JPD Number: 33446
Job Title: Research Coordinator & Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)
Location: Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary
Faculty/Admin Area: Clinical Neurosciences & Oncology
Closing Date for Application: December 11, 2024
Open to: Internal and external applicants
Contact Name: Dr. David M Langelier David.langelier@ahs.ca
How to Apply: Apply online:
Nature of Work: We are seeking a dynamic and skilled Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) who will also provide Research Assistant support our Cancer Physiatry clinic and ongoing research initiatives. This full-time (1.0 FTE) role (35 hours/week) offers an exciting opportunity to integrate exercise physiology into cancer rehabilitation directly impacting patient care and contributing to cutting-edge clinical research on the integration of CEPs in ambulatory (outpatient) settings.
Reporting Structure: This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator / Clinical Lead (Dr. David Langelier) and Dr. Nicole Culos-Reed. They will also work closely with the Cancer Physiatry Clinic team. The selected candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physical therapists, occupational therapies, managers, physicians, and other allied health professionals. The position is a fixed term of 12 months with the option to extend subject to grant funding and/or operational funds available. This is a fixed-term, full time position (35hr/week) with normal work hours.
Primary Purpose of the Position: (Key purpose, functions, roles):
The CEP will leverage their technical expertise in exercise physiology and kinesiology to enhance the cancer rehabilitation service and support clinical research efforts. They will play a major role in designing and delivering clinical exercise prescriptions, and delivering exercise interventions/programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Direct Clinical Support (est. 0.6 FTE clinical): Assist with integrating exercise physiology into patient care within the cancer physiatry clinic. They will apply exercise physiology principles and best practice to assess, design and implement personalized exercise prescriptions for cancer patients. CEPs will be responsible for conducting functional assessments such as strength, endurance, balance and mobility which will inform tailored exercise programming. Furthermore, CEPs will assist clinicians in the education of patients, support behavioral change discussions and may be responsible for monitoring and documenting patient progress, including adjustment of exercise prescriptions when appropriate. In line with our clinic processes, CEPs may also be required to assist in the rooming and supervised documentation of patient encounters.
- Clinical & Research Coordination (est. 0.4 FTE): Assist in managing clinical research projects focused on exercise interventions for cancer patients. This includes planning and coordinating clinical-research meetings, supporting clinical and research students and trainees, maintaining study records, completing ethics documentation, and ensuring adherence to protocols.
- Data Management: Manage study and clinical databases, collect and input patient data, and ensure its accuracy and confidentiality. Assist in assembling data for reports, presentations, and publications.
- Participant Recruitment & Engagement: Recruit and engage with patients referred to the cancer physiatry clinic and the broader community for ongoing research studies and non-research related clinical database support. Schedule and coordinate clinical and research appointments, assessments, and follow-up visits.
- Ethics & Compliance: Ensure compliance with research ethics and safety protocols. Maintain a thorough understanding of study protocols and interact with study monitors during visits, if/when relevant.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the clinic’s interdisciplinary team, including researchers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and clinicians. Attend lab and clinic meetings pertaining to your role and actively contribute to project discussions.
Qualifications /Expertise Required:
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or a related field required; MSc or MKin preferred. Certification as a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) is required.
- Experience: 3+ years of experience in exercise physiology or a related field, with preference given to candidates who have experience in exercise oncology screening, assessment, and program delivery. Prior experience within a research setting is highly desirable.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with research databases (e.g., REDCap), survey tools (e.g., Qualtrics), and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, SPSS) is an asset. Ability to learn and work with clinical practice software (i.e., Connect Care / Epic) will be necessary.
- Communication & Organization: Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Strong attention to detail is essential.
- Research Knowledge: Understanding of research ethics and prior experience with completing ethics documentation. GCP and TCPS2 certification are required.
- Personal Attributes: Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be adaptable, open to learning, and capable of exercising judgment in complex situations.
Accountabilities:
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with team members, clinic staff, and patients.
- Provide administrative support, including scheduling, preparing reports, and maintaining cleanliness and safety in the workplace.
- Recruit and support research participants, including coordinating travel and reimbursements.
- Maintain familiarity with study protocols and assist in running clinical assessments, such as motor learning and cognitive assessments.
- Attend weekly meetings and contribute to project development.
- Adhere to all occupational health and safety guidelines as required by the University and regulatory bodies.
- Ensure all data is handled carefully and per AHS policy and ethics.
- Ensure regular work attendance.
- Answering phone calls / emails from potential participants.
- Inputting data to the database.
- Completion of University or granting agency documents.
- Other related duties assigned.
Occupational Health & Safety:
- Understands and complies with the requirements of the University’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy.
- Has knowledge of and understands the expectations of the University’s Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) and applicable.
- Faculty/Departmental/Unit specific health and safety policies and procedures.
- Ensures that all work conducted is in accordance with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code and other health and safety legislation as applicable.
Position Details:
- Full-time (35hr/week), 12-month fixed-term appointment with the possibility of extension based on funding.
- Some travel between sites within the city may be required.
- Normal work hours with occasional flexibility depending on project needs.
Core Competencies:
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Communication and Professionalism
- Organizational Skills
- Problem Solving and Adaptability
If you are passionate about combining exercise physiology with clinical research to improve cancer rehabilitation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit your resume, 2 letters of reference, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and relevant experience.