Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 37.5

Level: M

Please note, this is a 1-year temporary full-time, wholly grant-funded contract opportunity, and there are multiple vacancies available.

Secondments are Welcome

Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) is a large, diverse, and comprehensive unit composed of seven Schools: Brescia School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Nursing, Kinesiology, Health Studies, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Communication Sciences and Disorders. It also includes an extensive Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and four Research Centres. The Faculty has over 3,200 undergraduate and 800 graduate students, including 200 PhD students.

Under the umbrella of Western University’s Faculty of Health Sciences and the School of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), faculty at the H.A. Leeper Speech and Hearing Clinic (Clinic) provide clinical education and training in audiology and speech-language pathology for graduate students enrolled in these fields within CSD and facilitate research as a resource for students and faculty in CSD and the Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (HRS) Program.

Led by Professor Angela Roberts, our mission is to pioneer advancements in the detection, monitoring, and intervention of cognitive, communication, and language changes throughout the cognitive aging continuum, from neurodegenerative brain diseases to exceptional cognitive aging, by integrating communication sciences, computer science, and speech-language pathology. Through our commitment to research excellence, community engagement, and the development of innovative healthcare solutions, the lab aims to lead the way in enhancing cognitive well-being, supporting families affected by dementia and other neurodegenerative brain diseases, and shaping the future of cognitive and communication healthcare.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will support research and administrative activities related to one or more projects under the guidance of a principal investigator.



They will assist researchers, staff, students, and other members of the research team with a variety of day-to-day duties to aid the operation of the research projects and facilitate the achievement of innovative results. The Research Assistant will help compile and analyze research findings and support knowledge translation and dissemination. Additionally, they will assist in the development and implementation of future research initiatives.

Qualifications

Education:

- 3-year University Bachelor's Degree
- 4-year University Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences or related behavioural science fields (Psychology, Neuroscience, Gerontology) or completion of a Communication Disorders Assistant training program with older adult and dementia experience preferred

Experience:

- 1 year of experience supporting clinical or research implementation and related administrative activities
- Preferred:
- Experience working with older adults, including those 80 and older
- Experience working with populations with neurodegenerative conditions (e.g. Dementia, Parkinson’s)
- Experience teaching or working with others to use technology such as smart devices
- Experience working in clinical intervention studies (or clinical practice) of cognition, communication, speech, or language

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Familiarity with telehealth service delivery and technology, including video-chat, smart devices (iPad set up and accessibility settings), communication support web and smart device applications
- Familiarity with clinical intervention and observational study designs
- Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research ethics in an academic environment
- Familiarity with best practices for reviewing and writing grant proposals and/or manuscripts
- Familiarity with techniques for updating, managing and extracting data from a research database (e.g. REDcap, Excel)
- Ability to collaborate and develop credible relationships with a wide variety of individuals, including partners across the university and at other organizations
- Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users
- Ability to write explicit, concise and accurate procedural documentation




- Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards
- Ability and willingness to employ a consultative and collaborative approach to addressing issues and making decisions
- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Ability and willingness to stay abreast of technological developments
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrated ability take initiative, to work independently and follow through on work assignments
- Ability to prioritize and organize a fluctuating workload
- Ability to investigate defined issues, solicit input, and suggest remedies and alternative approaches that meet the needs of the situation
- Ability to interact professionally with students, staff, faculty, community partners, participants, and other members of the University community
- Ability to interpret and identify key results from research and to succinctly summarize research findings
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
- Intermediate skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
- Familiarity with University policies and procedures related to research preferred
- Troubleshooting technologies such as videochat (e.g., Zoom) software

Union Statement

Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.

Background Checks

Please note, successful applicants may be required to produce a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check from a police service prior to commencing employment and will be required to complete a credit check satisfactory to the employer.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone (phone hidden).

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

📌 Research Assistant (Canada)
🏢 Western University
📍 Canada