Clinical Research Assistant I

Union: Non-union
Number of vacancies: 2
Replacement or New: New
Site: Toronto General Hospital & Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Emergency Medicine
Reports to: Dr. Jennifer Hulme
Wage Range: $27.56–$34.45 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Daytime, evening and weekend shifts as required
Status: Temporary Full-Time
Closing Date: October 29, 2026
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 Emergency Medicine Research Program and Research Committee provide support and oversight for research involving patients, staff, trainees, and resources within the UHN Emergency Departments.
Our program is committed to fostering a collaborative research environment that supports and mentors clinicians, researchers, and trainees; promotes interdisciplinary and multi-site collaboration; and advances emergency medicine and public health at local, national, and international levels.
The Department of Emergency Medicine is currently seeking a Clinical Research Study Assistant to support a portfolio of clinical and health services research studies. The Clinical Research Study Assistant will provide participant-facing, research, organizational, and administrative support for ongoing research projects.
Working under the direction and close supervision of Principal Investigators and senior research staff, the Clinical Research Study Assistant will assist with participant screening and recruitment, informed consent processes, data collection and entry, participant follow-up, research interviews and surveys, research ethics documentation, and day-to-day study operations.
Depending on the assigned study, responsibilities may also include assisting with the collection, processing, labelling, storage, and preparation of biological specimens according to established study procedures and applicable training requirements.
This is a fully in-person position based in the Emergency Departments at Toronto General Hospital and/or Toronto Western Hospital.
Please note: Emergency Department research activities occur seven days per week. Research Assistants are scheduled across daytime, evening, and weekend shifts. The successful candidate must be available to work scheduled shifts of approximately 8–10 hours between 08:00 and 00:00, any day of the week, according to study and operational requirements
Duties
Participant Recruitment and Research Activities
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.
Data Collection and Documentation
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.
Clinical Research Procedures
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/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.
Research Administration and Study Support
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.
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Minimum 3–6 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.

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
No