Job Description

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Hiring Unit: Ingram School of Nursing - Professor Guillaume Fontaine's Lab
Position Summary:
The Methods Think Tank of the CIHR Pan-Canadian HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBIs) Clinical Trials Research Network (CTN+) is offering a 6-month Research Assistant 2 position in research methodology based at McGill University. The position focuses on developing advanced methodology to evaluate HIV and STBBIs interventions as part of the CTN+. Additionally, this opportunity includes working across some of Canada's leading HIV clinical investigators today.
The researcher will play a central role in the Methods Think Tank, contributing to methodological innovation, research development, and knowledge translation within CTN+. Responsibilities include:
Contribute to the design and evaluation of clinical trial methodologies, including adaptive trials, hybrid effectiveness-implementation studies, and advanced statistical modeling approaches.
Support the integration of implementation science methods to improve the translation of research findings into clinical practice.
Assist in the development of guidelines and methodological frameworks to enhance research quality and impact within CTN+.
Lead and support the preparation, submission, and revision of manuscripts, including systematic reviews, methodological papers, and original research related to implementation science and clinical trial methodologies.
Synthesize findings from Think Tank activities into reports, white papers, and presentations for CTN+ researchers and stakeholders.
Collaborate with Think Tank co-leads to develop and refine research protocols for CTN+ studies.
Provide methodological and analytical support to CTN+ investigators seeking guidance on study design, data collection, and statistical analysis.
Assist in managing and maintaining research databases and methodological resources, ensuring accessibility for CTN+ investigators.
Support the planning and execution of Methods Think Tank sessions and working groups, including structured discussions on novel trial designs and implementation science approaches.
If you are passionate about improving and developing research methodologies and evaluation in HIV and STBBI research, we would be delighted to discuss the position and/or receive your application. To apply, please send your CV and cover letter.
About the CTN+ Methods Think Tank
The Methods Think Tank within the CIHR Pan-Canadian HIV/AIDS and STBBI Clinical Trials Research Network (CTN+) plays a pivotal role in ensuring that clinical trials and research initiatives are methodologically robust, inclusive, and impactful. This expert-driven initiative builds on over 30 years of CTN's experience in providing methodological and statistical support, now expanding to drive innovation in trial design, implementation science, and equitable research practices. The Methods Think Tank is dedicated to:
Advancing innovative trial designs, including adaptive clinical trials, which allow for evidence-driven modifications during the study period.
Integrating implementation science approaches to ensure that research findings translate effectively into real-world clinical practice.
Involving community members in shaping research questions, designing studies, and selecting relevant outcomes.
This Think Tank is co-led by four researchers who bring complementary expertise to strengthen CTN+ research:
Dr. Shirin Golchi (McGill University) - A biostatistician specializing in adaptive clinical trial design and Bayesian modeling, with experience across multiple disease areas.
Dr. Lawrence Mbuagbaw (McMaster University) - A research methodologist with expertise in clinical trial design, guideline development, and capacity building in infectious diseases.
Dr. Guillaume Fontaine (McGill University) - An implementation scientist focused on ensuring effective interventions are embedded in clinical practice and sustained within healthcare systems.
Dr. Serge Vicente (Ecole de Technologie Superieure) - A clinical trial expert integrating patient-reported outcomes and community perspectives into HIV research.
The Methods Think Tank aims to enhance the rigor, efficiency, and applicability of clinical research conducted within CTN+. Through innovative trial designs and implementation science, the Think Tank accelerates the transition from research findings to real-world clinical improvements, ultimately strengthening Canada's HIV and STBBI research infrastructure.
About McGill University
With a diverse student body from over 150 countries, McGill University is one of the most internationally diverse research universities in Canada. The university has three campuses, 11 faculties, more than 300 study programs, and collaborates with four affiliated teaching hospitals to graduate over 1,000 healthcare professionals each year. It has been ranked 1st in Canada in Maclean's annual ranking and 29th globally (QS World University Rankings 2025). Montreal is also ranked as the world's best student city ( ).
Qualifications:
PhD in a health-related discipline (e.g., Public Health, Epidemiology, Research Methodology)
Experience in quantitative research and knowledge synthesis methods
Experience in qualitative research methods is an asset
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Hours per Week: 35
Hourly Rate: $43.36
Location of Work: On-site (to be determined)
Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # 4 on a scale of 0-4.
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.
Hourly Salary: $43.36
Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)
Location: Various
Supervisor: Assistant Professor
Position Start Date: 2026-01-05
Position End Date: 2026-06-19
Deadline to Apply: 2026-01-12
This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, .

Skills Required