(TEMPORARY FULL-TIME) SENIOR CLINICAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

Position Summary:

The Pharmacogenomics Research Clinic at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences is currently seeking a Senior Research Associate (SRA) to assist in managing studies investigating the genetic causes of variation in psychiatric medication response and side effects. Reporting to the Endowed Chair, Precision Medicine and Personalized Mental Health Care, the SRA will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing research operations in the pharmacogenomics group. Responsibilities include monitoring patient recruitment, human resource management, training staff on clinical measures and laboratory procedures, conducting observations of staff assessment skills, and providing coordination and leadership to the team. The candidate will assist in communicating with collaborators, liaising with the local research ethics board, supporting grant submissions, providing progress reports, and preparing academic manuscripts. This position supports a workplace that embraces diversity and complies with regulatory requirements.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Ontario Shores Endowed Chair, develop new research ideas congruent with the Ontario Shores’ Academic Plan;
• Prepare and submit research funding proposals;
• Identify funding opportunities and venues for disseminating research findings;
• Produce scholarly manuscripts, submit to journals, and respond to reviewers;
• Develop leadership skills through professional development and training;
• Provide scientific leadership to ensure efficiency of lab functions;
• Promote lab work in developing interventions for mental health challenges;
• Collaborate with the Research and Academics Department to recruit, supervise, train, and mentor students and volunteers;
• Ensure appropriate deployment of project resources;
• Assign and review tasks for lab members;
• Coordinate internal and external data collection;
• Oversee data entry, quality checking, and analysis (NVivo/SPSS);
• Proofread and edit spreadsheets, manuscripts, and reports;
• Guide lab team in literature reviews and Research Ethics Board applications;
• Create and produce slides and poster presentations;
• Maintain databases of current research projects and financial status;
• Monitor grant budgets and report to funding organizations;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a health-related field (PhD an asset) such as Psychology, Public Health, Nursing, or Occupational Therapy;

Years of Experience:

• 5-7 years’ experience supporting research in an academic or research institute;
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in mental health research (asset);
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in pharmacogenomics research (asset).

Knowledge/Skills:

• Expertise in technology engagement for people with mental health challenges;
• Ability to take initiative and handle responsibility;
• Effective organizational and time management skills;
• Ability to manage workloads of self and team members;
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written;
• Experience with DSM-IV or DSM-5 and conducting structured interviews;
• Experience leading research studies in a healthcare context;
• Experience developing and running mixed methods studies;
• Experience applying for research grant funding;
• Experience maintaining Research Ethics Board approvals;
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative analysis using SPSS and NVivo;
• Experience with successful publication of research findings;
• Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate students;
• Ability to mentor and support junior members;
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse environment;
• Recognize and report safety issues within the scope of this role;
• Advanced computer skills, particularly with Microsoft Office;
• Familiarity with REB applications and ethical research conduct;
• Knowledge of APA manuscript formatting.

Job Posting Closing: November 22nd, 2024. Applications after the closing date will not be considered.

Contract: 24 months