Clinical Research Assistant I

The University Health Network, where “above all else the needs of patients come first”, encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, West Park Healthcare Centre and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of “Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning”, the University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 17,000 employees, more than 1,250 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

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.

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)
• Please note: This temporary position is not eligible for employee benefits, as confirmed by HR. Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly. At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.