Research Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator

Job Summary

The research projects fall within the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience and relate to examining psychological and interpersonal aspects of couples’ sexuality and romantic relationships. The Research Assistant will be expected to work collaboratively with other members of the Couples and Sexual Health Laboratory (), which includes a multidisciplinary team of research collaborators, trainees and staff; including post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and research and administrative staff.

Reporting to the Lab Director, the Research Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator will provide research and administrative support to the Lab Director and will assist with the recruitment of participants and data collection, among other duties related to ongoing projects with funding from CIHR, SSHRC, and the IWK.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, draft, and submit research ethics applications, revisions, and amendments to the IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University Research Ethics Boards.
• Support the Lab Director with research activities, including literature reviews and formatting of presentations and manuscripts.
• Coordinate and implement participant recruitment strategies, including advertisements, outreach materials, online platforms, and lab social media presence.
• Recruit and screen participants, obtain informed consent, administer online questionnaires, and maintain organised recruitment records and files.
• Maintain ongoing communication with study participants and manage data collection activities, including follow-up, in-lab procedures, database entry, and data cleaning.
• Coordinate research volunteers by responding to inquiries, supporting recruitment and training, delegating tasks, and serving as the primary point of contact for the volunteer team.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in psychology (honours preferred) or health-related discipline.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Demonstrated ability to establish rapport, effectively communicate, both verbally and written, and interact with adults around sensitive topics sexual dysfunction, depression) or under stressful circumstances.
• Aptitude with presentation design PowerPoint, Canva, etc.). Experience using online data collection software Qualtrics).
• Must possess a high degree of computer literacy (Mac and Microsoft), Internet resourcefulness, and advanced working knowledge of computer programs MS Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, etc.), and office equipment.
• Must be able to prioritize workload, multitask, and quickly adapt to meet time-sensitive deadlines. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills are necessary, as well as the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team structure in a professional manner.
• Strong problem-solving skills and good professional judgment, as well as evidence of initiative-taking.

Assets

• Related experience with clinical psychology, health populations and/or clinical experience (which could be related to research) in a health centre or other relevant environment.
• Experience using statistical software SPSS, R, MPlus).

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s and competencies, in particular:

- Respect & Inclusion
- Adaptability
- Knowledge & Thinking Skills
- Communication
- Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above.