Research Methods Specialist

Job Description

Through its core values of Courage, Respect and Excellence, CAMH is implementing its Strategic Plan: Connected CAMH, to transform lives, ignite innovation and discovery, revolutionize education and drive social change. CAMH is more than a hospital, it is a cause. CAMH is on a mission to change the way society thinks about and responds to mental illness. They aim to eliminate prejudice and discrimination and shape a world where mental illness is central to our healthcare system – a world where Mental Health is Health.

To learn more about CAMH, please visit their website at:

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Based in the Child, Youth and Emerging Adult Program, the donor funded Cundill Centre is a vibrant clinical research Centre dedicated to understanding and addressing child and youth depression. The Cundill Centre is developing best practices for the screening, prevention and treatment of child and youth depression, revolutionizing research, care and knowledge exchange in the field by addressing key evidence gaps. To achieve this goal, the Centre involves a large network of national and international scientists, clinicians and experts working in collaboration with youth, families and key stakeholders.

In this full-time, contract (12 months) position as a Research Methods Specialist, you will assist the Principal Investigators, Research Operations Manager and program staff with a number of database and statistical responsibilities for the Cundill Centre. These include (but are not limited to): development of database structure, testing, operationalizing, and maintaining study databases and study tools using primarily the REDCap platform; pulling and cleaning data in preparation for data analyses; conducting basic analyses using statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, SAS, Matlab, R); and simple data interpretation. You will also be required to assist in developing and implementing database frameworks and evaluation tools, linking study databases with larger scale projects using existing CAMH data platforms (e.g. REDCap, XNAT, LabKey, Tableau), monitoring day-to-day data collection, ensuring data integrity and accuracy, and entering and quality assuring study data. You will coordinate consistent data capture (where possible) across research studies within and advise on strategic approaches for data consistency to maximize output of data collection.

In addition, you will help develop departmental SOPs as well as follow and update any existing departmental data SOPs. You will stay up-to-date with new database creation and linkage techniques available through CAMH, and will liaise with the CAMH Neuroinformatics and Biostatistics department. You will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable CAMH policies, as well as all regulatory and legislative requirements. This position is located at CAMH, 80 Workman Way, Toronto ON.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain a REDCap database to support a Centralized Recruitment Mechanism for the Child, Youth and Emerging Adult Program.
• Develop online electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs) using electronic data capture software (e.g., REDCap). This includes building forms and fields, applying edit checks, creating customized functions, and conducting rigorous testing and validation.
• Support the entire lifecycle of data collection, including entry, auditing, quality control, and accuracy assurance. Implement a formalized data quality framework to ensure the integrity and reliability of data transfers between KCNI and OBI.
• Manage end-to-end data flows, identify data dependencies, and support delivery, release, and change management to ensure data is reusable and accessible long-term.
• Coordinate and/or conduct evaluations of research data, designing methodologies and tools to support efficient data collection and analysis.
• Work closely with technical teams to facilitate seamless data transfers between systems, defining requirements and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
• Collaborate on the development of user-centered data dashboards and generate reports/data extracts as required by study investigators.
• Serve as a technical expert in system and applications, integration and security, particularly in the context of data transfer between research platforms.
• Perform administrative duties related to database management and maintain study documentation as required.
• Develop and maintain system documentation and provide training to team members on system functionalities and integrations.

Job Requirements

• Honours Bachelor's degree in social sciences, epidemiology, biostatistics or computer and informational science or a related field.
• 5 years related experience with health services research, preferably in a university environment or academic hospital setting, with substantial experience in data management within research settings.
• Programming skills in REDCap, R, and Python. Strong knowledge of databases (SQL), and familiarity with data engineering systems, models, and structures.
• Experience with neuroimaging (fMRI and/or EEG), molecular, and clinical datasets is preferred. Experience in longitudinal, complex mental health research studies is an asset.
• Knowledge of IT infrastructure; ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with study project teams and technical resources
• Strong knowledge of data management across the research lifecycle, including creating, processing, analysis, preservation, access, and reuse of data
• Strong organizational (e.g. time management skills); ability to multi-task, attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail and determined attitude towards ensuring accuracy and integrity while meeting project deadlines and requirements
• Advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills and demonstrated communications skills (both oral and written).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and diverse stakeholders in a team environment
• Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in a second language would be an asset.

Please Note: This full-time, contract position lasting one (1) year is part of the OPSEU Bargaining Unit.