Lead Practice Based Research and Innovation

Job Number: JR105853Job Title: Lead, Practice Based Research and Innovation - SHNRI (All Sites)Job Category: ProfessionalHospital Location: General SiteJob Type: Permanent, Full timeNumber of Positions: 1Union:Minimum - Maximum Hourly Rate: $66.583 - $77.188Hours: Days

Across our three hospitals and eight satellite sites, Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is shaping the future of care. Our many programs and services are designed around the needs of one of Canada’s most vibrant and diverse communities. We are home to North America’s largest nephrology program, as well as the designated cardiac care and spine centre for Scarborough and surrounding communities to the east. We are proud to be a community-affiliated teaching site for the University of Toronto and partner with a number of other universities and colleges, helping to train the next generation of health care professionals. SHN is the recipient of the 2021 Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award, from the Canadian College of Health Leaders, for our leading edge work on Communities of Inclusion, Inclusion Calendar, Health Equity Certificate Program and much more. We are also proud to be named Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures for 2023 and 2024! Learn more at shn.ca

Job Description:

The Lead, Practice Based Research and Innovation is responsible for developing, implementing, and sustaining a Practice Based Research and Innovation (PBRI) strategy that integrates Quality Improvement Research (QIR) and patient engagement into SHNRI's research ecosystem and care delivery at Scarborough Health Network. Practice-based research networks (PBRNs) provide critical infrastructure for translating research findings into clinical practice and fostering research engagement among clinicians. PBRNs bridge the gap between academic research and community-based care, enabling clinicians to pose research questions of importance to quality clinical care while supporting knowledge translation. This role provides expert leadership in advancing practice-based scholarship, quality improvement research, and evidence-based innovation across nursing and allied health professions. Quality improvement has become a central aspect of healthcare, with the overall aim to enhance patient care in a structured and systematic manner. The Lead will serve as a resource and mentor for clinicians and staff undertaking research, quality improvement, and scholarly work. Research mentorship has been demonstrated to improve research productivity, including increases in publications and grant writing, research career development, and improved leadership skills and knowledge. This position directly supports SHNRI's mission to create knowledge that addresses health challenges in Scarborough's diverse community, aligns with SHNRI’s population health and equity and community focused research strategic pillars, and SHN's strategic priorities in People and Culture, Population Health and Equity, Research and Education, and Quality and Patient Safety.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and implementation of SHNRI’s Practice‑Based Research and Innovation (PBRI) strategy, aligned with SHNRI’s three‑pillar strategic plan and SHN organizational priorities
• Advance Practice‑Based Research Networks (PBRNs) to support translational research that improves patient care across clinical settings
• Embed Quality Improvement Research (QIR) into clinical practice by standardizing review processes, supporting co‑design, and aligning QI initiatives with research strategy
• Partner with Quality & Safety teams to integrate QI methodologies into nursing‑led and allied health research initiatives
• Provide coaching, education, and mentorship to nursing, allied health, and clinical staff in research design, methodology, QIR, knowledge translation, and scholarly writing
• Build research capacity through workshops, design‑thinking programs, and innovation initiatives to foster practice‑based scholarship and leadership development
• Establish and maintain academic partnerships to support collaborative research, student engagement, and knowledge exchange
• Represent nursing and allied health research interests on interprofessional committees, research ethics boards, and external academic forums
• Lead practice‑based research initiatives across the hospital network
• Track, evaluate, and report PBRI research activities, outcomes, funding, and publications aligned with SHNRI performance metrics
• Promote dissemination of research findings through peer‑reviewed publications, conferences, and internal knowledge‑sharing platforms

Qualifications:

• PhD or equivalent in Nursing, Quality Improvement, Implementation Science, Health Systems Research, Public Health, or a related field
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) or the appropriate regulatory college for the discipline
• Minimum 4–5 years of leadership, advanced practice, or formal training experience in a research, quality improvement, or academic role within a healthcare setting
• Demonstrated experience designing, leading, and evaluating research and/or quality improvement initiatives
• Proven knowledge and application of ethical research practices, grant writing, and academic publishing
• Strong expertise in research design and methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed‑methods, and implementation science approaches
• Advanced knowledge of quality improvement frameworks and methodologies (e.g., PDSA, Lean, Six Sigma, Model for Improvement)
• Demonstrated success in grant writing and securing competitive funding from peer‑reviewed and non‑peer‑reviewed sources (e.g., CIHR, provincial agencies, industry‑sponsored investigator‑initiated grants)
• Superb experience in prioritization, investment decisions, operating model design, and risk mitigation, and able to advise on strategic trade-offs.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the capacity to effectively communicate complex information
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Products
• Advanced Project management and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional organizational, planning, and time management skills

This opportunity is posted to support the recruitment of an existing vacant position.

Accommodation and Diversity Statement:
Scarborough Health Network (SHN) embraces and celebrates our community’s unique multicultural heritage and diversity. SHN is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a culture of inclusiveness and diversity reflecting our diverse patients, staff and community alike. 

We are committed to fostering an environment of equity and inclusivity where every person can work and receive care safely, openly and honestly. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, marital or family status, belief system, or other factors related to one’s personal identity and/or values. 

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.
 

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