Clinical Research Assistant - University Health Network, Toronto

Position summary

The UHN Emergency Medicine Research Program supports a diverse portfolio of innovative and collaborative research across multiple areas, including clinical emergency medicine, addiction medicine and health equity, education, global health, health services delivery, injury prevention, palliative care, and quality improvement. The Department of Emergency Medicine is currently seeking a Clinical Research Study Assistant to support a portfolio of clinical and health services research studies. Working under the direction and close supervision of Principal Investigators and senior research staff, the Clinical Research Study Assistant will provide participant-facing, research, organizational, and administrative support for ongoing research projects.

What you'll do

As a Clinical Research Assistant, your duties encompass participant recruitment, data collection, clinical procedures, and research administration according to approved study protocols.

• Assists the interprofessional research and clinical teams with study-specific activities according to approved research protocols and established procedures.
• Assists with screening and identifying potential research participants according to study eligibility criteria.
• Supports participant recruitment and informed consent processes under the direction of the Principal Investigator or designated senior research staff.
• Assists with participant interactions, including scheduling interviews, study visits, appointments, and follow-up activities.
• Administers surveys, questionnaires, structured interviews, telephone interviews, and other standardized data collection tools according to approved study protocols.
• Supports participant engagement in research activities, including co-design workshops, where applicable.
• Assists with participant compensation according to established study and UHN procedures.
• Travels to study or participant sites as required.
• Collects and records study data using predefined data collection tools, worksheets, and case report forms.
• Performs data transcription from health records or other approved sources in accordance with study protocols and authorized access.
• Assists with data entry, verification, and routine quality-control procedures.
• Maintains accurate source documentation, study logs, and research records.
• Assists with the organization, maintenance, and secure storage of electronic and paper research files.
• Maintains participant confidentiality and follows applicable UHN privacy and research data security requirements.
• Assists with preparing clinical environments and materials for research activities according to approved study protocols.
• Prepares, receives, sorts, labels, processes, and stores clinical research samples and specimens according to established procedures and applicable regulations.
• Assists with specimen collection and limited research-related testing where appropriate to the position, following required training and competency assessments.
• Follows approved protocols, safety requirements, and standardized procedures when performing research activities.
• Assists with the preparation and maintenance of Research Ethics Board submissions and related regulatory documentation.
• Supports routine study administration, including maintaining research files, participant records, and study documentation.
• Assists with documenting and reporting study-related adverse events, protocol deviations, and other issues to designated senior research personnel according to established procedures.
• Communicates with clinical staff, research team members, and community partner organizations to support study activities.
• Seeks direction from senior research staff when issues arise outside established procedures or the scope of the position.
• Performs other study-related administrative and research support duties consistent with the Clinical Research Study Assistant classification, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum 3 to 6 months of related experience.
• Previous clinical research experience preferred.
• Previous experience working or volunteering in a clinical, healthcare, or applied research environment is an asset.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with demonstrated attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and sensitively with patients, research participants, families, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• Ability to follow specific, detailed instructions and established research protocols accurately and consistently.
• Ability to perform routine research tasks with appropriate supervision.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and seek guidance when required.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable privacy, research ethics, and institutional policies.
• Willingness to complete all required UHN training and study-specific competency assessments.
• Availability to work daytime, evening, and weekend shifts according to study requirements.

Why you'll love it here

Working at University Health Network gives you close access to transit and UHN shuttle service, along with opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization. You will also enjoy additional corporate perks including travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, and on-site gyms.