Research Therapist, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine

Position Overview

The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Therapist. This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 3 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.  

The Research Therapist will support the research activities of the project team. Our program relates to patients with respiratory symptoms due to Long COVID. This position involves the provision of physiotherapy interventions for patients with Long COVID, including assessment and treatment of breathing pattern dysfunction and post-viral fatigue and patient specific return to work and activity guidance and programming.

The Program is based at Peter Lougheed Centre with work required 1-2 days per week at the Peter Lougheed Centre and Rockyview General Hospital.

This is a recurring part-time position.  Recurring Part-time employees are hourly employees engaged to perform work on an irregular schedule.  

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Assess, design and provide personalized physiotherapy interventions to patients and families within the established standards and codes of the profession and the POETIC research protocol
• Provides assessment, treatment and management of patients in assigned clinical areas
• Ensures patient care documentation is complete in accordance with Service Standards
• Keeps patient information confidential and releases this information only to authorized persons according to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Health Information Act and other applicable legislation
• Educates patients and family in necessary continuing treatments and procedures
• Ensures that the dignity and individual needs of the patient are addressed
• Considers patient safety in all stages of treatment
• Maintain records and documentation as per standards of the profession and the POETIC research protocol
• Recruitment and enrollment of human participants for research; protection of participant rights according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), Declaration of Helsinki and the Tri-council Policy Statement and through Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) requirements
• Respect patient autonomy and confidentiality always
• Liaison with program research coordinators, physicians, nurses, students and trainees involved in research
• Assist with presenting as required
• Establishes and maintains effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community
• Manages own scheduling, treatment and documentation time effectively
• Demonstrated strong communication, team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor Degree or Masters Degree in Physiotherapy is required
• Minimum 5 years of physiotherapy experience
• Active registration with Physiotherapy Alberta College + Association
• Experience in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation of Long COVID, including those with respiratory sequel and post-exertional malaise
• Knowledge and experience in the treatment of dysfunctional breathing, which may be demonstrated through post-graduate course work (eg. BradCliff Breathing Method) and/or relevant clinical experience
• Knowledge and experience in the rehabilitation of post-viral fatigue syndrome
• Experience in an outpatient clinical setting and telehealth environments an asset
• A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are critical to success
• Ability to demonstrate tact and courtesy dealing with patient families, physicians and other team members
• Ability to communicate well with external collaborators within a complex research program
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and privacy of patient records
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to problem solve and make decisions in complex situations

Application Deadline:  December 3, 2021

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase III.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

The University has implemented a new Vaccination Directive that requires all faculty and staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by January 1, 2022. You will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to commencing your duties. Please review the COVIDSafe Campus website for further information and access to additional resources.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.