Assistant Research, Clerical

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Department: Princess Margaret Research Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-site
Grade: A0:03
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: $18.39 - $22.99 per hour (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Day
Status: Temporary Full-time (4 months)
Closing Date: Until Filled

Position Summary
My team focuses on research involving older adults with cancer. We study three main areas: treatment side effects, supportive care interventions, and the value of geriatric assessment. The main focus has been on prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men. We study side effects of treatments of advanced prostate cancer that are relevant to older men, including quality of life, falls, function, cognition and bone health. We have designed and conducted clinical trials of exercise to help manage various symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, especially physical function and fatigue. We also study ways to improve cancer care in vulnerable/complex older adults. Our major projects include (or have included):

1. Examining the impact of local and systemic therapy on frail older adults with metastatic prostate cancer.
2. Examining the impact of androgen deprivation therapy (hormone therapy) on health outcomes (including quality of life, physical function, cognitive function and bone health).
3. Clinical trials examining the role of exercise in men with prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy to improve quality of life, fatigue, and physical fitness.
4. Understanding the value of geriatric assessment in older patients with cancer using both randomized trials and knowledge translation approaches.
5. Clinical trials examining geriatric assessment and management and/or remote symptom monitoring in older men starting treatment for metastatic prostate cancer.
6. A Multi-stage study examining access to cancer care and cancer clinical trials for racialized older adults across Canada.
7. Dr. Alibhai's graduate students are examining a variety of cancer-related issues, including the role of active surveillance in men with prostate cancer, the value of exercise and wearable technology in reducing sedentary behaviour and improving fatigue in people with cancer, implementation of geriatric assessment, and remote symptom monitoring in older adults with cancer in Canada.

Duties

• Will work on two projects, one that explores the implementation and usability of a self-reported geriatric assessment, the other, a clinical trial exploring the benefits of a geriatric assessment and/or remote symptom monitoring in men starting treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Both projects are under the supervision of the principal investigator (Dr. Alibhai) and his senior study team members (Sara Durbano and Soha Abdallah).
• May prepare a summary of the research protocol including data collection instruments (e.g. chart review data collection form, patient questionnaires).
• May help with correspondence with research ethics boards and/or funding/regulatory agencies.
• Will obtain relevant medical data on research subjects from charts and/or the Electronic Patient Record.
• May perform data entry related to research data for project, possibly including double-data entry and/or data quality checking.
• May assist with preparation of findings for presentation at scientific conferences (abstract and/or poster and/or oral presentation)
• May assist with preparation of results for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
• Contributes to the maintenance of accurate data and other research administration functions necessary for efficient and ethical research operations.

• Minimum a completion of XII or equivalent
• 3-6 months related experience
• Previous research experience in a clinical environment (preferred)
• Able to act with discretion, tact and diplomacy
• Excellent attention to detail
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills
• Able to work in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Excellent time management and organizational skills

Why join UHN?
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.