Research Assistant II MAP UpstreamLab

At the Upstream Lab, our research is driven by the desire to promote health equity and address social determinants of health. Our research focuses on four streams: 1) integrating health and social care by addressing social needs of individuals in healthcare settings; 2) population health management; 3) using data to enable proactive care, and 4) conducting trials.

We are currently looking for
a full time temporary Research Assistant II
to support on-site recruitment and data collection for our PREPARED and TreatResp initiative. The
Pandemic Preparedness Engaging Primary Care and Emergency Departments (PREPARED)
aims to build a national, integrated early warning system for pandemics by leveraging real-time clinical data, rapid diagnostic testing, and collaborative networks across primary care and emergency departments in six provinces.
Adaptive Platform Trial of Treatments for Respiratory Infections in Community Settings (TreatResp)
is a Health Canada–regulated study designed to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of therapeutics for respiratory pathogens in non-hospitalized patients

The Research Assistant II will be based in the Emergency Department at the St. Joseph's Health Centre site of Unity Health Toronto. In this role, they will play a key part in recruiting patients who present to the ED, including obtaining informed consent, collecting nasal swabs, randomizing participants, and conducting follow-up in accordance with the study protocol.

This is a full-time, on-site position located in the Emergency Department at St. Joseph's Health Centre (30 The Queensway, Toronto, ON) site of Unity Health Toronto
. The role is offered as a one-year contract with the possibility of extension, and there are additional opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects within the Upstream Lab.

Study Coordination and Participant Interaction
Recruit, screen, and enroll eligible participants in accordance with study inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Obtain informed consent and ensure participants understand study procedures.

Collect biological samples (e.g., nasal swabs) and perform basic processing as per study protocol.

Schedule and conduct participant visits and follow-ups, administer surveys

Develop / maintain trusted relationships with participants to promote retention and compliance, on- and off-site staff, within the emergency department

Data Management and Documentation
Accurately record and enter data into study databases and electronic case report forms (eCRFs).

Maintain organized and up-to-date study files, logs, and source documentation.

Ensure confidentiality and security of all research data in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.

Assist with preparation and submission of ethics applications, amendments, and annual renewals.

Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, institutional policies, and applicable regulatory standards.

Support monitoring visits and audits by providing necessary documentation and responding to queries.

Collaboration
Work closely with research team members, clinical staff, and investigators to ensure smooth study operations.

Participate in team meetings, study training sessions, and continuing education opportunities.

Communicate study progress, issues, and outcomes to the Research Coordinator, Project Manager and/or Principal Investigator.

Prepare reimbursement forms and payment requisitions for study-related invoices and expenses.

Facilitate compensation of study participants under direction of study team/PI

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
Undergraduate Degree and 1 year of relevant experience, OR demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.

Previous Experience In Clinical Or Research Settings Preferred.
Experience recruiting and screening potential participants in accordance with study inclusion and exclusion criteria across multiple clinical research protocols.

Experience collecting high-quality clinical and research data through direct patient interaction, chart review, and electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap, EPIC).

Experience collecting biological samples (i.e. nasal swabs) an asset

Experience with data capture systems, specifically REDCap an asset

Excellent attention to detail and proven ability to learn new skills.

Knowledge of research ethics, GCP, and clinical trial procedures.

Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to build strong working relationships with team members and diverse stakeholders is essential.

Thrives in a dynamic environment by quickly adapting and taking ownership of projects to deliver results efficiently and effectively.

Ability to set priorities and manage time successfully to coordinate workflow around deadlines and shifting priorities.

GCP, Health Canada Div 5, TCPS required (or to be completed within 2 weeks of hire).

Excellent oral, written, critical thinking/problem solving skills

Professionalism and self-motivation.

Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in a second language an asset

May require occasional off-hours for data collection or follow-up.

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.