Research Coordinator II
The Options Collaboratory (www.optionslab.ca) is currently looking for a dynamic team player with experience conducting clinical trials to fill an exciting new position as a Research Coordinator II. Our lab is an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to bringing together community, academic, clinical, and policy partners to find and implement new and better options for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We are housed within the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (www.maphealth.ca) and conduct clinical research within the Division of Infectious Diseases at St. Michaels Hospital.
The successful candidate will coordinate exciting research studies related to prevention, diagnostics, and management of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections as well as emerging infectious diseases.
Specific tasks will include preparing submissions for research ethics, creating and maintaining study records, recruiting study participants, conducting study visits as per protocols, collecting and processing samples as appropriate, and maintaining meticulous study records in compliance with study protocols and Health Canada regulations. These tasks require excellent project management, interpersonal communication, and knowledge of Good Clinical Practice guidelines, Health Canada Division 5 regulations and TCPS2. Prior familiarity with HIV research and principles of community-engaged research are an asset.
Because our lab works with historically disadvantaged populations including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, ethno cultural minorities, and other equity-seeking groups, the ideal candidate must have demonstrated familiarity and comfort working with these populations. Please address this explicitly in your cover letter.
This position is onsite with the option for occasional remote work.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people in underrepresented communities are less likely to apply to jobs when they don’t meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still welcome you to apply.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Research Duties (50% of work time)
Ongoing coordination of study activities; day to day project management of timelines, resources, deliverables, and study tasks.
Assists Principal Investigator and Research Program Manager in the initiation of new research and:
Coordinates and conducts screening, recruitment, and follow-up visits with participants.
Manages, prepares, and oversees monitors/audits.
Monitors, and controls research regulations, quality, and guidelines, including ethical (e.g., REB submissions), and safety protocols.
Writes and administers informed consent forms.
Supports, coordinates proposals, and grant applications.
Develops, and reviews content in proposals, grant applications, and protocols, including feasibility assessments.
Participates in quantitative and qualitative data collection, including conducting interviews, data entry, cleaning/coding data, and quality control, in accordance with hospital and privacy regulations.
Prepares and presents research related information in consultation with multiple stakeholders, including reports, proposals, publications, manuscripts, abstracts, newsletters, posters etc.
Conducts and may lead study assessments and reports, literature reviews, data analysis etc.
Contributes to the interpretation and implementation of project goals, protocols, and plans (including risk management).
Creates evidence-based solutions, efficiencies or high-level plans when necessary.
Develops processes, tools (workflow, Gantt charts), and resources to support team members, and projects.
Provides logistical support in collaboration with funding partners confirms and maintains budgets.
Manages, oversees, and coordinates research activities for PI and sponsor initiated research including:
Ensuring appropriate contracts are in place.
Responding to REB queries and ensuring approvals are in place.
Facilitates shipment of investigational devices to clinical trial sites.
Provides project management support and oversight to research staff in other research sites and research assistants.
Prepares invoices and reimbursements and works with research finance to issue payments.
Manages honoraria, ensuring signatures for each participant.
Biological sample collection (Phlebotomy, dry blood spot testing etc.), processing and shipping according to TDG/IATA.
Maintains awareness of health and research news, events and current high-profile research activities.
Administrative Duties (35% of work time)
Designs source documents (templates, tracking files, forms, guidance documents) for the collection, and management of information/data.
Creates trainings, manuals, e-learning content for clinical trial conduct
Organizes, facilitates, and runs meetings with internal teams, and external stakeholders.
Submits applications to privacy teams and responds to privacy concerns about research conduct and ensure that projects comply with all policies.
Negotiates budgets with external and internal stakeholders.
Prepares reports for funding agencies, and other internal or external stakeholders.
Day to day project and staff guidance (15% of work time)
Coordinates, trains, mentors, and delegates tasks (including overseeing quality control of submitted assignments) to Research Assistants, volunteers, students, casual staff, internal/external collaborators, and Research Coordinator I's.
Assists with hiring, onboarding new staff, and supports team members through capacity building, and coaching.
Supports team growth and encourages collaboration and team-focused approaches through participation in team meetings and education sessions.
Completes Health Canada regulatory inspections for regulated clinical trials and supports the institution and the investigator in maintaining compliant practices.
Performs cross-functional and other duties as assigned and/or requested.
Qualifications
Undergraduate Degree and 3 years of relevant experience, OR demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.
Experience in clinical research is required.
GCP certificate is required. (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire)
Health Canada Division 5 certificate is required. (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire)
TCPS CORE 2 is required. (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire)
Clinical Research certificate is an asset.
Completion of or willingness to complete a phlebotomy workshop/certificate or lab tech course is an asset.
Familiarity with medical/healthcare terminology.
Understanding of systemic power structures and their effect on individual and public health.
Experience with navigating ethics boards and grant funding applications.
Knowledge of healthcare research.
Experience with plain language writing.
Project Management skills are an asset.
Experience working with a diversity of stakeholders is an asset.
Strong computer skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) experience, and database software.
Experience with video conferencing software (Zoom, Microsoft Teams etc.).
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proven ability to learn new skills.
Ability to assimilate new information, and concepts quickly.
Awareness and commitment to diverse communities and priority populations (BIPOC, LGBT+, people who use drugs experiencing homelessness, or have health issues etc.).
Empathy and ability to cope with emotionally difficult situations participants may be facing.
Self-driven and takes initiative.
Leadership skills.
Self-motivated.
Ability to work in a fast paced, adaptable environment.
Aptitude for analytical problem solving skills.
Ability to meet deadlines, punctual.
We value personalized and authentic cover letters that reflect your unique experiences and perspectives. While AI tools can assist with creating a draft cover letter, we encourage applicants to limit their use to ensure your application and your cover letter reflect who you are as a person and accurately reflects your qualifications and interest in our work. Content that is clearly written using AI software is likely to be viewed negatively by our hiring committee. Please note that applications that do not include a cover letter will not be considered.
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.
