Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Geospatial Health Researcher

Department/Unit

Social Work

Research Project

Identifying and Studying Best-Practice Communities of Comprehensive Youth Health Resilience in Nova Scotia

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP51-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

12 months

Employment Type

Part Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

0.6

Salary

$ 70,000 per annum (prorated to $ 42,000 per annum at 0.6 FTE for 21 hours/ week).

About the Organization

The Resilience Research Centre (RRC), based at Dalhousie University, focuses on children and youth living in challenging contexts across culturally diverse settings around the world. They identify geographical areas in Nova Scotia where a disproportionately high number of youths are doing exceptionally well across different well-being indicators to study the unique characteristics of these areas. Research Nova Scotia funds this project. This project is a collaboration between researchers from Dalhousie University, the University of Calgary, and researchers from Europe. Additionally, a Youth Advisory Committee will inform the research process.

This is a two-year project, and has two phases:
Identify geographical areas across Nova Scotia where most youth exhibit the highest and lowest levels in multiple dimensions of their well-being, using geospatial analysis methods.

Identify the unique characteristics of areas that support high levels of well-being among their youth using secondary data analysis and empirical data collection and analyses.


The RRC is an international group of scholars, practitioners and policy makers from more than 20 countries who together collaborate on research and knowledge mobilization projects. Over the last 15 years the Centre has received over $10M in research funding for mixed methods studies from national funders and helped its overseas partners secure another $8M from domestic and international granting agencies. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to build a strong network of contacts and increase their publications.

Job Summary

Reporting to the principal investigator, the Geospatial Health Researcher will be responsible for conducting geospatial data analyses to identify and profile geographical areas in Nova Scotia where youth fare exceptionally well across multiple dimensions of their well-being using Canadian population and administrative datasets. The position also includes preparing and submitting scientific peer-reviewed articles.



This position focuses on Phase 1 of the project and is ideal for gaining experience in interdisciplinary research that combines geospatial health, social science, data science, and public health.

Anticipated

Start date: September 1, 2025.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct geospatial analyses with data from the Canadian Institutes of Health Information (CIHI), such as the Discharge Abstract Database, Drug Information System, and Vital Statistics, via Health Data Nova Scotia, as well as CANUE, LODE, and Census data. Communicate to project team developments/progress and results of research activities ensuring that relevant information and issues in the implementation of project/research activities are captured in as comprehensive and timely manner as possible. Write and contribute to publications in peer-reviewed journals and other recognized media that highlight findings from research and project activities ensuring consistency with the highest standards of academic publication and showcasing the scientific leadership of the RRC. Assist with training and supervision of other Research Assistants.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

Completion (or nearing completion) of a Doctoral program in human geography, geospatial health or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated proficiency with geospatial health data analysis methods and software (such as R and ArcGIS). Expertise in geospatial data analysis methods and experience with mapping data from Canadian population and administrative datasets, especially CIHI and/or HDRN data. Proven track record of research and publications relevant to the position. Proficiency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills.

Assets

Multisystemic understanding of youth well-being and its determinants. Experience with Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Experience with empirical quantitative and/or qualitative data assessment methods relevant to geospatial health research. Experience with community and stakeholder engagement.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.

Application Consideration

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from: Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), Persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.


In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

07/14/2025

Close Date

07/27/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19255