JR101861

Research Assistant

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Public Health Physicians, Third Party Grants

The Role:

To provide support to study investigators to implement research projects according to established protocols. To assist with efforts to apply for additional third party funding.

Key Responsibilities-

• Assists with literature reviews by creating and running search strategies for web-based search tools, selecting relevant documents by reviewing abstracts for inclusion/exclusion criteria, and drafting summary annotations of key articles.
• Creates and maintains reference management files (e.g., Refworks, Endnote, and Refman) for peer-reviewed and grey literature required for literature reviews, manuscripts and reports; compiles and prepares research project bibliographies as required.
• Develops and pilot tests primary data collection tools (e.g. surveys, interview and/or focus group guides); may administer data collection protocol.
• Screens participants for inclusion criteria, recruits study participants (e.g., mails invitations, telephone follow-up, liaises with referring physicians) and schedules data collection tasks; facilitates informed consent procedures (e.g., collection of consent forms, documenting verbal consent) and communicates study benefits and risks.
• Administers questionnaires, surveys and/or key informant interviews following protocols established for data collection.
• Extracts data from existing sources according to a defined chart review or coding scheme.
• Assists with qualitative data collection by maintaining field notes, transcribing audio tapes.
• Assists with qualitative data analysis by applying thematic coding schemes to transcribed data and validating coding by applying inter-rater methodology.
• Completes data entry and data cleaning, performs quality checks.
• Performs basic statistical analysis including descriptive analyses; summarizes results in tabular and graphical form for use in PowerPoint presentations, manuscripts, and other reporting formats.
• Prepares for and supports investigator and advisory committee meetings, by coordinating logistics including speaker management, travel and catering; preparing materials such as developing agendas and other materials; providing on-site support such as taking minutes and managing registration.
• Manages documents and processes on SharePoint to ensure systems are set up to orderly archive and access relevant materials such as research ethics approvals, authorization of funds.
• Assists scientific team with knowledge translation activities such as abstract submissions, presentation preparations, manuscript submission and development of other types of knowledge products.
• Assists scientific team with research tasks to support grant applications such as preparation of CVs, literature reviews, assisting with protocol development and budget planning.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills-

• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methodology and related software applications (SPSS, SAS, NVivo), in order to assist with literature reviews by creating and running search strategies for web-based search tools, and selecting relevant documents.
• Skill and expertise in conducting literature searches and summaries, such as when creating and maintaining reference management files (e.g., Refworks, Endnote, and Refman) for peer-reviewed and grey literature required for literature reviews, manuscripts and reports.
• Skill and the ability to work in a matrix management structure and within cross disciplinary teams.
• Planning, organizing, project management skills and initiative in order to work efficiently under conditions of multiple deadlines and changing priorities with meticulous attention to detail.
• Skill and ability to approach and manage assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Office computer and data management skills with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project); familiarity with SharePoint in order to manage documents and processes on SharePoint.

Education and Experience-

• A Bachelor’s degree in public health, social sciences or related discipline, in order to provide support to study investigators to implement research projects.
• 1-3 years’ experience supporting research at an academic department, research institute or organization related to public health or health systems.

Attributes and Competencies-

• Written communication skills in order to develop draft commentary, reports, summaries and presentations.
• Interpersonal skills and oral communication skills in order to administer questionnaires, surveys and/or key informant interviews following protocols established for data collection.
• Client service and relationship building skills are required, such as to screen participants for inclusion criteria, recruit study participants (e.g., mails invitations, conducts telephone follow-up, liaises with referring physicians) and to schedule data collection tasks; to facilitate informed consent procedures (e.g., collection of consent forms, documenting verbal consent), and to communicate study benefits and risks.
• Judgement and problem-solving skills when performing basic statistical analysis including descriptive analyses; in summarizing results in tabular and graphical form for use in PowerPoint presentations, manuscripts, and other reporting formats.
• Judgement is required in creating and maintaining reference management files (e.g., Refworks, Endnote, and Refman) for peer-reviewed and grey literature required for literature reviews, manuscripts and reports.
• Accountable for assisting the team with literature reviews by creating and running search strategies for web-based search tools, selecting relevant documents by reviewing abstracts for inclusion/exclusion criteria, and drafting summary annotations of key articles.
• Accountable for assisting the scientific team with additional research tasks such as preparation of CVs, abstract submissions, poster preparations, manuscript submission and grant applications.
• Accountable for preparing for and supporting investigator and advisory committee meetings, by coordinating logistics including speaker management, travel and catering, and taking minutes.
• Teamwork skills are required to provide assistance and support to team members, such as when assisting with qualitative data collection by maintaining field notes, and transcribing audio tapes.

Duration: Contract (Fixed Term), 4 month(s)

Hours of Work: Part time, 21.75 hours per week

Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario

Salary :$54,256.00 - $70,720.00

Posting Date: 07-28-2025

Closing Date: 08-12-2025

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicate on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 4 months

Pay: $54,256.00-$70,720.00 per year

Expected hours: 21.75 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M5G 1M1