Research Program Lead

The Canadian Centre of Recovery Excellence (CoRE) is a trailblazing Crown corporation backed by the Government of Alberta, dedicated to transforming the recovery journey for individuals facing mental illness and addiction. By providing decision‑makers with cutting‑edge data, evidence, and actionable insights, CoRE paves the way for impactful recovery solutions.

Through groundbreaking research, world‑class data and analytics, expert guidance, and strong collaborations, CoRE is driving meaningful change at every level of the system. With an unwavering commitment to real‑world results, CoRE is not just supporting recovery — it’s shaping a brighter future for all Albertans.

As a trusted advisor to governments, healthcare professionals, and global leaders, CoRE empowers communities to deliver recovery‑focused mental health and addiction services that truly make a difference.

Position Summary

The Research Program Lead is responsible for conducting research in mental health and addictions services and implementation science activities. Under the direction of the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Executive Director of Evaluation and Research, this role leads investigations in collaboration with research teams and may initiate projects based on their own ideas aligned with CoRE’s priorities. The Research Program Lead uses their expertise to advise policy makers and stakeholders on key addiction and mental health related policy and practice. This role leverages experience and expertise to advance CoRE’s priorities by building research teams, strengthening capacity and improving processes. Key responsibilities include measuring CoRE’s progress toward its mission and evaluating the effectiveness of the ROSC in Alberta. The Research Program Lead delivers high impact and policy relevant research that informs recovery‑oriented services and drives improvements in mental health and substance use disorder outcomes for Albertans.

Responsibilities :

1. Research Leadership

Lead and oversee mixed methods and implementation science research projects, including both applied health services research and studies aimed, in response to questions regarding publicly funded mental health and addiction programs.

Manage research projects end-to-end from conception and design to data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Ensure research designs meet ethical standards for screening or submission to a research ethics board.

Oversee the management of research projects including timelines and budgets where applicable.

Oversee research processes and quality control, ensuring adherence to privacy, confidentiality, and security protocols for self and supervised staff.

Monitor relevant literature to identify practice innovation in the research program area and inform stakeholders of new developments.

Direct analysis of research data and literature reviews in collaboration with other investigators.

Communicate research findings in clear language adjusted to the audience in collaboration with other investigators.

Interpret research findings for policymakers in context including developing policy options, briefing notes, and presentations.

Direct ethics submission and manuscript writing in collaboration with other investigators.

Evaluate programs and services of the Alberta Recovery Model.

2. Advisory and Stakeholder Engagement Services

Engage effectively with project stakeholders including managers and program staff, policymakers, participants including individuals with lived experience, and their families, and if required, the public.

Train research staff for appropriate and effective interaction with research / evaluation participants including general information, recruitment, consent, data collection (via surveys / interviews) and follow‑up.

Respond to public and stakeholder queries for specific and detailed information about research / evaluation projects in collaboration with Communications professionals and as approved by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or CSO.

Stay current with developments in the field by attending and presenting at conferences, workshops, and relevant training sessions.

Coordinate, chair, and support as needed committees and sub‑committees associated with CoRE’s mandate.

Engage stakeholders to shape CoRE’s research strategies and negotiate and foster a common direction amongst competing perspectives and priorities.

Supervise research teams (research assistants, associates, evaluators, and early career scientists).

Complete performance management, performance review, and recruitment for all direct reporting positions.

Coach and mentor staff, creating an organizational culture that embraces innovation and best practices.

Develop and implement operations plans in alignment with strategic and business plans, monitoring and adjusting coverage and work assignment to meet operational priorities.

Account for team financial and human resources utilization.

4. CoRE Leadership and Priorities Advancement

Provide advice and recommendations on the organization‑wide objectives of CoRE such as research program development, performance measurement, research priority setting, staffing, project triaging.

Provide issue analysis, recommendations, and advice to guide executive decision‑making and planning.

Raise awareness of emerging issues of significance and participate in their resolution.

Generate and present ideas for the study of novel / innovative approaches.

Research and create briefings, draft policy and strategic documents, reports and other materials in response to requests from senior and executive leaders, news reports and release of major research studies.

Collaborate with all CoRE units and system stakeholders to ensure coordination and integration of activities in line with CoRE priorities.

Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience :

PhD in health sciences (health services research, population health or epidemiology) or MD with a related clinical specialization.

10 years’ experience as a principal / lead investigator or leading health research.

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in building and leading research / evaluation teams in formal research and / or related applied research initiatives in health services and policy organizations.

Possession of, or eligibility and willingness to obtain, adjunct faculty status with an accredited post‑secondary institution.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Proven ability to lead a broad program of relevant research work including leading or supervising research project teams.

In depth knowledge of mental health or substance use conditions, mental and substance use population health and epidemiology as well as mental health and addictions services and supports required, including the aims and objectives of the Alberta Recovery Model and the ROSC philosophy.

In depth knowledge of healthcare evaluation, implementation science, survey science and healthcare performance measurement.

Proficiency in quantitative research design, including experimental and quasi‑experimental, mixed methods, and advanced statistical analysis.

Proficiency with research databases and statistical analysis software.

Proficiency in conducting multiple types of literature reviews and environmental scan methods and proven record of leading / publishing literature reviews.

Mastery of research / evaluation and population health measurement tool (surveys and standardized scales) development, testing and validation.

Knowledge of key principles, practices, or methods of ethical human participants research, and experience in participatory / patient‑oriented research including the involvement of individuals with lived and living experience.

Knowledge of the interconnections across the health system and between the addiction and mental health system with other facets of the healthcare system, health care delivery, patient safety, health reform and health issues; as well as the role of other sectors in mental health and addictions (e.g., social services; justice, housing, education).

Proven ability to develop and lead research manuscripts from conception through publication, with evidence of peer‑reviewed publications.

Knowledge of evaluation of research initiatives such as research impact frameworks.

Proven oral and written communication skills including scientific writing / presentation and writing / presentation for diverse audiences.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of diverse stakeholders from the policy to community levels including individuals with lived and living experience and their families and the principles of participatory research.

Demonstrated competence in supervision / mentorship of students, staff, colleagues.

Knowledge of the policy development and implementation process.

Knowledge of multiple sectors and their roles in relation to the mental health and / addiction system.

Knowledge of privacy, confidentiality, security and ethics practices for human participants research data and documents.

Adherence to the values of rigor and objectivity in research.

Commitment to the principles of evidence‑based practice and evidence‑informed policy.

Discretion and tact; including consideration of the unique needs and potential vulnerabilities of participants and stakeholders.

Recognition of and ability to assess the policy implications of research findings in context.

Demonstrates strong critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail, while maintaining a systems‑thinking approach to understand broader organizational impacts.

Proficiency in MS Office and other business productivity or information management and technology applications.

Assets :

Training and experience in implementation science in mental health and addictions service settings is a strong asset.

Knowledge of and ability to interpret relevant legislation and policy (e.g., Health Information Act, Protection of Privacy Act (Alberta) (POPA), Access to Information Act (Alberta (ATIA), and CASL (Canada’s Anti‑Spam Legislation)).

Pension and Benefits

CoRE offers a pension plan with LAPP which provides a retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options. Explore more at www.lapp.ca .

As part of our commitment to our employees’ well‑being, CoRE is pleased to provide a group benefits plan and health spending account. This comprehensive plan includes extended health care coverage, travel insurance, dental care, specialized medical coverage, and more.

Pre‑employment Conditions

Prior to an offer of employment, candidates are required to complete and maintain satisfactory Criminal Record, Education Verification, and Canadian Work Authorization checks as well as Conflict of Interest disclosure, as applicable.

Applicants should provide a resume and cover letter that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Closing Date : Open until Filled

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates’ qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements. Additional screening information may be requested. Candidates chosen to move forward to interview will be contacted. An eligibility list may be established to fill similar positions.

CoRE is committed to inclusiveness, equity, and accessibility and encourage all qualified candidates to apply. If you require accommodation during any portion of the selection process, please let our team know at hr@recoveryexcellence.org

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