2025 Ward Summer Research Student - Shannon Scratch

Status: Temporary Full Time (1.00 FTE)

Compensation: $17.20/hr

Start Date: May 5, 2025

End Date: July 25, 2025

Lab: NOvEL Lab - Neurorehab Outcomes via Education & Learning

Supervisor: Shannon Scratch

Program: Bloorview Research Institute

Join us in building a world of possibility for children with neurodevelopmental differences and disabilities!

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is Canada's largest pediatric rehabilitation hospital and is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. It has ranked amongst Canada's top 40 research hospitals for more than a decade. Holland Bloorview has won numerous awards including Greater Toronto's Top Employers, Canada's Top Employers for Young People and Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures. We offer an inspiring, inclusive, innovative, and collaborative work environment with competitive compensation and benefit packages and programs that support ongoing learning and professional growth.

The Bloorview Research Institute (BRI), embedded within the hospital, is the only university-affiliated research institute in Canada dedicated to pediatric disability, and one of very few around the world. BRI's vision is to be a global leader in transformative, equity-driven research dedicated to enabling personalized versions of a good life across the lifespan, for all individuals with childhood onset disabilities, acquired injuries and developmental differences, their families and communities.

Description

We are seeking a Ward Summer Research Student to work within the NOvEL Lab (Neurorehab Outcomes via Education & Learning) comprised of a fast-paced interdisciplinary team that investigates how to improve and develop evidence-based practice for individuals with brain injuries and their families. The Ward Summer Student Research program provides an opportunity to experience a unique interdisciplinary mentorship experience. The successful incumbent will have the opportunity to work with their mentor on a research project, attend Lunch 'n' Learns, and participate in the annual Ward Summer Student Research Day where they will have an opportunity to present their findings to the organization and its visitors.

The student will have the opportunity to contribute to Move&Connect, an intervention developed for children and youth with persisting concussion symptoms and their caregivers. The student's role will involve completing literature reviews, data collection, and data analysis. The student will gain practical experience working with interdisciplinary team members to learn about acquired brain injury and develop a repertoire of clinical-research skills.

The Bloorview Research Institute is pleased to launch SOAR (Sparking student Opportunities for Advancing inclusive childhood disability Research) in partnership with the Community of Support-Research Application Support Initiative (COS-RASI). SOAR aims to provide students experiencing structural disadvantages based on their identities, socioeconomic backgrounds and lived experience with research and mentorship opportunities as part of the Ward Family Summer Student Research Program. Eligible students include but are not limited to those who identify as Indigenous, Black, Filipino, socioeconomically disadvantaged, or identify as having a disability. Applications for SOAR positions are submitted separately. Please click here for more details on how to apply.

Compensation Details

The program runs for 12 weeks from May 5, 2025 - July 25, 2025. Students will be paid $17.20 per hour based on a 37.5 hour week (full-time), less statutory deductions, including 4% in lieu of vacation and relevant statutory holiday pay. Students will be paid biweekly through payroll.

Key Responsibilities

• Literature searches, data collection, qualitative data analysis, and knowledge dissemination
• Development of study materials and presentation skills
• Assist with knowledge translation and dissemination activities
• Work closely with interdisciplinary team including research staff, graduate students, clinicians, and client and family partners
• General administrative and clerical functions to support projects
• Additional duties assigned as required

Qualifications

• Student must be enrolled as a 3rd or 4th student in a health-related undergraduate degree program or equivalent
• Student must have completed at least one research method course and demonstrate an interest in qualitative research
• Able to utilize skills learned in academic studies in this position
• Able to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members including staff, students, children and youth with disabilities, and their families/caregivers
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and be a team player
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, time management, and problem solving skills
• Ability to organize work to ensure deadlines are met and follow-up is complete
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, & Excel
• Applies data management skills and principles

Application

Please submit the following in one (1) pdf file in the order indicated below:

1. Cover letter including the following:
   • What program of study are you currently enrolled in?
   • What year are you within your program of study?
   • Please indicate your future academic ambitions
   • Please indicate your academic average as a percentage (e.g. 85%) for the last two (2) years of study
   • Do you have research experience? If so, please provide details of your research experience
   • Do you have experience working with children with disabilities? If so, please provide details
2. A copy of your most recent curriculum vitae (CV)
3. A copy of your most recent unofficial university transcript
4. One letter of reference from a professor or previous employer

Any applications missing this information will not be accepted.