Research Associate

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate will be responsible for a wide range of duties in support of research projects involving cognitive, behavioural, MRI and related assessments in people with epilepsy and healthy controls undertaken in the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen’s University.

The incumbent will be responsible for patient screening, recruitment, and enrolment by telephone and in clinic, scheduling appointments, arranging reimbursement, data-entry and backup (including RedCap), patient follow-up, and maintenance of records in a confidential manner.

The incumbent will maintain recruitment logs aiming to meet recruitment targets according to funding mandates and communicate any issues to the PI.

Further duties include, but are not limited to, supervision and advising junior research staff and students, assisting with research ethics board submission and renewals, manuscript and grant preparation under the supervision of the PI, ordering laboratory supplies and reconciling transactions, coordinating meetings, supervision and training of graduate and undergraduate students and maintaining the laboratory website.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Act as a primary contact for the lab. Prioritize workflow for multiple concurrent research projects. Supervise, guide, and advise junior research staff, medical students, residents, fellows, and graduate and undergraduate students on the day-to-day activities of the research lab, and provide training on methods of data collection.
• Screen and recruit patients and healthy controls for research studies by telephone and in clinic, including describing the study and obtaining written informed consent.
• Assist in data collection, including questionnaires for clinical and demographic details, cognitive and behavioural assessments (including neuropsychological instruments and assessments with Kinarm) and scheduling investigations including MRI and EEG.
• Maintain recruitment logs and communicate any issues impacting recruitment promptly to the PI for resolution.
• Enter research data into databases (including RedCap) and transfer research data including MRI / EEG to the network for backup.
• Arrange clinical review of investigations such as MRI and EEG in accordance with the ethics approval.
• Arrange reimbursement for participants and maintain an accounting log.
• Assist PI with administrative support to members of the laboratory and preparation of research ethics board submissions, amendments and annual renewals and Research Hospital Appointments for laboratory members.
• Assist with and contribute to co-authoring scientific papers. Present information in an appropriate form, including word processing, spreadsheet manipulation, and preparation of graphs, line drawings, or photographs.
• Assist in the preparation of funding applications, including updating the Canadian Common CV for the PI.
• Manage administration and tracking of all research accounts of the Principal Investigator, abiding by the Research Administration Policy, and order relevant supplies.

Perform research accounting activities, such as record keeping and reconciling statements.

• Maintain the laboratory website, updating it occasionally with relevant information.
• Work independently within guidelines provided by the Principal Investigator.
• Undertake other activities as delegated in support of the Research Program.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in life sciences or health sciences or similar post-secondary education in a relevant field, with relevant experience in a research environment.
• Master of Science (MSc) or doctorate (PhD) in life or health sciences, preferably neuroscience or relevant field, are considered an asset.
• Several years (5+) of experience in neuroscience research or a relevant field.
• Prior experience with cognitive / neuropsychological assessment is an asset.
• Knowledge of university structure including policies, procedures and administrative systems is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and experience with TRAQ Researcher Portal and Queen’s Research Ethics Boards is an asset.
• Flexibility in working hours to accommodate research objectives.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS :

• Desire and ability to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member and complete tasks with little or no supervision. Resourceful and has meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent time-management, interpersonal and organizational skills as well as the capacity to solve problems and suggest solutions.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Attention to detail and ability to perform careful measurements.
• Appropriate handling of patient data (in accordance with ethical guidelines).
• Well-developed computer skills (including Excel, RedCap), along with statistical analysis and data presentation skills to aid in the research, analysis and presentation of data.
• Supervisory and leadership skills to provide direction and instruction to staff and students. Ability to maintain a positive work environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) to interact with staff, students and research participants.
• Problem solving skills with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and procedures and make accommodations.
• Ability to take initiative and to assess and establish priorities while working in an environment with multiple interruptions and strict deadlines.

DECISION MAKING :

• Determine work priorities and determine which project requires the most attention within established deadlines.
• Prioritize various tasks, appropriately schedule time to execute all pending activities, and deal with the conflicts and strict deadlines that are common to experiments.
• Determine alternative options where possible to make the most of time and resources.
• Determine which tasks are appropriate to delegate to students, volunteers, and other research staff.
• Decide how to appropriately resolve minor or routine problems with patient enrollment, data collection, and research participant follow-up contact.
• Determine when it is necessary to seek advice or direction from the PI concerning data collection, data entry, patient enrollment, consent, data procedure, operation of equipment, etc.
• Direct research inquiries to the proper person, or supply the answer if appropriate.
• Determine Chart field and Project ID allocation of financial transactions for accounts, ensuring appropriate documentation is provided and kept on record according to policies of the University and grant funders.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs.