Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Psychiatry in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Senior Research Scientist. 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 be based out of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, but involves working closely with government, educational institutions and non-profit agencies across the province. The Senior Scientist will generally work during normal business hours, but will occasionally need to work evenings or weekends.

This position allows some flexibility to work from home, but travel to study sites across the province will be required at different phases of the study.

The Senior Scientist will lead a small team that is evaluating the implementation of new youth mental health initiatives across the province of Alberta. The initiatives seek to: increase the ability of youth and their families to access effective youth mental health treatments, provide individualized mental health treatments for students in schools, and provide prevention and early intervention services for students in high needs schools. The full team will include 5-10 individuals (a mix of staff and trainees) with expertise in qualitative methods, quantitative methods, administrative data, implementation science, knowledge translation and knowledge dissemination.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Research

• Responsible for determining how to translate broad outlines of a research plan into a set of concrete, feasible steps that can be executed within a defined period of time
• Responsible for scientific quality, experimental design and interpretation of data collected at multiple sites across the province. Standardizes research processes across sites
• Uses own scientific judgment to apply and adapt standard methods and techniques by applying prior work experience and consulting others appropriately
• Carries out analyses using appropriate computer programs and statistical software
• Uses judgment to identify and resolve technical and operational issues in the research project
• Reviews relevant literature on youth mental health programs offered in within Alberta and beyond
• Develops scientific research study protocols
• Prepares and submits applications to the UCalgary Research Ethics Board
• Develops a data management plan that includes primary data collected by the research team as well as administrative data collected by partner agencies
• Makes significant scientific contributions to publications for technical and non-technical audiences
• Prepares and presents results for technical audiences (e.g. conference presentations) and non-technical audiences (e.g. community presentations)
• Leadership & Management

• Strong analytical, communication and interpersonal skills
• Identifies key roles and responsibilities for the project and leads hiring process to fill key roles
• Completes annual performance reviews including grievances, discipline and promotion of immediate research team
• Requires strong interpersonal skills and leadership to manage the unpredictable workload, problems and conflict with research staff
• Maintain the highest level of discretion, integrity and trust in all dealings
• Excellent professionalism, diplomacy and a high degree of confidentiality
• Act as a mentor and coach in training and development of junior research team members
• Project Management

• Strong project management skills and ability to keep track of multiple, interrelated research processes. Requires ability to adjust research operations and shift personnel allocation to adapt to evolving contingencies
• Works with key stakeholders in government, educational institutions and non-profits to determine how to collect / organize study data in order to meet study deadlines
• Identifies alternative strategies for partnerships and data collection in response to evolving circumstances
• Ability to think conceptually and directionally
• Contributes to development and implementation of strategic research plans
• Develops and manages the operational budget with an eye towards achieving key deliverables at key times
• Participates in the formulation of policies that maintain a research team functioning at a high level

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Graduate degree in social science, biomedical science, public policy or related field (Masters required; Doctorate preferred)
• 5-7 years of experience in applied research
• A combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
• Advanced knowledge of the principles, concepts and practices applicable to a wide range of work in a scientific area, and broad knowledge of principles and concepts in other areas
• Expertise in bridging the gap between research and practice (implementation science, knowledge translation, knowledge dissemination)
• Expertise with evaluating programs in real-world settings
• Expertise in youth mental health and programs to support youth mental health
• Experience working with and building partnerships with government, non-profit agencies and/or schools
• Experience preparing reports for diverse stakeholders in multiple formats (manuscripts, press releases, infographics, presentations)
• Ability to interpret and apply, using own discretion, regulatory/compliance/scientific requirements
• Expertise in project management and strategic planning
• Excellent leadership and organization skills
• Data management experience
• Ability to share knowledge and transfer own skills to the research team
• Thorough understanding of research methods and ethics
• Ability to develop and manage budgets
• Knowledge of University of Calgary culture, policies, procedures and operations an asset
• Ability to manage multiple project priorities and deliverables.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Ability to travel to multiple sites around the province of Alberta to meet with partners and organize data collection

Application Deadline: August 11, 2023

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.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Research Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our . For more information visit .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada\'s leading next-generation university - a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation\'s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada\'s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide in line with the foundational goals of , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the ( ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ( ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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