Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is an academic health sciences centre affiliated with the University of Toronto and is recognized for excellence in patient care, education, and research. The Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre is a leading centre for the diagnosis, treatment, and research of orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions, with a particular focus on joint replacement, arthritis, and complex orthopaedic care.
The Orthopaedic Arthroplasty Research Unit conducts clinical and outcomes-based research focused on improving the quality, safety, and effectiveness of joint replacement surgery. Our research program encompasses prospective and retrospective clinical studies, surgical outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, database studies, and investigator-initiated projects. The successful candidate will contribute to research that aims to improve the care and long-term outcomes of patients undergoing hip and knee arthroplasty.
This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic and organized individual interested in gaining or further developing experience in clinical research within a high-volume orthopaedic academic environment. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting research projects designed to improve outcomes and quality of care for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.
Position Description
The successful Research Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator(s) and/or Research Program Manager to coordinate and support a variety of orthopaedic research projects. The candidate will be expected to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary clinical and research team.
The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, motivated, and comfortable working in a fast-paced academic healthcare environment. Experience with clinical research, orthopaedic surgery/arthroplasty, research databases, or patient-reported outcomes is considered an asset.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Coordinate the day-to-day activities of prospective and retrospective clinical research studies related to orthopaedic arthroplasty.
- Collaborate with orthopaedic surgeons, research staff, students, trainees, and other members of the multidisciplinary research team.
- Assist with the identification, screening, recruitment, and enrollment of eligible research participants.
- Obtain informed consent from eligible participants in accordance with approved research protocols.
- Coordinate participant follow-up visits, assessments, questionnaires, and telephone communications as required.
- Collect and maintain accurate clinical, surgical, and patient-reported outcome data.
- Perform chart reviews and extract relevant clinical information from electronic medical records and other research databases.
- Prepare and maintain study-related documents, source documentation, study logs, and regulatory files.
- Enter, clean, review, and monitor research data using REDCap and/or other research databases.
- Assist with the development and maintenance of REDCap databases, electronic case report forms, and data collection tools.
- Ensure data quality, completeness, and accuracy throughout the duration of research projects.
- Assist with Research Ethics Board (REB) submissions, amendments, annual renewals, and study closures.
- Assist with preparation of research protocols, consent forms, questionnaires, data collection forms, and other study documents.
- Coordinate communication with study participants, collaborating investigators, clinical staff, and external research partners.
- Assist with preparation of manuscripts, abstracts, posters, presentations, and other research-related materials.
- Conduct literature searches and assist with review and organization of relevant scientific literature.
- Assist with data analysis and preparation of reports under the direction of the Principal Investigator and research team.
- Organize research meetings, prepare agendas and meeting materials, and document action items as required.
- Maintain organized electronic and paper research files in accordance with institutional policies and research requirements.
- Ensure research activities are conducted in accordance with institutional policies, study protocols, applicable regulations, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
- Assist with preparation for research monitoring visits, audits, and quality assurance activities where applicable.
- Identify and communicate study-related issues, data discrepancies, protocol deviations, and other concerns to the appropriate research team members.
- Contribute to the efficient day-to-day operations of the Orthopaedic Arthroplasty Research Unit.
- Support multiple concurrent research projects while meeting established timelines and study requirements.
- Perform other research and administrative duties as assigned.
As a member of the research team, the successful candidate will contribute to maintaining high standards of research quality, integrity, participant safety, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance. The responsibilities described above are representative and are not to be construed as all-inclusive.
Skills/Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in a related discipline, including Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Kinesiology, Nursing, or a related field.
- Previous experience in clinical research or research coordination is preferred.
- Experience working in an academic hospital or healthcare research environment is an asset.
- Experience with orthopaedic, surgical, arthroplasty, or musculoskeletal research is an asset.
- Knowledge of clinical research methodology and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles.
- Experience with Research Ethics Board submissions and research regulatory requirements is preferred.
- Experience with REDCap or other clinical research databases is preferred.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with patients, clinicians, researchers, and other stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to handle confidential patient and research information appropriately.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced clinical and research environment.
- Self-motivated, dependable, and proactive with a strong interest in clinical research.
- Previous experience with patient recruitment, informed consent, chart review, or patient-reported outcome measures is an asset.
- Familiarity with statistical software, research databases, or data analysis is an asset.
- Experience preparing research abstracts, manuscripts, presentations, or grant materials is an asset.
- Knowledge of orthopaedic surgery and/or hip and knee arthroplasty is considered an asset.
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a CV and cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter.
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: visible minorities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
