• Share accessible and timely study-related updates with participants and families.
• Support the implementation of clinical trials that are embedded within the broader study.
• Assist in coordinating the collection, proper storage, and transport of biological samples in line with standardized research protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure ethical handling of all participant information.
• Participate in local and network-wide team meetings and contribute to planning and problem-solving discussions.
• Monitor timelines, support team coordination, and help ensure the site meets project milestones and deliverables.
• Training to provide backup support to the site Psychometrist and Trial Coordinator. This includes gaining familiarity with standardized assessments and ensuring compliance with clinical trial protocols.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Psychology, Health Sciences, Neuroscience).
• At least 2 years of related experience in a clinical or research setting.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and respectfully.
• Comfort working with digital tools such as REDCap and Microsoft 365 (e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook), with a willingness to learn new systems as needed.
• Proactive, detail-oriented approach to managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a supportive, interdisciplinary team.

Preferred:

• Experience engaging with children and their caregivers in a professional or academic capacity.
• Experience working with children and youth with neurodevelopmental differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, intellectual disability).
• Comfort with developmental assessments, caregiver interviews, and research data workflows.
• Completion of the following training:
• Health Canada Division 5 – Clinical Trial Training
• TCPS 2: CORE – Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans
• ICH-GCP – Good Clinical Practice Certification
• PHIPA – Personal Health Information Protection Act Training

Extension of position likely dependent on continued funding.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Vaccination Mandate - FHS

This position is located in a host hospital or other healthcare site that has an active vaccination mandate in place. Successful applicants will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.