Research Assistant in Montréal

Do you want to work for a world-renowned research institute that pushes the boundaries of biomedical science and health research? Right here in Montreal! At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), you can be part of an organization focused on scientific discovery and innovation in patient-centered medicine. Join us today and make a difference!

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Position Summary

Department / Research Program: Clinical Practice Assessment Unit

The Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network (CADeN) is a national research organization working to reduce harm by improving the safety and appropriateness of medications. A small, dynamic team with a big mission, our work and achievements span provinces and range from public awareness campaigns to healthcare professional education, from province-wide research trials to influencing national drug policy.

As Research Assistant (public engagement), you will be responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of CADeN’s public engagement campaign. As part of this work, you will be proactively building relationships with a network of community organizations and patient partners with a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences.

You will report directly to the Director (Dr. Emily McDonald), with direction also provided by the Assistant Director (Camille Gagnon).

As Research Assistant (public Engagement), You Will

• Engage in relationship-building with community organizations, members of the public, patients and healthcare professionals representing diverse abilities, cultures, gender identities, languages, and geographies (45%)
• Develop, implement, and evaluate a nationwide public awareness campaign promoting the appropriate use of medications (45%)
• Participate in the planning and coordination of in-person Network events, taking the lead in advocating for and ensuring the needs and perspectives of public partners and people with diverse lived experiences are included (10%)

General Duties

Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, the incumbent will:

• Relationship-building With Public Representatives
  • Identify, partner and engage with community organizations, public representatives, and patients with diverse lived experiences, including members of underrepresented and underserved communities.
  • Inform the development and rollout of network research and knowledge transfer activities by seeking perspectives and experiences from public partners.
  • Provide support to increase the reach of public engagement activities led by community partners.
  • Develop and support CADeN’s public advisory committee.
• Development, implementation, and evaluation of a public awareness campaign
  • Create and evaluate a public awareness campaign on medication appropriateness and deprescribing that engages diverse community organizations and patient partners across the country.
  • Roll out a public awareness campaign on medication appropriateness and deprescribing in a variety of languages in collaboration with communities and organizations across the country.
• Event Planning
  • Support the planning of in-person or virtual Network events bringing together researchers, healthcare providers, community organization leaders and/or policy makers.
  • Participate in the development of event agenda, including the development of participatory action activities that align with the international association for public participation (IAP2) guidelines.
  • Ensure the participation of public representatives at multistakeholder meetings.

Standards of performance

• Exhibits excellent interpersonal and oral and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent ability to work and perform under tight deadlines
• Cultural sensitivity
• Ability to prioritize
• Result-oriented thinking
• Ability to work independently
• Tactful and diplomatic
• Maintains high levels of confidentiality and discretion at all times.

Education / Experience

• Education: Master's Degree
• Field of Study: University degree with a background in the field of health, social sciences, or education (or other related fields)
• Work Experience: 1-2 years

Required Skills

• Advanced knowledge of oral and written French is required.
• An advanced knowledge of oral and written English is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently or with teams with minimum supervision.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, ability to manage a complex agenda.
• Excellent computer skills with knowledge of a variety of software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Good project coordination skills.
• Ability to handle multiple programs and/or priorities simultaneously.
• IAP2 (international association for public participation) certification an asset.

Status: Temporary, full time (35-hour workweek)

Pay Scale: 50,960.00$ - 94,658.20$. Commensurate with education and experience

Work Shift: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Work Site: 2155 Guy Street

This position offers the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement (on-site and remote).

Why work with us?

• 4-week vacation, 5th week after 5 years
• Bank of 12 paid days (personal days and days for sickness or family obligations)
• 13 paid statutory holidays
• Modular group insurance plan (including gender affirmation coverage)
• Telemedicine
• RREGOP (defined benefit government pension plan)
• Training and professional development opportunities
• Child Care Centres
• Corporate Discounts (OPUS + Perkopolis)
• Competitive monthly parking rate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Recognition Program
• Flex work options and much more!

Equal Opportunity Employment Program

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who self-identify as members of racialized groups/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.