Research Assistant 1

McGill University•Montreal, QC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Provide operational support to the Neuroimmunology clinical research program, under the supervision of the investigators (Harroud A., Thebault S., Blanchard O., and Giacomini P.) and senior research staff (Research Assistant 2). Assist with the recruitment, consent, and follow-up of participants with neuroimmunological diseases, including but not limited to multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, MOG antibody–associated disease, and myasthenia gravis. Support the collection and documentation of clinical information and biological samples, and ensure that activities are carried out in accordance with established research protocols, ethical approvals, and institutional procedures. Act as a liaison between patients, clinical staff, and the investigators to facilitate ongoing observational and biomarker studies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. neuroscience, biology, biomedical science) or equivalent training and experience.
Ability with databases and electronic data capture tools (e.g. REDCap, spreadsheets) is required.
Full professional proficiency in English and French is required.
Must be authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
English communication both verbally and in writing is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a clinical or research setting involving direct interaction with patients is an asset.
Experience with clinical research or human biospecimen handling is an asset.
Ability and willingness to perform, or be trained to perform, phlebotomy/venipuncture and to handle biospecimens; experience with basic wet lab techniques for sample processing is an asset.
Coding experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

Attend relevant outpatient clinics (e.g. MS clinic, lumbar puncture clinic) to approach, inform, and consent eligible participants to research studies, in coordination with clinical staff. Document consent in the appropriate systems and ensure proper creation, storage, and filing of study identifiers and forms.
Coordinate the collection of biological samples (e.g. blood, CSF, DNA) from enrolled participants, including arranging collection during visits, ensuring linkage between samples and participant records, and supporting related logistics (scheduling, transport, documentation).
Conduct pre-visit review of scheduled patients to identify those already enrolled in studies, those requiring biospecimen collection, and those prioritized for specific projects (e.g. treatment-naïve patients, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, MOG antibody–associated disease, myasthenia gravis). Contribute to improving screening and tracking workflows, including identifying candidates for imaging studies and relevant clinical trials.
Contact participants outside of clinic, including first-degree relatives of patients and referred patients from external centres, to explain studies, confirm eligibility, obtain or document consent, administer or monitor questionnaire completion (e.g. REDCap), and coordinate biospecimen collection.
Work jointly with the Clinical Research Unit (CRU) to identify and refer eligible patients for clinical trials. Collaborate with investigators involved in MRI-based research to identify and refer interested participants for imaging studies.
Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date records of recruitment activity, communication with participants, biospecimen collection, and imaging/trial referrals; flag issues to investigators.
Perform other related duties in support of the Neuroimmunology research program, as required.