TITLE: Part-time Sexual Confidence Research Associate

SITE: HIV Prevention Lab, Ryerson University

SUPERVISORS: Dr. Trevor Hart, Dr. Allison Kirschbaum, Nicole Elkington

JOB SUMMARY

Working under the HIV Prevention Lab Director (Dr. Hart), and the Sexual Confidence post-doctoral fellow (Allison Kirschbaum), the part-time Research Associate will assist with the data collection and implementation of the Sexual Confidence RCT, a clinical trial to treat social anxiety and reduce HIV risk behaviors among HIV negative gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.  This study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.  The study has psychological assessment, psychotherapeutic intervention, biomedical, questionnaire, and qualitative interview components.  We are hiring a part-time Sexual Confidence Research Associate (15-20 hours per week; $21 per hour + 4% vacation pay) for a 6-month contract with the possibility of renewal. Position will be hybrid with occasional evenings and weekends. 

DUTIES

Administrative Tasks

• Study operations duties include but are not limited to: screening potential interested participants to assess eligibility, scheduling participants for all study visits, monitoring study email and voicemail inboxes, entering participant questionnaire responses into study database, coordinating payment of participants and assessors, managing timely coordination of all participant follow-up visits.
• Assist with preparation and submission of REB documents
• Assist with ordering assessment and advertising supplies 
• Performs other study administrative duties as assigned

Data Collection Tasks

• Assists in participant recruitment, scheduling, and retention, including advertising on social media, dating apps, community mental and sexual health centers
• Administers the study according to the research protocol and ensures that study records, including medical results, are maintained properly
• Interacts with study participants and conducts participant visits as needed
• Coordinates study follow-ups (liaise with study nurse, assessors, and participants)
• Assists with conducting collection of biological samples including assembling of specimen kits, 
• Completes training and implements procedures in the collection, processing, handling, and shipping of medical samples, including throat and rectal swabs, urine samples, and blood specimens)

Community Engagement Tasks

• Outreach Events (organize presence at local festivals and events)
• Knowledge Translation (drafts plain language summaries of manuscripts and abstracts)
• Maintains and updates study social media accounts, particularly with knowledge translation summaries

Volunteer Support Tasks

• Oversees, coordinates, and directs the work of volunteers and trains them on research study procedures and protocols that need to be followed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience

• At minimum, completion of a Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, health administration, psychology, or related disciplines
• One year of related professional experience in a healthcare, social service, or health research setting
• Data collection experience, preferably using electronic questionnaire administration
• Knowledge and/or experience regarding issues and concerns of gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men

Skills and Abilities

• Some knowledge of epidemiology, public health, psychology, health services, or related fields
• Knowledge of research design and methodology
• Demonstrated ability to effectively handle confidential matters and materials
• Proficiency and experience using Microsoft Office software. Experience with REDcap and/or Qualtrics also highly desirable.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and by telephone; tact, diplomacy, and flexibility in dealing with research participants, research staff, and faculty investigators
• Ability to learn and use training in procedures, including handling and processing of blood samples that are collected by the study nurse (training will be provided) and screening/interviewing participants
• Deadline and detail oriented 
• Ability to follow directions reliably

To apply, please email Nicole Elkington (nelkington@ryerson.ca) and Allison Kirschbaum (akirschbaum@ryerson.ca) your application, including a cover letter and CV/resume. Applicants offered an interview are asked to provide names and contact information for two references. This information may be submitted with the application or at the interview.  Sexual and gender minority individuals are encouraged to apply. 

The deadline for receipt of applications is July 20th 2022. Position will start August 2nd. 

We thank all applicants, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.