Clinical Research Unit Assistant Manager

McGill University; Montreal (administrative region); Hybrid; CAD 73,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Pension plan

RRSP and TFSA

Vacation policy

Personal days

Floating holidays

Summer Fridays

December time off

Tuition waiver

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Job summary

McGill University is seeking an Assistant Manager to support the Clinical Research Unit and its neuro-focused trials. You will supervise coordinators, train staff, and drive start-up and recruitment initiatives across multiple neurological conditions.

The role emphasizes governance, partnerships, and continuous process improvement, within a leading research university environment. You will collaborate with ethics, finance, and external partners to ensure trials run smoothly, while mentoring

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of clinical research experience in neurological diseases.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate across varied audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines with problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee clinical trials at the Clinical Research Unit across multiple neuro-therapeutic areas.
• Lead start-up processes with ethics and finance teams during all phases.
• Develop recruitment strategies and tools to promote trials and improve patient recruitment.
• Oversee unit-wide recruitment and outreach strategies by fostering partnerships.
• Supervise coordinators and provide training and performance feedback.
• Develop standardized training material for coordinators and improve onboarding.
• Identify and track KPIs and improve trial activities per protocol and policies.
• Assist investigators and clinicians with up-to-date trial information and priorities.
• Participate in audits and quality improvement processes.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical research

Regulatory knowledge

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Scientific Manager, the Assistant Manager will support the Clinical Research Unit and The Neuro in its mission to deliver cutting-edge and specialized clinical trials. The Assistant Manager supports initiatives that advance the University’s research, innovation, and partnership efforts, strengthening its standing as a top research institution in Canada. The Assistant Manager provides assistance to the study coordination and start-up teams that drive research progress, and they focus on fostering an environment that highlights the University’s commitment to pioneering research and impactful partnerships.

Primary Responsibilities

• Facilitate, manage, enhance and promote McGill’s research and development activities by overseeing clinical trials at the Clinical Research Unit at the Neuro across various therapeutic areas (Neuro-oncology and Neuro-vascular, ALS and Neuromuscular disorders, Movement disorders, Neurocognitive diseases, Multiple Sclerosis et cetera)


• Collaborate with the start-up specialist and the ethics and finance teams during all phases of the start-up process


• Develop new initiatives and tools to promote clinical trials, improve trial visibility and patient recruitment in clinical trials - Support clinical research coordinators in recruitment strategies/initiatives


• Develop/implement unit-wide recruitment and outreach strategies by fostering internal and external partnerships


• Supervise clinical research coordinators and oversee clinical trials execution


• Provide feedback to team members’ performance through ongoing support


• Provide training and supervision to new coordinators in the unit


• Develop and maintain standardized training material for clinical research coordinators


• Participate actively in improving the CRU onboarding program


• Delegate clinical trial‑related tasks and responsibilities to clinical research coordinators as necessary


• Including, but not limited to: regulatory tasks, attending site selection visits, completing feasibility questionnaires, reviewing protocols


• Ensure continuous support to Investigators/Clinicians in the delivery of up‑to‑date activities and information, confirming priorities and timeframes of clinical trials and investigator‑initiated projects


• Oversee the start-up and management of new investigator‑initiated trials (IITs)


• Identify and track key performance indicators


• Make recommendations to improve KPIs; Ensure that the clinical trial activities are performed in accordance with each individual clinical trial protocol and University and sponsors policies and procedures


• Participates in audit preparation and quality improvement processes


• Train researchers, nurses and any other clinical trials staff to follow protocol according to GCP guidelines


• Provide regulatory and operational information and advice to researchers on the preparation of clinical research projects


• Collaborate with researchers, patients and pharmaceutical companies


• Attends all internal and external meetings as requested by the Scientific Manager and/or the sponsor and contract research organization (CRO)


• Plan educational sessions for internal staff


• Organize outreach events and collaborate with students and patient organizations to bring awareness to clinical research and disease areas


• Create educational and informational content to present at events


• Perform other administrative duties as required

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

At least 3 years of experience in clinical research in the field of neurological diseases, ideally with previous leadership role. Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate coherently across varied audiences from different backgrounds. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines and problem‑solving skills.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)


• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)


• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)


• Competitive vacation policy


• Two (2) personal days


• Two (2) floating holidays


• Nine (9) \"Summer Fridays\" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day


• Paid time off over the December holiday period


• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents


• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree

3 Years Related Experience

Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 05) $73,470.00 - $91,840.00 - $110,210.00

Job Profile

MPEX-ADM2B - Research Administration - Professional 2 Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor: Clinical Research Unit Manager

Position End Date (If applicable): 2027-08-23

Deadline to Apply: 2026-09-13

Equal Opportunity

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self‑identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Authorisation and location

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English‑language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4. For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

About McGill University

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future.

McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer.

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