TARGet Kids! ( www.targetkids.ca ) is developing a multi-disciplinary paediatric practice-based research network of community practitioners mainly from Toronto. Under the mandate of “healthy children together”, our network is collecting longitudinal medical evidence on common health problems affecting urban Canadian children, including indices of nutritional exposures, pediatric obesity, environmental exposures, and social factors.

Here’s what you’ll get to do:
We are looking for a Research Assistant (RA) with experience in collecting blood samples from children of all ages (newborn to 18 years) with excellent communication, problem solving and organization skills, to recruit participants into the TARGet Kids! research network. The RA should be self-motivated, reliable and have the aptitude to learn/adapt. The successful candidate will report to the Principal Investigators or their designate (i.e., Project Manager or Project Coordinator) to ensure all study processes are carried out and in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).

The RA will be recruiting participants from a practice site located in downtown Toronto or West Toronto/Etobicoke. Travel to SickKids Hospital will be required at least once per month.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Explaining the study and study requirements to potential study participants and their parents
• Obtaining informed consent to enroll children in clinical research studies
• Explaining and distributing questionnaire packages to parents/participants, collecting completed questionnaires, and doing anthropometric assessments on children and their parents
• Sending letters to parents to recruit potential subjects
• Recruiting participants
• Following-up participants (e.g. phone call check-ins, emails)
• Performing venipuncture
• Safe handling and storing of collected samples
• Managing data and specimens in a safe, organized manner
• Maintaining accurate records of patient’s visits and data collected
• Ensuring safe transfer/transportation of data to the hospital from the offsite clinic as needed
• Creating standard operating procedures
• Training new staff
• Contributing positively to the clinic environment, liaising with pediatricians and other research staff members

Qualifications and Skills:

• University degree in Health Science or a related field of study, or demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience preferred
• Phlebotomy certification required
• Recent phlebotomy experience an asset
• MLA/T, OSMT or CSMLS certification an asset
• Previous Clinical Trials or related research experience required
• Excellent knowledge of Good Clinical Practice
• SoCRA or ACRP certification an asset
• Processing and shipping of biological specimen training an asset
• Familiarity with e-CRF programs is beneficial
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal skills as a member of a high-functioning team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated analytic and problem solving skills with the ability to provide close attention to detail
• Must be computer literate (good typing skills and demonstrated proficiency of computer software programs such as MS Office)
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize work effectively and meet multiple deadlines