Guideline Development Methodologist 2026GDM009

Collage; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Benefits package

Generous vacation

Job summary

RNAO is seeking a Guideline Development Methodologist (GDM) to lead planning, researching, and executing best practice guidelines. You will work with interprofessional teams to conduct systematic reviews, draft recommendations, and prepare manuscripts for peer review.

The role bridges RNAO's Implementation Science and Evaluation/Monitoring teams to promote evidence-based nursing practice. The GDM will participate across multiple guideline topics, mentor staff, and help develop performance

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with in-depth understanding of evidence-based nursing practice.
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and in RNAO.
• Master’s degree in nursing, health research or related field required.
• Three to five years research and clinical nursing experience.
• In-depth knowledge of systematic review methodology.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Research Team, Implementation Science, Evaluation/Monitoring, Expert Panel and librarians to maintain methodological rigour and timelines for BPGs.
• Plan and conduct systematic reviews including literature searches, screening, data extraction and evidence synthesis.
• Use GRADE/GRADE CERQual to appraise evidence and develop decision frameworks.
• Lead systematic review processes and draft evidence-based recommendations.
• Draft guidelines and edit content based on panel and stakeholder feedback.

Skills

Evidence-based practice

Nursing research

Systematic reviews

Data extraction

Manuscripts drafting

Education

Master’s degree in nursing

Tools

Reference Manager

EndNote

Biomedical databases

Job description

Guideline Development Methodologist 2026GDM009

Are you a Master’s prepared registered nurse interested and experienced in research? Are you passionate about evidence-based practice and leading change? Do you enjoy facilitating discussions and working within a highly skilled team? This may be the role for you!

Note:Thispostingisintendedtofillmultiplepositions.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Guideline Development Methodologist (GDM) is a Master’s prepared registered nurse responsible for leading the planning, research and execution of best practice guidelines (BPG). The GDM will support the work of an interprofessional expert panel by: conducting systematic reviews of the literature; developing evidence-based recommendation statements; writing the guideline, reports and manuscripts for peer-review; and prepare and present research for scientific meetings. The GDM works collaboratively with RNAOs Implementation Science and Evaluation/Monitoring Teams to support implementation, evaluation and sustainability of evidence-based practice cultures.
As a GDM you will work on guidelines across a wide range of topics, including: clinical, foundational, health equity, healthy work environment, and others. As a member of the guideline development team, you will be assigned to other best practice guideline development initiatives as well.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• work collaboratively with members of the Research Team, other IABPG team members (Implementation Science and Evaluation/Monitoring team), Expert Panel members, health sciences librarians, and other subject matter experts to develop, facilitate, and maintain methodological rigour, clinical significance, and completion timelines for BPGs
• plan and conduct systematic reviews of defined research questions, including rapid and comprehensive literature searches, literature screening and relevance reviews, data extraction, quality appraisal, and evidence synthesis to identify valid and applicable evidence for RNAO best practice guidelines and other RNAO initiatives
• contribute to the rigour of the guideline development process to maintain international standards. Specifically use Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE and GRADE CERQual) to quality appraise evidence and develop evidence to decision frameworks
• lead activities related to the systematic review process, including locating, retrieving, filing, and distributing research reports
• produce search results, data extraction, evidence profiles, evidence to decision, and work updates for review by the Director, Associate Director, Senior Manager and Expert Panel members as required overseee and direct the BPG development process for assigned BPGs from identifying key issues in the proposed guideline area of focus to final publication of the BPG including:
  • - take the lead role in identifying and recommending a representative panel of experts
  • - lead the systematic review process, as noted above
  • - develop draft evidence-based recommendations for best practice guidelines
  • - lead consensus-building process with expert panels to finalize evidence- based recommendations including content, context and their strength
  • draft complete guidelines for expert panel review within completion timeframes
  • - edit, review and refine guidelines based upon expert panel and internal/external partners' feedback within completion timeframes
  • - prepare the best practice guidelines documents, writing and editing, both drafts and final documents and other documents as required
• support the development of performance indicators for the BPG and when appropriate for Nursing Quality Indicators for Reporting & Evaluation® (NQuIRE)
• be a champion for current and emerging evidence development and review and guideline development methodology supporting evidence-based nursing practice
• draft and prepare manuscripts for publication
• mentor and train other staff as required

SKILL, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• registered nurse with in-depth, demonstrated understanding of evidence-based nursing practice.
• current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario and in RNAO.
• master’s degree in nursing, health research or a related field is required, or equivalent combination of preparation and experience (Thesis prepared preferred).
• three to five years research experience and clinical nursing experience.
• in-depth knowledge of systematic review methodology.
• superior organizational skills and self-directed work ethic to effectively manage multiple projects in various stages of development.
• high flexibility and adaptability in responding to new research opportunities as they arise.
• excellent analytical skills and detail-orientation.
• excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills to deal effectively with staff and partners, to synthesize and present information, to prepare manuscripts and to conduct the research work.
• strong experience with citation management software (such as Reference Manager, RefWorks, or EndNote) and online biomedical and allied health bibliographic databases (such as Medline, CINAHL, or Embase).
• dexterity required to operate a computer, telephone, and other office equipment.

EFFORT:

• Continuous concentration is required to read, screen, and appraise a large volume of information daily, prepare data tables and summary reports, and to consult as appropriate.
• Sight, touch and hearing are used to read, proofread, write, and analyze information and to answer enquiries.
• Sitting is required frequently in the job for more than 2 hours at a time to read and write information, work on the computer, participate in virtual/inperson meetings.
• Workflow requires re-prioritizing of workload, meeting multiple demands, and working overtime as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in a climate-controlled office with some exposure to distractions, interruptions and stress from multiple demands.
• Typical conditions are such that no risk or injury is present.

NOTES:

This post is for an existing vacancy.

The starting annual salary for this position is $85,000.

We comprehensively evaluate a variety of factors to determine fair compensation, including experience, specific job-related knowledge and skills, as well as relevant educational and specialty training. Additionally, we ensure that compensation is equitable across our staff and aligns with current market trends. RNAO offers an extensive benefits package and generous vacation.

Mandatory requirements: RNAO requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to any accommodation obligations under the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada for the duration of the work term. Proof of eligibility will be required.

Please be advised: RNAO does not use AI-assisted tools to support the selection process. Human reviewers make all final hiring decisions.

RNAO is currently operating in a hybrid environment with at least two mandatory days in the office, and these arrangements may change based on business needs.

RNAO is committed to providing an equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who can help us build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and in which we live.

Accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code are available to all candidates during the recruitment process and throughout employment. Please email [e-mail] if you require assistance.