Clinical Research Training (SEARCH)

A commitment of two shifts per week, every week, for six months from volunteers with a keen interest in learning more about the basics of clinical research. Volunteers will choose from shifts times from Monday through Sunday. The program operates seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is divided into the following shift times: 

Weekdays 

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
• 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Weekends 

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

The program follows terms that run from January to June (Winter) and July to December (Summer). A commitment to work two shifts per week for six months is mandatory. Volunteers who meet minimum program requirements may have the opportunity to extend their six-month commitment for another term upon performance evaluation. 

Volunteers must:

• Meet SickKids hiring requirements (criminal reference/background check and orientation) 
• Meet Occupational Health requirements (two-step TB test and proof of up-to-date immunization) 
• Complete paperwork as required by Human Resources and Volunteer Services  
• Attend the program and hospital required orientation session(s) and training shifts (see dates below) 
• Complete Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS2) ethics training 
• Familiarize self with current study protocols 

Application process

1. Complete the relevant application form:
   1. SEARCH volunteer application form (closed)
   2. HEDI volunteer application form
2. Attach a copy of your CV and unofficial transcripts to the application form
3. Please do not apply if you are unable to commit to all the below dates and times. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
4. You will not receive a confirmation email after completing the application survey. 
5. Please note: the number of open volunteer positions is dependent on program availability each term. If not enough spots are available, some successful applicants may be waitlisted for the following term, or offered volunteer work on other initiatives in the ED as available.
   

Application Deadlines & Important Dates:

Summer 2025 applications are currently only open for the HEDI program

• Application Deadline: April 8, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
• Interview Dates: Will be booked between April 21 and April 25, 2025 (these dates may be subject to change).
• Mandatory Volunteer Orientation Evening: June 12, from 4 p.m. to approximately 6 p.m. 
• Training shifts: June 16 to June 29, 2029 (all volunteers must complete two shadowing shifts during this time).
• Duration of six-month term: June 30, 2025 to January 4, 2026.

Costs

• Approximately $120, which includes:
  • $20 for Vulnerable Sector Search 
  • Approximately $80 for a Two-Step TB (tuberculosis) Test 
  • $10 for a SickKids SEARCH or HEDI volunteer T-Shirt

Qualifications

To be considered for the position, you should possess: 

• Excellent attention to detail and efficient time management skills 
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organizational skills 
• Ability to be self-directed, flexible and take initiative 
• Be very comfortable working independently with families and staff, or as part of a team in a busy emergency department 
• Previous customer service skills and/or experience working with the general public is an asset 
• Priority is given to currently registered students in an accredited post-secondary program (with a focus on third and fourth year undergraduates) or recently graduated students (less than 12 months). Medical School Graduates, or applicants who have completed their Master's/PhD in a related field (and are not currently in medical school) are not eligible to apply for the program. 

FAQs

• Q: Why is the deadline to apply so early (3 months before the start date)?
  • A: This is to allow time for Volunteer Resources to process all onboarding requests, and for our successful applicants to complete all required paperwork prior to beginning on-site training. Volunteer Resources recommends 7 weeks to complete onboarding.
• Q: How will I know if I have been selected to interview?
  • A: Invitations to interview will be sent to successful applicants generally within 3-5 business days following the application deadline. As we receive a high volume of applications each term (100+), we are only able to respond to those whom are selected for interview. 
• Q: I graduated more than 12 months ago. Should I still apply?
  • A: While preference is usually given to currently registered students/recent graduates in the last year, all applications to our program are considered, and we will reach out to any strong applicants. Please note: Medical School Graduates, or applicants who have completed their Master's/PhD in a related field and are not currently in medical school, are not eligible to apply for the program. 
• Q: I am a high school student. May I apply?
  • A: The SEARCH program, and other research volunteer positions at SickKids, require applicants to be 18 years or older in order to apply. However summer volunteer placements, such as the SickKids Summer Research (SSuRe) Program have a minimum age of 16 years and are a great way to build research experience while in high school!

This is a volunteer opportunity. At the end of your six-month commitment reference letters are available upon request. 

This position primarily provides the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the practicality of conducting research in a clinical setting. During each six month term, you will receive instruction and guidance on research methods both indirectly (via study materials) and directly by shadowing and working with an experienced SEARCH RA.

If you plan to pursue a career in clinical research, you are likely to benefit from having clinical research experience on your CV. Many motivated SEARCH trainees, either alongside or following their SEARCH experience, have also had the opportunity to become involved more extensively in individual research projects or have received employment at SickKids (such as becoming a SEARCH RA!). 

You will gain valuable clinical experience communicating with families in the ED. Additionally, having the opportunity to work alongside experienced clinical staff will provide better insight into paediatric emergency medicine and offers the opportunity to cultivate collaborative relationships with medical professionals that will helpful if you are considering a medical career. 

Current Research Initiatives

Current research studies and quality projects are focused on areas of care that directly affect thousands of children in the ED every year.

Studies include but are not limited to, children with anaphylaxis, fractures, mental health crises, respiratory conditions (such as asthma , bronchiolitis and pneumonia), and severe infections. We also have several studies recruiting healthy children, and looking at quality improvement in our ED.

Other ED Initiatives

There are often other non-research Hospital initiatives going on in the ED looking to recruit volunteer assistance from SEARCH. Applicants to SEARCH will be given the opportunity to indicate their interest to be involved in these additional volunteer roles.

Current opportunities include: volunteer roles to support the Health Equity data initiative, which aims to collect important equity, diversity & inclusion information from families in the ED to better understand each patient’s unique needs, and improve equity and accessibility in the care we provide.