Clinical Research Physiotherapist

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Edmonton is looking for a Clinical Research Physiotherapist for a critical role in clinical translational research. You will support pioneering initiatives at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital aimed at innovative rehabilitative care. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, possess excellent communication skills, and have a relevant academic background with experience in research and patient interaction. This position offers a salary range of $38,079 to $52,366 annually and has an expected end date of June 30, 2027.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of research experience preferred.
• Experience working with patients and responding to study-related questions.
• Clinical experience in a hospital or rehabilitation setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides protocol training to research assistants and clinical staff.
• Leads data collection and analysis for priority research studies.
• Responsible for accurate and timely record keeping.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English

Excellent organizational and time management skills

Client service oriented

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related field or science-related discipline

Post-Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy (MSc)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Bibliographic management software (e.g., EndNote)

Job description

• Position Type Trust Research Academic Staff (TRAS)
• College/Administrative Portfolio College of Health Sciences
• Annual Salary Range $38,079 to $52,366 (pro-rated)

About the Team

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Job Description

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has pro-rated annual salary range of$38,079 to $52,366. This position is not eligible for benefits. This position has an expected end date of June 30, 2027.

Location - This role is in-person at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Clinical Research Physiotherapist position at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) is supported by the Glenrose Hospital Foundation. Nestled within the largest tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada, the GRH Research and Innovation Department is uniquely positioned to lead and facilitate pivotal research in the field of rehabilitation. The Clinical Research Physiotherapist will be part of the clinical translational research platform within the R&I Department. The clinical translational research platform focuses on four key priority research areas: i) Neurorehabilitation and Recovery, ii) Assistive & Adaptive Technology, iii) Cognitive & Developmental Neuroscience and iv) Precision Rehabilitation. This position has a strong initial area of focus related to neurorehabilitation and recovery. The candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Scientific Program Lead, Dr Jessica D’Amico, to bring the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital to the forefront of innovative rehabilitative care. The candidate may also support broader priority initiatives across the hospital as identified by the Scientific Program Lead and aligned with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital R&I strategic plan and the mission of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and Glenrose Hospital Foundation. This unique role will also play a pivotal part in facilitating the translation of key research findings into practice through liaising with practice leads and training of frontline clinicians.

Responsibilities

Research Administration (20%)

• Reports to the Scientific Program Lead providing administrative support for clinical research studies.
• Maintains program database and research study databases.
  • Patient recruitment
  • Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Identifies and screens potential study participants.
  • Conducts telephone and/or in-person recruitment activities, such as informed consent, screening, e.t.c.
  • Performs clinical assessments required for screening in line with their clinical designation
• Implements all aspects of data collection and source documentation
  • per University of Alberta/Alberta Health Services policy and ICH/GCP guidelines.
• Identifies problems using assessment skills and reports any abnormalities to Scientific Program Lead.
• Assists in systematic reviews by screening and extracting data from research articles.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Client service oriented, with the ability to effectively work with diversity and appreciate that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring richness to the challenge or situation at hand.

Research (60%)

• Provides protocol training to research assistants, students, clinical staff with a strong focus on clinical assessments and clinical interventions.
• Provides project coordination on several projects through assisting with project design, project development and tracking, and identifying problems arising for further discussion.
• Leads data collection, analyses and interpretation for priority research studies.
• Performs all required clinical assessments for multiple trials underway at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital
• Develops and implements rehabilitation programs for interventional clinical trials and research studies
• May co-supervise research PT/OT placement students with Dr. Jessica D’Amico
• Assists Scientific Program Lead in drafting scientific abstracts, publications and grant funding applications.
• Assists with regulatory approvals and provides clinical insight into protocol
• Ensures accurate and timely record keeping.
  Performs other activities as required.

Communication (20%)

• Responsible for dissemination of key research findings and specifically highlighting how they may apply to frontline allied health therapists (PT and OT) (together with Dr D’Amico)
• Liaise with Clinical Practice Leads and Clinical Technology Leads at GRH to support implementation of key research findings into practice
• Attend Program Planning meetings with various GRH clinics to inform frontline therapists of research activities onsite

SCOPE OF WORK:

• Works independently on plans and carries out research objectives as directed by the Scientific Program Lead.
• Responsible for determining the process by which tasks are completed, and the timelines required to meet the set deadlines.
• Responsible for scheduling their own workday and determining the processes by which tasks are completed and the timelines required to meet set deadlines.
• Organize patient data collection and database management. Decision-making will be made in accordance with study protocol and guidelines.
• The candidate must be able to identify, approach, and recruit patients in accordance with ethics approval and administer study procedures, ensuring completeness of data gathering.
• The candidate must be able to support all data collected, as to the methods used as well as any decisions that were made during data collection.
• Participates in data collection activities, analysis of results and provides expertise in statistical analysis and methodology.
• The candidate must be able to provide clean data that is ready to be analyzed to ensure that all deadlines are met.
• Required to make decisions on the spot using good judgment and cultural sensitivity to build and maintain relationships with research/clinical partners, co-investigators, staff, and students. The candidate must also work extensively and collaboratively with the research team members, graduate students, undergraduate students, volunteers, and funding agencies.
• Prepares research proposals, specifically clinical interventions/assessments, ethics applications and renewals.
• Liaises with on and off campus collaborators and partners (e.g. various departments; University of Alberta Hospital; Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital)
• Assesses and/or works hands-on with clinical populations in the research lab.
• Sets-up and calibrates hardware and be an expert user of the data collection software.
• Apply a multitude of assessment techniques for various research projects, including transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrophysiology to test the function of brain and spinal cord, clinical motor, sensory and functional assessments, and quality of life assessments.
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be modified and developed as necessary in consultation with the Principal Investigator.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related field or science-related discipline, with Post-Graduate Degree in Physical Therapy (MSc).
• Proficient in using information systems and programs including bibliographic management software.
• Up to 3 years of research experience preferred.
• Experience with patient interaction, dealing with patients, and responding to study-related questions.
• Experience in working hands-on with clinical populations and performing rehabilitation and clinical motor, sensory and functional assessments.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication (written and verbal) skills, and high attention to detail, especially pertaining to efficient and accurate data entry and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, and timelines.
• Ability to work efficiently and in a professional and ethical manner.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others on a team.
• Proficient in using information systems and programs including bibliographic management software (e.g., EndNote), Recap and Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access).
• Knowledge of UofA Policy and Procedures and Granting Agency Guidelines, People Soft Financials, and University Policy and Procedures is a significant asset.
• Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans.
• Course on Research Ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) training.
• Alberta Health Services HIA Awareness training.
• Good Clinical Practice or Health Canada Division 5 training an asset.
• Clinical experience in hospital and/or rehabilitation setting preferred.
• Experience in the following is desired:
  • Application of different types of neurostimulation in individuals with neurological conditions (e.g. FES, Spinal Stimulation, e.t.c.).
  • Electrophysiological and clinical reflex testing
  • Clinical assessment of neurological conditions (including assessment of posture, joint range of motion, muscle strength, function, spasticity, sensation, and reflexes)
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proven ability to work with patients in a hospital setting and lab setting.

Application Instructions

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About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.