Scientific Assistant Jobs in Saskatchewan (NOW HIRING)

Primary Purpose: The Simulated Patient Educator (SPE) will provide supervision and educational training to Simulated Patients (SPs), Healthcare Professionals (HPs) and Teaching Associates (TAs) for the various curricular sessions and external events supported by the Clinical Learning Resource Centre (CLRC). The SPE will work both independently and as a team member to support the needs of the unit and develop collaborative relationships with the Academic Health Science colleges and external partners.

Nature of Work: Reporting directly to the Manager of the CLRC, the Simulated Patient Educator (SPE) will operate within a dynamic simulated health care environment. This role demands close collaboration with CLRC college partners and interdisciplinary teams to support the design and delivery of educational courses and events. The SPE will contribute to case development, recruit and select Standardized Patients (SPs), Health Professionals (HPs), and Teaching Associates (TAs), applying sound judgment and critical thinking to match individuals to appropriate roles. Additionally, the SPE will oversee the training of SPs to ensure accurate and effective case portrayals.

A key responsibility includes active involvement in the planning and execution of Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCEs) across multiple Academic Health Science programs and external licensing bodies. The position requires adaptability to frequent interruptions, shifting priorities, tight deadlines, and competing demands, along with the capacity for moderate to heavy physical activity. This is a full-time, onsite, daytime role that occasionally requires flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Typical Duties and Accountabilities: 

Simulated Patient Program Management

• Lead the recruitment and training of Standardized Patients (SPs), Health Professionals (HPs), and Teaching Associates (TAs) for undergraduate and postgraduate Academic Health Sciences courses, clinical exams, and external partner events
• Ensure a safe and respectful working environment for SPs, HPs, and TAs by adhering to the Association of Standardized Patient Educators (ASPE) Standards of Best Practice
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to support the successful delivery of educational events and simulations
• Support the planning and execution of SP recruitment initiatives and appreciation events to foster engagement and retention

Project Coordination and Strategic Development

Work closely with fellow Standardized Patient Educators (SPEs) to:

• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate simulation-based events aligned with the strategic priorities of USask Academic Health Sciences
• Assist in the design of inclusive recruitment strategies and case development that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within the SPP
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of policies, procedures, orientation resources, and training manuals/videos for SPs and TAs
• Support the development and training of Teaching Associates involved in Sensitive Exams and Ultrasound procedures

Communication and Continuous Improvement

• Maintain effective communication with CLRC team members, Academic Health Sciences faculty, staff, students, and other key stakeholders
• Participate in program evaluation activities to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced impact
• Stay informed of evolving standards and best practices in simulation education across Canada and internationally, with particular attention to ASPE guidelines

Education: Post-secondary degree in a related field an asset; a relevant diploma with experience will be considered.
Experience: Prior experience as a Simulated Patient (SP) is considered an asset; 1-3 years of professional experience in teaching, coaching, theatre, or a healthcare-related field is preferred; proven administrative proficiency, including scheduling, recruitment, event planning, and managing multiple concurrent projects, is essential; experience in customer service or other roles requiring strong interpersonal and communication skills is highly beneficial.
Skills: Strong proficiency in scheduling, planning, and coordinating complex educational or clinical events; excellent critical thinking and organizational abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to manage shifting priorities and tight timelines; outstanding written and verbal communication skills; proven ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively within interdisciplinary teams; high level of discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality in sensitive environments; experience in teaching or coaching, including delivering constructive feedback; self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and work independently; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams); familiarity with video-based platforms such as Zoom and Panopto is an asset.