2026 Ward Summer Research Student - Shannon Scratch (ON, Toronto)

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading pediatric rehabilitation center in Toronto is seeking two Ward Summer Research Students to join their interdisciplinary NOvEL Lab. Candidates must be enrolled in a health-related undergraduate program and will engage in research projects focusing on children with brain injuries. Responsibilities include literature reviews and data analysis. The role provides mentorship, and the opportunity to present findings. Compensation is $17.60 per hour for a 12-week program from May 4 to July 24, 2026.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Learning opportunities

Mentorship experience

Qualifications

• Must be a 3rd or 4th-year health-related undergraduate student.
• Completed at least one research methods course.
• Demonstrated interest in qualitative research.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches and data collection.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data.
• Assist with knowledge translation activities.

Skills

Team player

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Data management skills

Education

Enrolled in a health-related undergraduate degree program

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Status: Temporary Full Time (1.00 FTE)

Compensation: $17.60/hr

Start Date: May 4, 2026

End Date: July 24, 2026

Lab: NOvEL Lab – Neurorehab Outcomes via Education & Learning

Supervisor: Shannon Scratch

Program: Bloorview Research Institute

Join us in building a world of possibility for children with neurodevelopmental differences and disabilities!

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is Canada’s largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. It has ranked amongst Canada’s top 40 research hospitals for more than a decade. Holland Bloorview has won numerous awards including Greater Toronto's Top Employers, Canada's Top Employers for Young People and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures. We offer an inspiring, inclusive, innovative, and collaborative work environment with competitive compensation and benefit packages and programs that support ongoing learning and professional growth.

The Bloorview Research Institute (BRI), embedded within the hospital, is the only university-affiliated research institute in Canada dedicated to pediatric disability, and one of very few around the world. BRI’s vision is to be a global leader in transformative, equity-driven research dedicated to enabling personalized versions of a good life across the lifespan, for all individuals with childhood onset disabilities, acquired injuries and developmental differences, their families and communities.

Description

We are seeking two Ward Summer Research Students to work within the NOvEL Lab (Neurorehab Outcomes via Education & Learning), led by Dr. Shannon Scratch. The NOvEL Lab is a fast-paced interdisciplinary team that investigates how to improve and develop evidence-based practice for individuals with brain injuries and their families. The Ward Summer Student Research program provides an opportunity to experience a unique interdisciplinary mentorship experience. The successful incumbent will have the opportunity to work with their mentor on a research project, attend Lunch 'n' Learns, and participate in the annual Ward Summer Student Research Day where they will have an opportunity to present their findings to the organization and its visitors.

Project 1: TeachABI

• TeachABI is an online professional development module for educators about how to support students with acquired brain injury in the classroom. The focus of the project will be on the implementation of TeachABI on the inpatient brain injury unit at Holland Bloorview

Project 2: R2Play

• R2Play is a dynamic multidomain technology-based return-to-play assessment tool for youth with concussion. The focus of the project will be a fidelity analysis of clinicians and youth using R2Play in a multi-site cross-Canada trial.

Both student roles involve completing literature reviews and data analysis. Students will gain practical experience working with interdisciplinary team members to learn about concussion and acquired brain injury and develop a repertoire of clinical-research skills.

Compensation Details

The program runs for 12 weeks from May 4, 2026 – July 24, 2026. Students will be paid $17.60 per hour based on a 37.5 hour week (full-time), less statutory deductions, including 4% in lieu of vacation and relevant statutory holiday pay. Students will be paid biweekly through payroll.

Key Responsibilities

• Literature searches, data collection, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, knowledge dissemination and/or observational video analysis
• Development of study materials and presentation skills
• Assist with knowledge translation and dissemination activities
• Work closely with interdisciplinary team including research staff, graduate students, clinicians, and client and family partners
• General administrative and clerical functions to support projects
• Additional duties assigned as required

Qualifications

• Student must be enrolled as a 3rd or 4th student in a health-related undergraduate degree program or equivalent (Required)
• Student must have completed at least one research methods course and demonstrate an interest in qualitative research (Required)
• Able to utilize skills learned in academic studies in this position
• Able to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members including staff, students, children and youth with disabilities, and their families/caregivers
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and be a team player
• A fast learner with excellent attention to detail, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to organize work to ensure deadlines are met and follow-up is complete
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, & Excel
• Applies data management skills and principles

Application

Please submit the following in one (1) pdf file in the order indicated below:

1. Cover letter including the following:

• Which position you are interested in: (1) TeachABI project or(2) R2Play project
• What program of study are you currently enrolled in?
• What year are you within your program of study?
• Please indicate your future academic ambitions
• Please indicate your academic average as a percentage (e.g. 85%) for the last two (2) years of study
• Do you have research experience? If so, please provide details of your research experience.
• Do you have experience working with children with disabilities? If so, please provide details.

2. A copy of your most recent curriculum vitae (CV)
3. A copy of your most recent unofficial university transcript
4. One letter of reference from a professor or previous employer

Any applications missing this information will not be accepted.