Remote Research Assistant Certification Course
Overview
The Remote Research Assistant Certification Course is a one-year, part-time experiential learning opportunity offered by the Misdiagnosis Association and Research Institute (MARI).
Through five structured core tasks, participants gain practical experience in scientific writing, evidence review, knowledge translation, research communication, and public-facing health content. The program is designed to help students develop skills relevant to future careers in research, academia, healthcare, public health, and related fields.
In addition to completing the five core tasks, students may have opportunities to:
- Personalize their learning experience by selecting an elective or applied project pathway aligned with their research interests and professional goals.
- Present their work at a year-end virtual conference attended by faculty, peers, MARI team members, and invited guests.
- Explore publication opportunities by submitting eligible work to academic journals, conferences, or the MARI Journal. Publication and presentation opportunities depend on the quality of the work, project requirements, available opportunities, and relevant submission or authorship criteria.
- Learn from experienced professionals through live seminars led by researchers, physicians, healthcare professionals, and experts from diverse fields.
Program Format
- Duration: 12 months, part-time
- Delivery: 100% remote, with asynchronous assignments and scheduled live sessions
- Core activities: Individual research and writing tasks, knowledge translation and outreach projects, live research seminars, mentorship meetings, and a final virtual conference presentation
- Mentorship: Guidance and feedback from trained MARI supervisors, with ongoing support from program managers and other members of the MARI team
- Assessment: Ongoing evaluation of assignments, communication, participation, and engagement
- Course structure: Five core tasks, with additional elective or applied project opportunities depending on the student’s selected pathway
Learning Objectives
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Translate complex scientific literature into clear and accessible content for diverse audiences.
- Conduct basic evidence reviews and critically engage with research literature.
- Prepare and revise research summaries, abstracts, and other scholarly materials.
- Communicate research findings through written, visual, and oral formats.
- Develop evidence-informed content for public education, websites, newsletters, and social media.
- Apply knowledge translation principles to improve public understanding of health information.
- Respond constructively to feedback and revise their work.
- Work independently while communicating effectively with a remote research team.
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Research Assistant Certification recognizing their participation, skill development, and completion of the program requirements.
High-performing participants may be considered for future leadership or supervisory opportunities within MARI, depending on performance, engagement, available positions, and program needs.
Time Commitment
- Estimated Weekly Time Commitment: 3–5 hours/week
- The workload is flexible and task-based, although the time required may vary during assignment and revision periods.
Students are expected to attend required live sessions, communicate in a timely manner, participate in mentorship meetings, and meet established deadlines.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applicants who are:
- Undergraduate or graduate students from any discipline. Backgrounds in health sciences, psychology, biology, public health, social sciences, communications, or related fields are an asset.
- Interested in research, scientific communication, health education, public health, or healthcare advocacy.
- Eager to learn and apply new skills. Previous research experience is not required.
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
- Responsible, self-motivated, and able to work independently in a remote environment.
- Comfortable receiving feedback and revising their work.
- Able to commit consistently to the full program period.
Skills You Will Develop
Throughout the program, you will develop and strengthen the following skills:
- Academic and scientific writing
- Evidence review and critical appraisal
- Knowledge translation and research literacy
- Research communication and abstract preparation
- Oral and visual presentation
- Digital and public-facing content creation
- Project and time management
- Remote teamwork and professional communication
- Feedback integration and revision
- Independent research and professional development
Program Benefits
By participating in this program, students may:
- Gain structured, hands-on experience with research communication and knowledge translation.
- Contribute to meaningful health education and research-related initiatives.
- Build a professional portfolio that may include research summaries, abstracts, presentations, and digital content.
- Present their work at a year-end virtual conference.
- Be considered for authorship or publication opportunities when their contributions meet relevant authorship and submission criteria.
- Have eligible work considered for publication on MARI’s website or through other appropriate outlets following review and approval.
- Network with researchers, healthcare professionals, supervisors, program managers, and peers.
- Earn a Research Assistant Certification upon successful completion of the program.
- Be considered for future supervisory or leadership opportunities within MARI.
- Strengthen your résumé and prepare for future academic, clinical, public health, and research opportunities.
How to Apply
Please submit the following materials:
- A current résumé or CV.
- A brief statement of interest explaining why you would like to join the program and how it aligns with your academic or professional goals.
- A short description of your research, writing, healthcare, public health, or communication experience, if applicable.
- Your current academic or professional status.
- Your availability and ability to commit approximately 3–5 hours per week for the duration of the program.
Applicants whose submissions are selected for further consideration will be invited to interview. Successful applicants will receive additional information about enrollment, and next steps following the interview process.
If you have any questions, please reach out to the program managers at jade.w@mariresearch.com and nitya.k@mariresearch.com