Research Associate

Job Summary

The Unifying Networks to InnovaTE (UNITE) projectwill mobilize an unprecedented team of multidisciplinary scientists, decision-makers, youth and community advocates to improve youth mental health outcomes, consisting of three critical and interrelated projects on the pathway to societal impact: 1. Optimized Navigation Pathways; 2. Increased Data-driven Insights; 3. Strengthened Whole-of-System Capacity.

Reporting to the Principal Investigators (PIs), the Research Associate will provide research and methodological expertise across the project, with a particular focus on ecosystem mapping, stakeholder engagement, co-design, data analysis, and sustainability planning for the Ecosystem Intelligence Project which examines how organizations, services, and supports across Nova Scotia’s youth mental health system connect and work together.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the PIs in designing and leading ecosystem scoping and co-design sessions, interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Co-develop research and engagement materials, including facilitation guides, interview guides, surveys, and other data collection tools.
• Analyze and synthesize findings from co-design and scoping activities, interviews, surveys, and other data sources. Define priority attributes, relationships, data elements, and survey questions.
• Develop clear specifications and recommendations for implementation in existing software. Implement and update approved recommendations within existing platforms. Test, refine, and document platform configurations based on feedback.
• Document methods and processes used to scope, collect, validate, update, and maintain ecosystem information. Identify practical approaches to keep ecosystem knowledge current without creating an unnecessary burden for participating organizations.
• Contribute to the collaborative authorship of peer reviewed manuscripts, technical reports and policy briefs through the drafting, editing and submission of documents. Tailor outputs for academic, practitioner, and public audiences.
• Provide mentorship to research assistants, coordinators, interns, and students, fostering their development and ensuring high-quality contributions to the research 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

• PhD with experience in applied health/health services research, implementation science, organizational behavior, systems thinking, social/organizational network analysis, or related fields plus three to five years’ relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Demonstrated experience in all stages of research, including research design, research synthesis, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
• Record of scholarly publications and conference presentations, and public outreach/knowledge translation in the topic area.
• Experience conducting research, including experience with qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed-methods research, as well as a solid understanding of ethical principles in human subjects’ research.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written skills) and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across disciplines and sectors, including experience working with partners or interest holders in collaborative research.

Assets

• Experience working with youth and/or community partners.
• Experience working with academic institutions and/or government agencies.
• Background in mental health and addiction research.
• Interest in advancing mental health promotion and care.
• Experience with technical writing and sustainability planning.
• Experience with workshop development, facilitation and/or coaching/leadership development.

Job Competencies

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

- Integrity
- 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.

Full-time students currently enrolled at an educational institution are not eligible for regular Grant-Paid positions.

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.