Research Assistant - Queens University

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistant will perform duties in support of research projects and provide clinical administrative support to the PI within the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine. Administrative responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, general administrative duties, including scheduling appointments, collecting patient information, filing, record keeping, and other clerical related work. Research responsibilities will include coordination of research studies being performed by the PI, such initiating patient screening, recruitment, tracking patients, assisting in scheduling of patients, follow-up calls, data entry, and maintenance of records in a confidential manner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in data collection functions (baseline demographics, phone calls, interviews, focus groups).

• Consenting patients for participation in research, which involves describing the study in lay language and obtaining written informed consent.

• Scheduling of research patients for clinical assessment (blood pressure, waist measurements, carotid scans, and follow-ups) by the PI or the appropriate delegate.

• Conduct literature reviews using electronic library databases (PubMed). This will involve looking up references and summarizing articles.

• Assist PI and co-investigators with research ethics board submissions by completing forms as per protocols developed by the investigators.

• Aid in the production of various documents, presentations, and grants.

• Utilize and refine computer databases (Excel, MS ACCESS). Perform basic data processing, including data entry (REDcap).

• Perform basic administrative services, such as scheduling, making appointments, word processing, faxing, copying, and filing. Prepare or, if routine, initiate correspondence, notes, and memos.

• Scheduling integration of research and clinical activities.

• Undertake other activities as delegated in support of the Research Program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Completion of a two- or three-year post-secondary program in a related field required.

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in life sciences or relevant field considered an asset.

• Some relevant experience in a research environment considered an asset.

• Knowledge and experience using TRAQ Researcher Portal is an asset.

• Knowledge and experience with Queen’s Research Ethics Boards is an asset.

• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Respects diversity and actively promotes inclusion in the workplace.

• Prior experience in a clinical research setting is a strong asset.

• Writing, basic editing and proofreading skills with an ability to pay attention to detail and accuracy.

• Attention to detail and accuracy.

• Organizational and time-management skills.

• Ability to focus even under pressure and with frequent interruptions.

• Interpersonal and communications skills.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Office and computer skills including knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, database, and publisher software (Microsoft Office). Ability to learn new software packages as required.

DECISION MAKING:

• Prioritize work and time.

• Decide how to distribute information, what method to use, and to whom to send it.

• Assist in the generation of various documents and reports and provide input where appropriate. Participate and act as resource person in the production of more complex publications. Determine formatting for simple to complex documents.

• Respond to general enquiries, providing reasonable answers, or a means to find an answer if necessary and redirecting issues as needed to the Principal Investigator.