Description

The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Senior Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

This position will play a critical role in the Nephrology Research Group and is focused on qualitative and quantitative health services research, working on a multiple methods project to understand the burden and experiences related to hospital readmissions among people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and develop a multifaceted, risk-informed strategy to address readmissions that integrate health equity considerations. Related activities are defining equity stratifiers within multiple provincial data sources, developing a prediction framework with end-users and co-designing a multi-faceted readmissions prevention strategy. These activities are coordinated across several working groups of researchers, qualitative and implementation scientists, patient partners, community groups, and data custodians with support from clinical informatics and epidemiologists.

The Senior Research Associate is responsible for leading select research projects, and carrying out associated daily research activities including but not limited to assistance with designing and executing studies, coordinating research projects, and overseeing the submission and maintenance of ethics applications, research contracts and similar documents. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting in the writing of manuscripts and grant applications and will mentor learners.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

LEADERSHIP:

• Provide expert advice, guidance and recommendations to the group's researchers, and trainees related to research design, planning and incorporation of data collection and analysis
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with funding requirements
• Identify resource needs and support the development of the research plan for all facets of the research project
• Independently take initiative in planning and implementing research project in collaboration with team members and students, including literature review, research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and interpretation
• Lead research initiatives including organizing and participating scientific rounds, team meetings, conferences, meetings, and to key knowledge user and community engagement events
• Oversee project-specific tasks to staff providing clear instructions and guidance on tasks, resulting in the accurate and timely completion of the project/task at hand
• Demonstrates exceptional time management skills, successfully managing multiple competing priorities (project and operational) with minimal supervision and direction

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION:

• Build a research culture that prioritizes and supports health related outcomes research
• Assess the quality measures and health policy landscape and provide recommendations for appropriate actions to reach project objectives and milestones
• Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle
• Conducts patient, provider, and stakeholder focus groups and interviews where required
• Acts as a bridge between technical teams (e.g., developers) and clinical/research teams
• Provides insights and understanding of cultural differences in healthcare practices, patient preferences, and social determinants of health
• Ensures that all projects and activities adhere to the Alberta privacy legislation (including contents of ethics applications and creation of privacy impact assessments where required)
• Track metrics as they relate to each of the project deliverables and ensure that project budgets are adhered to
• Create tools and materials to support access and uptake
• Engages with multidisciplinary team members (e.g., Investigators, coordinators, health care team members, policy makers, institutions) to coordinate, define, assess, support, and implement research work, findings, priorities, and gaps
• Initiates and manages relationships with external departments and organizations (e.g., Can-SOLVE CKD, ABSPOR, GEMINI, PROMIS) to communicate services and/or provide support required by the projects

TECHNICAL, ANALYSIS AND REPORTING:

• Analyzes data, identifies optimal design and implementation, and blends innovation and new ideas with practical solutions
• Establish metrics to assess project performance, impact, and alignment with CIHR program goals
• Prepare comprehensive reports for funding agency, detailing progress, outcomes, and financial accountability
• Prepares annual progress report relative to planned research objectives
• Writes reports and manuscripts and disseminates key learnings to stakeholders and knowledge users in journal article and/or report
• Review and provide input into manuscripts for research projects where consultation has been provided
• Contribute to academic literature/manuscript publications, presentations, and reports of research findings

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) focused on health evaluation with at least 7 years of experience in a health-related discipline, business administration or equivalent. Bachelor's Degree will be considered with relevant experience
• Advanced research experience & skills, as applied to health services research and management of health innovation projects, preferably with grant funding
• Proficient understanding of clinical risk prediction tools and their application in healthcare
• Familiarity with Alberta's health innovation ecosystem
• Advanced understanding and experience in developing and leading nominal group technique meetings, focus groups, and interviews
• Experience engaging with patient groups and other community-based and/or advocacy organizations
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative data analysis software to organize and analyze information and examine relationships in the data
• Strong project management skills including experience with change management, preferably in research, healthcare, or health services research sectors
• Understanding of knowledge translation principles and tools
• A clear understanding of information privacy regulations, the Health Information Act and how they apply to research, quality improvement and evaluation
• Working knowledge of ICH/GCP guidelines, research ethics policies and Tri-Council policies for research involving humans
• Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and workflows (e.g., Epic)
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Experience and evidence to effectively present data and complex concepts to diverse audiences
• Knowledge and expertise working in a clinical / health research setting coordinating and conducting research projects with both qualitative methods and quantitative methods
• Expertise with SPSS, NVivo, REDCap and Qualtrix

Application Deadline:  August 7, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 3.