The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital – one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals. We are proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. With more than 2200 scientists, clinician investigators, trainees and staff, and total revenues of more than $120 million, we are one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes. Our research spans more than a hundred different diseases, conditions, and specialties with an overall focus on translating discoveries and knowledge into better health.

Job Description:
Reporting to the Scientist and Research Team supporting the Hatching Ideas Lab, the part-time Patient Engagement Assistant will provide a combination of administrative, operational, and engagement support to advance mental health and psychiatry research initiatives. This role involves supporting the research team by managing logistics of patient engagement for various research projects, coordinating with internal departments and liaising with both internal and external partners. A key focus of the position is to enhance lived experience engagement by building relationships with People with Lived Experience (PLEs), organizing and facilitating inclusive outreach and engagement activities, and supporting their meaningful involvement in research grants and projects. The incumbent will also ensure that all engagement activities are conducted ethically, respectfully, and in alignment with best practices. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, and possess strong interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to organizational policies.

Responsibilities:
•Organize virtual and community-based committee meetings for People with Lived Experience (PLEs)
•Coordinate catering and meeting logistics
•Prepare and distribute meeting materials (agendas, minutes, review documents)
•Support Grant applications for PLEs (CVs, PINs, letters, etc.)
•Process payment requests for PLEs per internal procedures
•Build relationships with diverse and marginalized PLE groups
•Act as liaison between PLEs, researchers, and community stakeholders
•Serve as first point of contact for PLEs to share ideas, needs, and concerns

Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):
•Secondary school diploma.
•Demonstrated experience of community, patient engagement, or experience providing peer support.
•Knowledge of the clinical research environment.
•Superior organization skills and attention to detail.
•Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
•Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
•Ability to work independently and in teams.  

Preferred Qualifications:
•Post-secondary education in a relevant field, such as Psychology, Social Work, Social Support Worker, Counselling Psychology, or equivalent   combination of education and experience.
•1-3 years of experience in patient engagement or patient-oriented research.
•Lived or living experience of a mental health condition, either as a patient or caregiver.
•Experience working with populations who have been systemically marginalized.
•Experience in information dissemination and demonstrated ability to apply best practices in knowledge mobilization, as well as an understanding of  evidence-informed practices and decision making.

Contract Details:
This is a 1-year Part-time (0.40 FTE) contract with possibility of renewal.
Salary: Min: $ 22.471/hr. – Max: $ 29.962/hr.

Comments to Applicant:
Please send your CV and cover letter to Sarah MacLean:

Contact Info:
Name: Sarah MacLean
Title: Senior Clinical Research Associate
Program: Neurosciences Program
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Address: 1919 Riverside Drive, Suite 406
Email: samaclean@ohri.ca
Website: www.hatchingideaslab.com


The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming and supportive culture that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion for trainees, researchers, and staff. We are devoted to identifying and removing barriers that limit equitable access to opportunities within our organization. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute strongly supports initiatives that encourage the participation of all groups, in particular the four groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities).

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.