Project Research Coordinator

Overview

The EPID@Work Research Institute is seeking a full-time research project coordinator to join our team of project coordinators. The position is a 3-month contract, renewable depending on performance and funding. The team is responsible for leading the Northwestern Ontario Workplace and Worker Health Study (NOWWHS), with the focus of the position being planning and executing data collection at various communities and businesses in Northwestern Ontario, with a team of research assistants. Responsibilities will include actively promoting the study, calling and recruiting workplaces, scheduling meetings, organizing workplace presentations, coordinating with team members, and collecting data. The candidate will have a post-secondary education or equivalent with an emphasis in mental and/or physical health, workplace safety, or occupational health with previous experience as a research assistant, project coordinator, or in customer service.

This position requires a solid understanding of relevant scientific theories, principles, and practices. Incumbents support research activities by conducting experiments, analyzing results, and contributing to the development and refinement of established protocols and scientific methods. The role is responsible for supporting and completing assigned research projects while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to scientific standards.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments requiring advanced scientific knowledge and a strong understanding of relevant theories and principles.
Identify limitations in research methods and recommend improvements to project plans.
Apply specialized expertise to design and execute experiments, including contributing to decisions on methodologies, equipment, and data standards.
Review and interpret scientific literature, summarize key findings, and assist in drafting research reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals.
Contribute to the development and evaluation of data collection tools, research databases, and related systems.
Use advanced equipment, techniques, and software to collect, manage, and analyze research data.
Develop, refine, and implement new experimental protocols, methods, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Maintain effective working relationships with external partners and, when required, present research findings at conferences or meetings.
Facilitate focus groups with research participants and coordinate components of project plans or timelines.
Exercise independent judgment in applying scientific principles, conducting experiments, and interpreting data, consulting with senior researchers or the principal investigator when protocol deviations arise.
Interact regularly with individuals outside the immediate work group, including external collaborators and researchers, to support project objectives.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior researchers or students, advising on protocols, techniques, and best practices.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, with related research experience; or an equivalent combination of education and research experience.
Comfortable cold calling workplaces for recruitment
Ability to work in a team environment
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Critical and analytical thinking
Strong interpersonal skills
Effective organizational skills and time management
Follow research ethics guidelines and know research processes.
A valid G-class driver’s license with 2 years minimum experience is required, and the ability to work overtime outside of normal working hours, including some evenings, weekends, and overnight trips.

Established in 2018, the mandate of EPID@Work is to bring people together to reduce work-related injury and disability through collaborative applied research and the provision of education to enhance knowledge related to injury and disability. The Institute is a partner with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development and holds a seat at the Ministry’s Prevention Research Partner’s Table. Information generated from our research informs practice and policies aiming to improve health and social outcomes in Northwestern Ontario and beyond. More information on the EPID@Work Research Institute is available at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/centre/epid.

The health and well-being of our employees is of the utmost importance to us. Lakehead University encourages and supports our employees in prioritizing their own well-being. To support our employees in balancing their working and personal lives, whether working traditional hours in the workplace or remotely, we have implemented a Disconnecting from Work Policy to encourage employees to disconnect from work outside of their working hours.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.