Position Title:Research CoordinatorReports to:Scientific DirectorOffice Location:Canada, remote work-Eastern Standard Time work hours generallyType:Full timeSalary:$65,000-$75,000 annuallyStart Date:Immediately
Join Our Team!
About Autism Alliance of Canada
Autism Alliance of Canada is a pan-Canadian network with a broad and diverse membership of Autistic people and their families and support persons, as well as clinicians, researchers, policy influencers, service providers and organizations from across Canada.
We work together as a shared leadership movement to champion a National Autism Strategy that ensures Autistic people have equal rights and opportunities for full participation and acceptance in Canadian society. We harness the power of collective impact as an inclusive organization whose members, board of directors and staff reflect our commitment to Autistic participation in all aspects of our work.
Position Overview
The Research Coordinator at Autism Alliance of Canada will provide functional and technical support to the Scientific Director. The primary role of this position is to support the Scientific Director in coordinating the research team, fellows and trainees, and project management of all research and policy initiatives.
Key responsibilities include supporting the engagement of persons with lived experience in research initiatives, such as patient-oriented research, and managing training opportunities like fellowships, undergraduate practicums. The role also involves providing research and communication support, including grant preparation and submissions, leading and managing literature/scoping reviews, writing reports, preparing and writing peer reviewed manuscripts and overall project management of research and data initiatives. In addition, the position will support national autism initiatives through working with staff to develop materials collaboratively.
About You
You are a creative and driven self-starter with a strategic mindset. You have excellent communication skills and are extremely organized. You are an independent worker who is used to managing tight deadlines and completing priorities. As well you have experience communicating with multiple community leaders, coordinating projects or events, and conducting research. You thrive in a team-based environment that is constantly evolving, offering a variety of day-to-day tasks and responsibilities. Your goal is to make an impact through work you are passionate about.
Position Description
In this role, you will work on a diverse set of activities including but not limited to:
- Supporting research initiatives: Fulfilling various research support tasks such as ethics applications, referencing, grant and paper submissions, progress reports, background research, preparation of presentations.
- Conducting and supporting research initiatives: Such as literature reviews, scoping reviews, qualitative analysis and data management.
- Project management: Support research team in developing project timeline, maintaining organization of pertinent information, documentation, email communications.
- Communication with leadership team and staff: Liaise with Autism Alliance of Canada leadership, and working with the rest of the team across numerous projects and initiatives.
- Communication with persons with lived experience and supporting patient and public oriented research initiatives: Support to a Lived Experience Advisory Group, coordinating engagement on multiple research projects. This requires knowledge and implementation of patient-oriented research principles.
- Communications with external community leaders and partners: Undertake regular outreach and communications with external community leaders (e.g., researchers, administrators, community organizations, Autistic people, family members/caregivers, clinicians, policy makers, etc.). Participating in the planning and organization of the annual Canadian Autism Leadership Summit. Supporting the development and maintenance of research partnerships and collaborations, including drafting letters of support, development of knowledge translation products, and completing required documentation.
- Knowledge translation and dissemination: Collaborate with the internal and external communications teams to develop research-related knowledge translation products and social media communications.
- Graphic and report design: Designing lay summaries, policy briefs, and reports using tools such as Canva, Google Docs, and other graphic design platforms to communicate complex research in accessible formats.
- Administrative support: scheduling meetings, managing calendars and task lists, creating budgets, submitting expense claims, taking meeting minutes.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge
- Experience with research in autism, neurodevelopmental conditions, or a related field (patient-oriented research would be a bonus).
- Ability to compassionately work with community members, including those from underserved populations and/or with accessibility needs.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills (experience writing both academic and lay papers/reports are an asset).
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt under rapidly shifting circumstances.
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively in teams online.
- Attention to detail, organized, reliable, self-motivated, and goal-oriented.
- Advanced organizational skills and knowledge of productivity technologies (Microsoft products, Google Workspace, Slack, etc.)
- Passion, integrity and energy.
Position Requirements
Education: Minimum Masters in Public Health, Epidemiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, or a health related field.
Experience: 2-3 years work experience with demonstrated project management skills.
Languages: English (French is an asset).
Assets: Knowledge and interest in the autism community and neurodevelopmental conditions. Work Experience in health-related research.
Proficiency with Google Workspace: Strong fluency with managing Google Drives, organizing files, and collaborating effectively in a virtual workspace.
Benefits and Perks
- Paid vacation
- Extended health care
- Paid sickness and wellness days
- Flexible working hours
- Work from home
Apply Now
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit the following items to info@autismalliance.ca:
- A cover letter showcasing your suitability for the role.
- Your up-to-date resume, highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Autism Alliance of Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization. We strive towards building an Autistic-inclusive space. We actively encourage applications from individuals on the autism spectrum and from all equity-seeking groups. Priority will be given to Autistic or neurodivergent applicants.
We invite you to become a member of Autism Alliance of Canada. As a member, you will become aligned with a coalition of organizations, groups and individuals that has come together to provide a strong collective voice toward a national shared leadership movement. To join, click here.
