Patient-engaged Research

Dr. Brett Thombs of McGill University and the Scleroderma Patient-Centred Intervention
Network (SPIN; www.spinsclero.com) are seeking a full-time in-person or remote
Research Assistant with our team at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research of
the Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.

Scleroderma is a rare chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by
abnormal fibrotic processes and excessive collagen production, which leads to
substantial damage to the skin, blood vessels, muscles, and internal organs. Common
problems faced by people with scleroderma include limitations in hand function and
mobility, pain, fatigue, itch, mental health challenges, and body image distress from
disfiguring aspects of the disease.

SPIN is a true patient-researcher partnership. People with scleroderma are involved in
SPIN as leaders, collaborators, and consultants. Ten SPIN Steering Committee
members who are people with scleroderma have oversight and decision-making roles,
over 30 people with scleroderma contribute to project-specific Advisory Teams, and
others help identify needs and priorities via focus groups and surveys.

SPIN's research to better understand the problems faced by people with scleroderma
and to test interventions is centred around the SPIN Cohort, which includes over 1,400
active participants from 7 countries. SPIN has numerous ongoing studies. Examples of
ongoing projects include (1) a CIHR-funded series of randomised controlled trials to
determine the best way to communicate research results to study participants and
others with lived experience; (2) CIHR-funded epidemiological research on the




trajectory of patient-reported outcomes across the scleroderma disease course. We are
also developing projects that will (1) conduct comparative trial research to evaluate the
best ways to engage people with lived experience as research partners; (2) evaluate the
association between emotional stress and disease symptom flares; and (3) finalise
development and test a program to help people with scleroderma cope with body image
distress due to disfiguring aspects of the disease.

SPIN is an active organization with a large collaborative network. There are many other
studies that are ongoing and use methods that include qualitative research,
epidemiological research, and clinical trials.

The tasks of the Research Assistant include:

- Support diverse SPIN projects, including randomized controlled trials on research

dissemination tools
- Contribute to the preparation and review of ethics applications and grant

submissions

- Assist in developing manuscripts focused on research dissemination, mental

health, and other patient-centered outcomes
- Collaborate with patient partners to ensure research activities and materials

reflect patient priorities and perspectives
- Support the co-development of patient-facing resources (e.g., plain-language

summaries, tools, and communications)




- Participate in meetings with patient advisors and contribute to discussions on

study design and dissemination
- Support dissemination activities, including newsletters, social media content, and

other outreach efforts
- Maintain and update website content including adding new pages, editing

existing content, and ensuring accuracy of information
- Connect with research participants through phone outreach
- Respond to participant inquiries (voicemail and email) and provide timely,

solution-oriented support

- Monitor and document participant progress using an online tracking system

The candidate must meet the following qualifications:

- Degree in epidemiology, public health, health sciences, psychology or related

field with strong academic record
- Good interpersonal skills and strong capacity for teamwork
- Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills
- Initiative and flexibility
- Able to work in English and French would be ideal

- A two-year commitment is strongly preferred as it supports continuity for the team

and allows the successful candidate the chance to gain meaningful experience to
support career development.

Salary: To be determined based on institutional guidelines and candidate experience.

Start date: September 2026

To apply: Applicants should send (1) a cover letter explaining their interest in the
position, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) an unofficial transcript, and (4) an English writing
sample and, if possible, an additional writing sample in French, to Marie-Eve Carrier
at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

📌 Full-time Research Assistant in Patient-engaged Research (Montreal)
🏢 Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research/Jewish General Hospital
📍 Montreal