Clinical Research Associate

at  OHRI

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute’s Methodological & Implementation Research Program (MIR) seeks a Clinical Research Associate for the Blueprint Translational Research Group (www.ohri.ca/blueprint). This dynamic and collaborative team encompasses members with diverse backgrounds (i.e., health sciences, health systems, epidemiology, preclinical research). This role is vital in supporting Blueprint’s leadership team, which is comprised of Drs. Manoj Lalu (Scientist, Associate Director of Training and Anesthesiologist) and Dean Fergusson (Senior Scientist and OHRI Deputy Scientific Director), with their research on translating novel therapeutics from lab to practice.
Responsibilities include coordinating a CIHR-funded project on patient engagement in preclinical research, collaborating with a diverse team, including patient partners, conducting various studies, and managing projects led by staff and students. Strong scientific writing skills are essential for drafting documents and manuscripts. The role also involves project management and budget oversight of the group’s suite of projects. The successful candidate will collaborate closely not only with scientists, staff and trainees, but also with patient partners (i.e. patients and caregivers with diverse lived experiences). We encourage interested candidates to visit the team webpage and the CIHR website on patient engagement to better understand this emerging aspect of research (https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/45851.html).

BASIC REQUIREMENTS (EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE):

• MSc in a health science related field or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a health research environment
• Evidence of training certification in Tri-Council Policy Statement -2 (TCPS-2) and the International Conference on Harmonization – Good Clinical Practice Guidelines (ICH-GCP)
• Evidence of training in Food and Drug Regulations, Division 5, and/or Device Regulations, as applicable
• Project management experience
• Previous experience managing research budget.
• Understanding of, and experience with, patient engagement in research
• Experience conducting interview, survey and/or focus group studies.
• Qualitative (e.g., thematic content analysis) and/or quantitative (e.g., analysis of survey results) research training and experience
• Demonstrated meeting and event organizing abilities.
• Strong time management skills and ability to effectively prioritize multiple projects.
• Flexible approach to meet demanding deadlines as required.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure data accuracy and adherence to protocol requirements.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in NVIVO, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with team members.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated experience engaging with patients/caregivers and/or other diverse knowledge user groups
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively as both part of an interdisciplinary team and independently.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD in a health science-related field or equivalent
• Knowledge and experience in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics
• A working understanding of preclinical/basic science and its norms and language
• Knowledge of/experience with conduct of systematic reviews and meta-analyses and various meta-analytic software
• Previous research experience, publications
• Experience with grant applications, and ethics submissions
• Experience in a hospital research environment (translational, clinical or a combination)

Conducting and overseeing various aspects of the Blueprint group, including:

• Project management for the Blueprint research team
• Preparing any required Research Ethics Board submissions
• Preparing and submitting relevant grant applications and reports
• Preparing and maintaining budgets and/or timelines for funded and unfunded projects
• Developing study protocols, surveys, and interview guides
• Co-developing patient engagement strategies and coordinating engagement.
• Conducting interview and survey studies
• Designing and facilitating educational workshops and resources
• Assisting other group members with coordination of patient engagement
• Providing consultations on patient engagement
• Conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses
• Preparing presentations, reports, abstracts, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed scientific journals
• Co-developing accessible dissemination strategies.
• Participating and presenting at weekly research group meetings and teaching sessions