Research Assistant I

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A top-tier university in Ontario is seeking a Research Assistant I to support a Health Canada project focusing on developing national clinical guidelines for menopause and mental health. The role involves assisting in research tasks, coordinating meetings, and conducting literature reviews. Candidates should hold a Bachelor’s degree with 2-3 years’ experience in a research environment. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential. The position is full-time, offering an hourly rate of $25.70 to $39.89, based at St. Joseph's Hospital.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of relevant experience in a research environment or academic hospital.
• Experience or interest in working with patients from vulnerable populations.
• Experience conducting literature searches and using online databases.

Responsibilities

• Assist in research and program administrative tasks for a clinical guideline study.
• Develop online surveys and communications.
• Coordinate meetings and manage agendas/minutes.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize evidence.

Skills

Strong skills in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)

Excellent communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Strong independent working skills

Ability to work in a team

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Job ID: 74020

Job Title: RESEARCH ASSISTANT (I)

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Location: St. Joseph\'s Hospital

Open Date: 02/06/2026

Job Type: Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date: 02/19/2026

Employee Group: Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Department: Psychiatry

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band: Grade 7

Salary Range: $25.70 - $39.89 (hourly)

Job Code: JD0436

Existing Vacancy: Yes - Newly Created Position

Contract Duration: 17.8 Months

Target Number of Openings: 1

Hours per Week: 35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm

(35 Hours per week)

7 hours, including a 60 minute unpaid lunch

Education Level: Bachelor\'s degree in a relevant field of study.

Career Level: Requires 2-3 years of relevant experience.

Location:

West 5th - St. Joseph\'s Healthcare Hamilton
Women\'s Health Concerns Clinic

Anticipated Start Date: February 11, 2026

Union, JD: Unifor Unit 1, Local No. 5555; JD0436

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Unit Description:

Ranked as one of the world’s Top 100 universities, McMaster University is devoted to the cultivation of human potential, realized through our innovative educational programs, cutting-edge research, and the diverse students, faculty, staff and alumni who make up the McMaster family. Dedicated to creating a Brighter World, we recognize that our people are our most valuable resource. Those who join McMaster will find a community of talented individuals who are inspired by the university\'s commitment to embodying the values of integrity, quality, inclusiveness and teamwork.

This Health Canada project will develop a CANMAT national evidence-based clinical practice guideline on menopause and mental health. The guideline will support clinicians in providing high-quality assessment and treatment, while educating patients and families about what to expect when seeking care. It will also involve stakeholder engagement, including collaboration with the Canadian Menopause Society (CMS), the Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SOGC), and The Menopause Society, and will focus on mood, anxiety, sleep, cognition, and trauma-related issues during menopause.

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant I (RA I) will work closely with and assist Dr. Benicio Frey and study team members in research and program administrative tasks, specifically on a Health Canada study aiming to develop a national clinical guideline of best practices in identifying and treating mental health related concerns during menopause in Canada.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Report to the project lead.
• Communicate with the advisory panels.
• Develop the online surveys and communications to the advisory panels.
• Work closely with the Core Editorial Group.
• Work closely with each Section group.
• Coordinate meetings and manage agendas/minutes.
• Help conduct literature reviews, title, abstract and full text screen, and synthesize the evidence with summary evidence tables.
• Copy-edit drafts and manuscripts.
• Assist with the development of the knowledge dissemination materials (Patient & Family Guide, and the Clinician Pocket Guide).

Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field, Master\’s degree preferred
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience, working in a research environment and/or an academic hospital

Assets:

• Strong skills in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel) required; MS Outlook also preferred.

• Experience or interest in working with patients representing vulnerable populations
• Experience with conducting literature searches and use of online databases
• Demonstrated strong independent working and multitasking skills
• Ability to work well in a deadline-oriented and team-based environment
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) skills
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail
• Interest in contributing to integrated knowledge translation process to improve health system quality

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

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McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

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• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Vaccination Mandate - FHS

This position is located in a host hospital or other healthcare site that has an active vaccination mandate in place. Successful applicants will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment.

Hybrid Work Language

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