Position Title: Research Coordinator I
Immediate Supervisor: Dr. Jennifer Phillips
Research Area: Clinical neuroscience, Mood Disorders, Suicide Prevention
Reporting Supervisor: Director, Clinical Research Administration, IMHR
Start Date: July 2025
Contract: Temporary, Full-time (1.0 FTE or 37.5h/week), 1-year contract with possibility for renewal
Summary of Responsibilities:
The Research Coordinator 1 (RC) facilitates the conduct of clinical research under the general direction of the Supervisor/Principal Investigator (PI). The RC will assist the PI and hold supervisory responsibilities for other research staff. The primary role involves coordinating and managing the day-to-day site operations of a multi-centre longitudinal research study focused on youth and adolescents with multiple mental health conditions. This project aims to understand the trajectories of youth seeking mental health care during key developmental transition points, involving diverse clinical samples, standardized data collection, and deep phenotyping of youth aged 11-25 years, supporting modular clinical trials.
The RC will support the study team to ensure effective study coordination and participate in other research studies as needed. Responsibilities include coordinating daily operations, recruiting and screening participants, scheduling visits, administering diagnostic interviews and clinical scales, collecting neuroimaging and biomarker data, maintaining records, data entry, and preparing reports, grant applications, presentations, and publications. The RC will also assist in training staff and research trainees, preparing REB submissions, participating in meetings, developing SOPs, managing contracts and finances, and maintaining study documentation. The position is located at 1141 Carling Ave (The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre).
Major Responsibilities:
- Research Coordination (75%):
- Present research results at scientific meetings and supervise assigned personnel.
- Ensure smooth daily operations of research and data collection.
- Collect neuroimaging data at The Royal's Brain Imaging Centre.
- Act as the primary administrative contact for internal staff, investigators, sponsors, and regulatory bodies.
- Coordinate with research collaborators, ethics staff, and funding agencies.
- Review literature related to the study.
- Complete regulatory documentation, including ethics applications.
- Maintain Investigator Site Files according to GCP and regulations.
- Ensure compliance and report requirements for ongoing research projects.
- Implement research study protocols and establish SOPs.
- Operate within research protocols and assist with routine tests and procedures.
- Coordinate data collection, source documentation, and consent forms.
- Establish logistical arrangements for participant recruitment and outreach activities.
- Conduct clinical assessments and interviews (e.g., MINI, MADRS).
- Assist with processing and shipping biological samples.
- Monitor research progress, prepare reports, and respond to correspondence.
- Identify problems and report abnormalities.
- Coordinate procurement of facilities and equipment.
- Grant, Manuscript, Abstract, and Presentation Preparation (25%):
- Organize and draft correspondence, grant applications, manuscripts, and presentations.
- Assist in data analysis and interpretation.
- Maintain bibliographic databases and ensure compliance with publisher requirements.
- Financial Activities (5%):
- Monitor and sign off on financial transactions.
- Assist in developing budgets and liaising with finance departments.
- Other Duties:
- Perform miscellaneous tasks as assigned.
- Provide guidance and training to research staff and trainees.
- Liaise with senior staff and PIs on daily operations.
Qualifications:
- Graduate degree in neuroscience, psychology, or relevant discipline preferred; or undergraduate degree with 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Bilingual (French and English) is an asset.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Extensive experience in research administration and coordination of quantitative data collection.
- Experience with large-scale, multi-site, or longitudinal studies preferred.
- Experience with participant recruitment, screening, and consent processes.
- Proficiency in neuropsychological assessments, diagnostic interviews, and clinical scales.
- Experience with REB submissions and regulatory compliance.
- Leadership skills and ability to organize resources and priorities.
- Effective communication skills across diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to design data collection and management systems, and maintain large databases (e.g., REDCap).
- Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS) and research principles.
- Knowledge of research ethics, GCP, and clinical research regulations.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and independent working skills.
- Meticulous, detail-oriented, and highly organized.
- Budgeting and fiscal management experience.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.