Obesity Canada is the country’s leading obesity registered charity association for health professionals, researchers, trainees and students, policy makers, and Canadians living with obesity. 

In August 2020, Obesity Canada in collaboration with the Canadian Association of Bariatric Surgeons and Physicians published the new Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guideline. The guideline and associated recommendations were developed through a systematic research process that took three and a half years from start to finish. The process involved stakeholders such as researchers, clinicians, people living with obesity, and Indigenous communities. The scope of the guideline is broad with 19 chapters covering topics such as weight bias, assessment, treatments, mental health, pregnancy, commercial weight loss programs and products, and obesity management in primary care. A summary of the 19 chapters including all 80 recommendations was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal while the individual chapters were published on the guideline website. 

The guideline is a living document that will be updated as new evidence emerges. In 2021, the guideline will be adapted and translated so that it can be used in other countries. 

To assist in the guideline adaptation project, Obesity Canada is looking to recruit a Research Assistant. 

The Research Assistant role is to assist Obesity Canada staff with time-bound tasks related to the preparation of chapters and other materials for the adaptation process. 

Task will include:

  • Preparing master files of each chapter and the CGP summary and keep track of all the references that are added or deleted
  • Proofreading, checking and updating references (EndNote), and other tasks related to manuscript preparation
  • Liaise with and support Independent Methods experts, manage search strategies and methods report files
  • Assisting with preparation of materials required by Obesity Canada partners who will be adapting the guidelines for other countries
  • Coordinate meetings with the guideline implementation committee (e.g. schedule meetings, write minutes, manage files, keep track of all decisions, collect and record conflicts of interests forms)
  • Keep records of all the changes made in every guideline document
  • Write, edit and deliver interim and final impact and outcome reports and briefing notes for the guideline implementation committee, funding agencies and community partners
  • Develop project documents including PowerPoint presentations
  • Track milestones and timelines of the program and develop and institute necessary changes to the procedures to ensure milestones are met
  • Maintain ongoing communications locally and nationally (including organizing program meetings, managing program working groups, and ensuring communication between program sites and amongst team members and staff)
  • Establish and maintain good communication and working relationships with key stakeholder groups, and foster the necessary stakeholder involvement at a senior level to ensure timely activities, cooperation and progress of the program
  • Create and provide regular progress reports using management tools to track, manage and communicate progress on all aspects of the project to ensure data is being captured in a timely manner to meet the milestones of the project
  • Maintain source documents, upload them to the Obesity Canada website and ensure all aspects of privacy and data integrity are adhered 
  • Maintain the established filing system and store all study files and documentation (electronic, paper and web based) in a logical and easily retrievable fashion
  • Other related duties, as may be required

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

  • The ideal candidate will have an master’s degree in health or medical sciences;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, analytical, communication (verbal and written), and decision-making skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills, a high degree of independence and initiative to work independently 
  • Excellent computer skills; Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Google Drive applications (Docs, Sheets & Slides) Websites Programs (WordPress); EndNote, Adobe Pro & DropBox
  • Proficiency in Spanish is an asset
  • Self-starter, able to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team
  • Time management, communication and organizational skills are essential

Applicant does not have to be a Canadian Citizen to apply for this position.

Hourly Rate: $28.00 to $32.00 CAD (depending on skill, qualifications and experience)

Hours: Temporary position (Part-time extension may be a possibility). The position is for 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday

Timeframe: 3-6 months

Location: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic this position will work remotely (from home)

To apply for this position please send your cover letter and CV to info@obesitynetwork.ca with the subject title: CPG Adaptation Project. This position will remain open until filled.