Job Description

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the , this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our and annual salary range of

$58,938 to $81,051. This position has an approximate appointment of 12? months, with the possibility of extension.

Location

This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, M\xc3\xa9tis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada\'s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people-from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position

Under the direction of the Directors of the Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence (ARCHE), this position is responsible for leading high-level, complex knowledge synthesis research projects (e.g. systematic reviews, rapid reviews, scoping reviews, overviews).

The Knowledge Synthesis Project Lead will be responsible for the overall management and coordination of knowledge synthesis projects undertaken by ARCHE. This includes leading all phases of the project(s), including topic refinement and development of key questions, protocol development, project execution, data analysis, report writing and manuscript preparation, and presentations to funders and stakeholders. The incumbent will train and oversee the work of Research Assistants and other staff.

The incumbent will work closely with the Principal Investigator/Co-Investigators and/or senior centre staff involved with the research projects. The Knowledge Synthesis Project Lead will facilitate communication among project team members, coordinate the day-to-day operations of projects and monitor progress and timeliness of milestones and deliverables to help ensure timely completion.

Position has the potential to be fully remote.

Duties

TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES:

Works closely with Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators, and/or senior centre staff to engage with funders and/or other stakeholders and advise on the development and refinement of specific key questions to be addressed by the project(s)

Prepares and submits research protocol(s) for approval by the Investigators/senior centre staff and the funder in compliance with funding agency requirements and knowledge synthesis reporting and methods guidelines

Ensures all procedures and processes are in compliance with the research protocol(s) and funder\'s requirements; seeks approvals of and implements deviations where necessary

Designs and maintains project databases and materials for study selection, data extraction, and other related research activities

Undertakes quality control to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data

Assists information specialists with development of literature searches and management of citations

Ensures research staff on the project are trained on all aspects of the project methods and procedures

Coordinates and manages day-to-day activities of the project team and participates in all phases of evidence synthesis projects including study selection, data extraction, data entry and verification, and risk of bias assessments

In collaboration with the Investigators, senior centre staff, and statistician, undertakes and interprets appropriate data analyses (quantitative and/or qualitative) and assessment of the certainty of the evidence using GRADE guidance

KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION

Prepares suitable figures and tables, including summary of findings tables, for evidence reports, scientific papers, posters and presentations

Prepares research manuscripts and reports and manages revisions based on critical review by Investigators, other project staff, funders, and other stakeholders

Submits manuscripts to peer-review journals and manages responses, resubmissions and publication process

Prepares, submits, and/or delivers abstracts, posters, and presentations to funders, other stakeholders, and academic audiences

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIPS:

Establishes and maintains good communications with the Principal Investigator, Co-investigators, funders, and other stakeholders, as required

Engages stakeholders to ensure timely activities, cooperation and progress of the project, as required

Ensures compliance with funding agency process and reporting requirements, and assists with project reporting activities

MANAGEMENT OF PROJECT TEAM:

Coordinates research team(s) (e.g., article retrieval personnel, research assistants) and contributes to performance reviews of junior staff

Reviews and assesses workloads of project personnel, provides support and redistributes work as necessary

Tracks milestones and timelines throughout the life cycle of research project(s) and seeks assistance from Investigators and/or senior staff to develop and implement necessary changes to ensure milestones are met

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:

Participates in and leads journal clubs at ARCHE to discuss relevant methodological issues and practical aspects of research project management

Stays apprised of methodological developments in knowledge synthesis, and methods guidance specific to the funding agencies

Assists with preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals as required

Other related duties as may be required

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of a masters degree in health sciences or related field

Coursework in epidemiology, public health, critical appraisal, and biostatistics preferred

Minimum of 3-5 years of proven experience in leading knowledge synthesis projects

Experience with a broad scope of review questions (e.g., interventions, prognosis, test accuracy) and synthesis methods (e.g. systematic reviews, rapid reviews, overviews of reviews, network meta-analysis, narrative synthesis) preferred

Experience in undertaking and reporting assessments of the certainty of evidence using GRADE preferred

Proficient in Review Manager or other software for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses

Proficient in Reference Manager or other bibliographic database management software

Ability to stay apprised of methodological developments in the field of knowledge synthesis

Ability to embrace change, adapt to new information, and work proactively and positively in an evolving organizational context

Ability to set priorities and manage changing/conflicting priorities and tight deadlines

Ability to take initiative and work independently and accountably in a positive manner

Knowledge of the Canadian health care system is an asset

Preferred Qualifications

Masters degree in health sciences; epidemiology, public health science, health management, or related field

How to Apply

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered. The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, M\xc3\xa9tis 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.

University of Alberta