Research Assistant II MAP Survey Research Unit

The MAP Survey Research Unit (SRU) at St. Michael’s Hospital is currently seeking highly motivated individuals for the position of Research Assistant II. The Research Assistants will be part of a dynamic Unit that oversees a variety of research and evaluation projects related to health equity and social determinants of health. The project involves the assessment of COVID-19 in Toronto’s shelters for people experiencing homelessness and the Research Assistant’s primary responsibilities will include visiting shelters across Toronto and collecting survey data as well as saliva and finger prick blood specimens (PPE and training will be provided).

To better represent the populations from the projects we engage in, applications from Indigenous people, members of racial or cultural minority groups, people with disabilities and LGBTQ2S are encouraged to apply.

This is a casual temporary position. Anticipated start date: May 2022.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Conduct face-to-face computer-assisted interviews with research participants at shelters for people experiencing homelessness across Toronto and other locations.
• Collection, storage and transport of saliva and finger prick blood samples (training will be provided).
• Active participation in ongoing interview skills development trainings.
• Adhere to project protocols, including ethics, security, data transfer/storage and quality control.
• Potentially assist with:
• overall project related administrative tasks
• data entry and quality control tasks
• recruitment and scheduling tasks
• development of recruitment and interviewing related protocols

Qualifications

• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office are necessary.
• Excellent attention to detail and a high level of organization is essential to this position.
• Graduate of community college or relative experience (Bachelor’s Degree or Senior Undergraduate Student in relevant Health/Social Sciences field i.e. Social Work, Nursing, Health Studies, Health Sciences, and related fields preferred)
• Relevant research experience, quantitative and/or qualitative is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast paced work environment.
• Weekday availability is necessary.
• Flexible schedule, including some evening availability is an asset. The majority of data collection will occur on weekdays between 8 and 5.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and comfortable asking health-related, personal/sensitive questions in a one-on-one interview setting.
• Experience and comfort working with marginalized populations is an asset.
• Willing to travel across the city of Toronto for work purposes.

The candidate must be able to utilize and navigate public transit services or have access to a personal car. The use of a personal cell phone is also necessary for this role. All appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and safety measures adhered to for face-to-face interactions.

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.