Job Description

Job Category: Research & Research Support
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This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the , this position has a comprehensive and an annual salary range of $59,822 to $82,266. This position has an end date of September 30, 2027.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.
The Junior Research Associate will be engaged in research activities of the Health Technology and Policy Unit (HTPU). The HTPU undertakes research aimed at creating knowledge to support fair, evidence-informed decision making around the introduction and use of health technologies in the publicly funded health care system. It also conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) and health evidence reviews (HERs) for Alberta Health.
HER uses evaluative methods from the social and applied sciences, including clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, modelling and qualitative techniques to systematically examine the clinical, economic, social, legal, ethical and overall system implications of health technologies. Given its broad scope, the position requires proficiency in systematic review and scoping review methods; basic quantitative techniques; and qualitative approaches to collecting and analyzing data. Strong communication skills are needed, since the position must interact with many different stakeholder communities.
While this position will primarily be involved in the HER activities of the unit, they will have the opportunity to be engaged in other research related to methods for assessing technologies throughout their lifecycle and determining the broader social value of personalized medicines and technologies for rare diseases as part of the other grants held by members of the portfolio. Therefore, activities in which the research associate will be involved in include planning, developing, conducting, implementing and disseminating research in the form of HTAs and other empirical work.
Responsibilities:
Since the HTPU is team-based, the Junior Research Associate will work closely with all staff. However, because the team is small, they must be able to multi-task and work independently to ensure tasks assigned to them are completed effectively and efficiently. They will also interact with government representatives, senior members of the clinical community, other members of different stakeholder communities involved in project and research teams from other universities. The research associate will suggest appropriate methods for addressing specific policy questions for government and other research questions identified through academic work of the HTPU. Specific activities include: * Undertake systematic reviews of health evidence

• Identify, select and extra data from relevant scholarly studies
• Apply critical appraisal methods to the quality assessment of studies
• Conduct quantitative analyses using meta-analytic techniques
• Synthesize qualitative data through narrative reviews
• Draft reports suitable for policy development
• Prepare scientific manuscripts based on the findings
• Undertake scoping reviews

• Identify, select, chart and synthesize information
• Consult with stakeholders
• Draft reports suitable for policy development
• Prepare scientific manuscripts based on the findings
• Conduct analyses of administrative data

• Manage large administrative data sets
• Undertake statistical analyses to identify health service utilization patterns across different patients populations and assess variations in outcomes following different interventions
• Liaise with members of various stakeholder communities

• Identify key stakeholders for each project
• Coordinate and participate in the collection of information from each stakeholder community, which may include interviews, focus groups, and surveys
• Undertake analyses of qualitative and quantitative information collected
• Represent the HTPU at meetings and conferences

• Attend meetings of government-appointed expert committees
• Provide methodological advice and guidance during such meetings
• Make presentations to government and Albert Health Services
• Present findings at academic conference
• Help organize and teach workshops on HTA methods
• Engage in other research activities of the HTPU

• Participate in the design and implementation of protocol for research related to innovative methods for assessing the value of new health technologies for small populations, including personalized medicines
• Participate in the development and writing of grant proposals to funding agencies

Qualifications:

• A Master's degree, PhD preferred, in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, or public health; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• Minimum of 5 years research experience in a post graduate research and education environment
• Publication track record in relevant area preferred
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative research skills
• Strong communication skills (both written and oral)
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Proficient in Microsoft Office {Word, PowerPoint, Access, and Excel)
• Proficient in Review Manager or other software for conducting systematic reviews and meta analyses
• Proficient in STATA, SPSS, or SAS
• Proficient in nVIVO
• Proficient in Reference Manager, Refworks, or other bibliographic database management software

Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit the following application documents:

• Curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• List of publications

About Us:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
About the Team: The integrates research, graduate education, and community engagement to improve population health. Its interdisciplinary structure includes academic programs, centres, and research teams focused on tackling pressing public health issues locally and globally. The School is dedicated to creating knowledge, training public health professionals, and advancing evidence-informed policy and practice.

Skills Required