Description

Clinical Associate/Clinical Scientist (2-year contract): Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE)

Primary Purpose
The incumbent for this position will participate in the collection of data for the clinical studies conducted by the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE). They will also support the team of CORE Clinical Scientists & Associates with other study-related tasks as required.

Key Accountabilities
Data Collection
Independently collects data from human study participants using a series of conventional optometry/ocular tests and grading techniques.
Records data, legibly, in the pre-determined format for each study.
Conducts all work according to training in Good Clinical Practice and CORE’s Standard Operating Procedures.

Development of Study Documents
Develops study protocols, research ethics applications and other associated documents.
Prepares study reports, abstracts, and manuscripts.

Administrative Tasks
Assists with other administrative tasks, such as data entry, in support of research studies.
Undertakes or assists with the writing of educational projects, manuscripts, webpage resources.
Required Qualifications
Education
Successful completion of a professional optometry or ophthalmology program (in Canada or elsewhere).

Experience
Clinical experience gained after the successful completion of optometry or ophthalmology program.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
The following skills are required:
Knowledge and skills to confidently conduct the conventional tests and grading required in a typical ocular examination.
Be able to demonstrate attention to detail to be able to accurately and thoroughly record results using standard ocular terminology.
Must be able to demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills at the technical and professional level in English.

The following would be considered strong assets:
Holding a current optometry license in Ontario, or being eligible to attain such a license.
Experience fitting and managing scleral and orthokeratology lens fits.
Research experience in an ocular or related field.
Experience in project management and/or clinical project management.
Experience in biostatistics related to contact lenses or dry eye.

Nature and Scope
Contacts: The incumbent to this position will undertake document development and data collection under the direction of the Lead Investigator assigned to each study and, therefore, will interact frequently and regularly with those individuals. Day-to-day oversight of all clinical studies and associated personnel is the responsibility of the Head of Clinical Research. The incumbent will also work closely with several support staff positions such as the resource coordinators, research assistants, recruitment and data teams and other project leaders as required. Their primary contacts with non-CORE employees will be with study participants while collecting data, potential participants through recruitment initiatives and with study sponsors if information is to be exchanged.

Requirements

Level of Responsibility: The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that they are competent in performing the research-specific ocular tests. Initially, data collection will be conducted under the close guidance of the study Lead Investigator or other research personnel, but eventually they will be required to work independently knowing when assistance must be sought.

Decision-Making Authority: Decision-making authority will relate to the objective study data being collected and the ability to understand the grading system utilized by CORE. The incumbent must be able to determine when a consultation with other research personnel is needed.

Physical and Sensory Demands: The incumbent must demonstrate attention to detail when using the various methods and devices for collecting data.
Working Environment: The incumbent must be prepared to work in close proximity to study participants when collecting data. Some days may be 100% at a computer in a shared office space, and other days may be 100% in a clinical setting.

Working Schedule: It should be anticipated there will be occasional research demands that require adjustments to the regular work day hours. These adjustments may involve working longer than typical on occasion, and/or working outside of normal working hours, possibly on a weekend. Prior agreement will always be sought and compensatory time off will be provided. Additionally, all clinical associates and scientists are required to carry the official ‘on-call’ phone according to an annual roster; this typically equates to 7-9 weeks a year and weeks can be swapped with colleagues if a conflict arises.

*All employees of the University are expected to follow University and departmental health and safety policy, procedures, and work practices at all times. Employees are also responsible for the completion of all health and safety training, as assigned. Employees with staff supervision and/or management responsibilities will ensure that assigned staff abide by the above, and actively identify, assess and correct health and safety hazards, as required.

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office (https://uwaterloo.ca/human-rights-equity-inclusion/indigenousinitiatives).

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as Indigenous peoples (e.g., First Nations, Métis, Inuit/Inuk), Black, racialized, people with disabilities, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Jill Woods.
To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter directly to Jill Woods jwoods@uwaterloo.ca.

In your cover letter, please outline your interest in the position and relevant experience. Both documents should be submitted as PDFs and clearly labeled with your name.
Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2026.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the application window closes.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.