Research Nurse Liaison - Department of Research

About the Opportunity

As a member of Nova Scotia Health’s Department of Research, the Research Nurse Liaison helps individuals and families navigate participation in clinical research and access research care across the province. Reporting to the Director, they serve as a key resource by providing clear, patient-friendly education on study options, informed consent, eligibility, and patient rights while connecting individuals with appropriate study teams. The liaison also supports various NS Health initiatives and acts as the primary contact for those interested in enrolling in research studies or clinical trials.

The Research Nurse Liaison connects potential participants with study teams and other resources to ensure Nova Scotians can access clinical research and provides education and support on consent and eligibility. They work with diverse communities and use platforms like NovaStudies Connect to improve research access and identify gaps in care. Collaborating with healthcare teams, the liaison upholds professional nursing standards while educating participants, families, and staff about clinical research processes and protocols.

Specific Accountabilities:

Navigating the Research System:

• Conducts initial assessments for research eligibility, triages inquiries, and educates staff, participants, and families on consent, research processes, and institutional safeguards, ensuring culturally sensitive communication.
• Builds trusting relationships and supports culturally diverse and vulnerable populations by facilitating access to research and providing tailored education and decision-making support.
• Collaborates with healthcare professionals to ensure continuity of research care and serves as a key contact throughout the early phases of participant outreach.

Professional Practice & Leadership: 

• Adheres to NSHA policies, NSCN professional standards, and Code of Ethics while ensuring thorough documentation to support interdisciplinary communication.
• Supports team growth by contributing to orientation and mentoring of new Research Nurse Liaisons and identifying professional development needs.

Digital Transformation:

• Advise on clinical research digital solutions like OPOR, NovaStudies Connect, Your Health NS, and support data reporting on patient inquiries and trial access.
• Contribute to developing SOPs, workflows, and best practices while championing the integration of digital tools to streamline clinical trial and other research processes.

Administration:

• Contributes to policy development, documentation management, and creation of patient education resources.
• Engages actively in team meetings, new staff orientation, and interviews.
• Commits to continuous professional development by identifying learning needs per regulatory requirements.

Supporting projects within the Research portfolio:

• Support high-priority provincial research projects by collaborating with internal and external teams (e.g. industry partners) and providing subject matter expertise as directed.
• Report on project performance using various communication methods, including verbal updates, newsletters, meetings, written reports, data analysis, and presentations.

About You

We would love to hear from you if you have the following:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing required
• Active registration with the Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN)
• CCRP (Certified Clinical Research Professional) or equivalent an asset
• BLS-C (HCP) Certification plus TCPS2 and GCP an asset
• Minimum 2-3 years of clinical research experience. Clinical trials coordinator or patient navigation strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of industry-sponsored clinical research and the academic research environment. A combination of education and experience may be considered at the discretion of the employer.
• Clinical patient care experience in various settings (e.g., inpatient, ambulatory, critical care) considered an asset.
• Experience coordinating clinical trial patients, including assessing eligibility and applying trial protocols, is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the research environment, ambulatory patient care, disease processes, and industry relationships.
• Proficient in using NS Health clinical and non-clinical software applications.
• Research, Therapeutic/SOC knowledge
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines while overseeing clinical research care and quality.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills with proven ability to build rapport and foster collaboration.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and effectively within a matrixed team environment.
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of clinical and research settings, research protocols, and expertise in guiding, educating, and supporting patients and their families.
• Demonstrated leadership and communication skills with proven ability in team building, conflict management, critical thinking, and effective decision-making.
• Proven priority-setting skills with the ability to manage sensitive and stressful situations while maintaining flexibility in work hours and travel.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of respect, safety, ethical practice, and cultural awareness within the organization.
• Proficiency with computer applications including Microsoft Suite – Outlook, Internet, PowerPoint, Excel, and other applications as required.
• Proficiency in English is required. Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred.

Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.

Hours

Permanent, Full-Time / 75 Hours Bi-Weekly

Compensation and Benefits

$40.95 - $51.19 Hourly

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.