JOB DESCRIPTION NUMBER

JD 0440

EDUCATION LEVEL

Master’s degree in a relevant field of study

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Health Information Research Unit (HiRU) at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada conducts research in the field of health information science. It supports health care through literature surveillance and the development of evidence-based products and services for health care providers, patients, policy makers, and the public. Our key evidence-based products consist of structured summaries of high-quality clinical studies published in the medical literature. These structured summaries, accompanied by commentaries written by clinical experts, are published in journals and online. They are also used in the generation of testing materials for medical trainees.
A primary role is to write structured abstracts of original clinical studies and systematic reviews selected by an Editor and to facilitate the writing of accompanying commentaries written by clinical experts. Several steps are required including (1) detailed critical appraisal to ensure the study meets specified methodologic criteria, (2) writing of structured abstracts according to client specifications, (3) commissioning and providing online assistance to clinical experts who write accompanying commentaries (physicians or surgeons), and (4) responding to feedback from Associate Editors, Manager, and Editor. The turnaround time for the abstracts and associated commentaries is tightly managed to meet publication deadlines.
Another key aspect of this role will be critical appraisal of original and review articles from the medical literature using explicit critieria. Training in the specifics of these tasks will be provided, but it is essential that candidates have a strong grasp of clinical and health research methods at baseline.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating protocol procedures and managing the daily operations of
research projects ensuring that all aspects of the project protocol are adhered to. Applies specialized knowledge to initiate,
implement, coordinate, and manage moderate to large research projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 5 years of relevant experience.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the following to communicate accomodation needs:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

• Monitor and coordinate multiple research projects in order to assess the need for and to implement strategies to ensure the conduct of quality research, the achievement of expected time lines and deliverables, and the efficient use of human and practical resources.
• Troubleshoot problems at all stages of project development and implementation and assist with modifying protocol or project procedures to address challenges.
• Participate with a team in the development and authoring of research protocols.
• Recruit project participants and enlist agencies to refer participants.
• Review referrals and keep track of intakes from various referral sources.
• Develop an implementation plan for research projects.
• Design promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
• Perform both quantitative and qualitative analyses.
• Provide advice on and conduct analyses of complex data sets.
• Interview study participants to gather qualitative and quantitative data.
• Facilitate focus group sessions with project participants.
• Gain the cooperation of research partners and team members by acting as the first point of contact on a variety of research projects and liaising with project collaborators, stakeholders, and staff.
• Exchange technical and administrative information with colleagues and project participants.
• Coordinate and manage the collection, delivery, entry, verification, analysis, and reporting of data.
• Identify funding opportunities and coordinate the submission of research proposals.
• Oversee the design of databases, data collection forms, error checking methods, and related programs for collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Apply specialized knowledge and scientific principles to review, critically appraise and interpret published literature.
• Write sections of scientific papers, funding proposals, and abstracts.
• Develop estimates of time and resources for research projects.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Write data management and operations documentation for projects.
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
• Ensure that relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
• Present at meetings, seminars, and conferences.
• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters.
• Implement and maintain research project budgets. Create financial projections and make adjustments to research project budgets throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Conduct literature searches.