Job Description

Job Category: Research & Research Support
:
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 a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a .
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.
The Research Assistant leads a mixed-methods research and program-building agenda on safe rural surgical task sharing and enhanced surgical skills for family physicians, with a strong equity focus on Indigenous and remote communities. Responsibilities span study design and operations, site coordination across rural hospitals, community and Indigenous engagement, data management and analysis, grant and manuscript development, and translation of findings into ESS curriculum and policy-relevant outputs.
The Research Assistant also supports the Office of Global Surgery (OGS) in advancing research and program development within the Rural Surgical & Obstetrical Networks of Alberta (RSONA) initiative and related OGS projects. The incumbent will coordinate research activities, contribute to program evaluation, and assist in knowledge translation to improve surgical and obstetrical care in rural Alberta. They will play an integral role in supporting the Rural Surgical Coaching Program and in strengthening OGS's academic and operational research functions.
Responsibilities:
Research and Evaluation (30%)

• Design and implement mixed-methods protocols (qualitative and quantitative)

Community Partner Engagement (15%)

• Coordinate with rural site leadership, the Rural Surgical and Obstetrical Networks of Alberta (RSONA), Office of Global Surgery (OGS), Indigenous partners, and patient groups to support culturally safe approaches and community advisory processes.
• Plan and execute site visits, workflows, and readiness assessments for rural surgical and obstetrical services.

Grants, Manuscripts, and Knowledge Mobilization (20%)

• Support prospecting and preparation of external grants; coordinate timelines and compliance.
• Draft manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals; prepare briefing notes and practice tools for providers and policy audiences.
• Present findings to academic, clinical, and community stakeholders.

Program Operations (10%)

• Track milestones, budgets, and reporting; coordinate trainees/assistants; maintain

shared documentation aligned with FoMD standards.
Coaching Program and Network Evaluation Support (25%)

• Provide research and logistical support for the Rural Surgical Coaching Program, including data collection, evaluation, and documentation of outcomes.
• Support tracking and analysis of coaching program, learning outcomes, and competency development based on the coaching framework.
• Assist in coordinating evaluations related to coach training modules, learner engagement, and CME accreditation processes.
• Contribute to the development of evaluation tools and feedback systems that measure the impact of programs on rural surgical capacity and provider well-being.
• Liaise with participating coaches, rural physicians, and program partners to ensure timely data collection and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Sciences, Health, Business, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in rural community or low-to-mid-income countries with research coordination or health-services projects (e.g., data collection, participant engagement, basic quantitative/qualitative methods).
• Advanced proficiency with standard productivity tools (Google Workspace/Microsoft Office) and statistical analysis software (STATA, GraphPad Prism); ability to learn platforms such as REDCap, SPSS/Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication; organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently, in groups, and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to travel to rural and remote sites; valid driver's license and ability to meet site onboarding requirements.
• Grant writing and awards experience is considered an asset (Tri-Agency, foundations, or philanthropic).
• Prior experience with writing and has published manuscripts.
• Prior experience with rural healthcare delivery or rural/remote program coordination considered an asset; familiarity with Alberta's rural ecosystem preferred.
• Current understanding of the collaborative effort between the Faculty of Medicine and RSONA to address unmet surgical needs in rural communities. Experience engaging with Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe, community based approaches.
• Mixed-methods research execution (REB, SOPs, qualitative interviewing, data analysis, REDCap) and contributions to abstracts/manuscripts.
• Stakeholder coordination across hospitals, universities, and community partners; experience in global surgery, rural obstetrics, or endoscopy pathways.

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

• Resume
• 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. .
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.
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 is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Skills Required