Research Associate – Bridging the Gap

About Durham College :

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market.

With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students.

In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, Durham College is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Overview of position :

The Office of Research Services, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) at Durham College seeks a motivated and detail-oriented Research Associate to support an externally funded research project entitled Bridging the Gap : Developing Culturally Responsive Mental Health Care with and for Black Communities.

This research project is supported by the Social Impact Hub at Durham College under the leadership of Dr. Crystal Garvey, Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

This study will explore barriers to accessing mental health services and additional support that may be needed for Black community members as identified through the lens of counsellors, service providers, and community members.

The findings from this study will inform the co-creation of various deliverables to mitigate these identified barriers and inform novel approaches to providing anti-racist and culturally responsive care to members of the Black diaspora.

Summary of duties :

Under the guidance of the project team, the Research Associate will support the project with the following research-related activities :

• Create and monitor a yearly project timeline of research activities
• Coordinate / schedule meetings with the project committee; book meeting spaces; record meeting minutes and assist the project team with reporting requirements
• Work closely with the project team to monitor the activities of the Student Research Assistants; mentor the student RAs where required
• Monitor and report on Partner in-kind contributions
• Coordinate the Research Ethics Board application process
• Liaise with Project Committee members, ensuring they are kept up to date on project activities and regular interaction takes place
• Contributes to data collection and analysis activities as assigned, as well as transcription of interviews using appropriate software.
• Contribute to creating a final report for project phases 1 and 2.

Qualifications required :

The ideal candidate will, at minimum, hold a two-year diploma or a baccalaureate degree in health sciences, social sciences, public policy, sociology, nursing or related field

Minimum of 1 year of experience in applied research, particularly in social innovation, public policy, community development projects, etc.

Sound knowledge of health-related research design and methodology is required.

Experience with both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies

Required skills :

• Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to source and organize reliable literature and relevant resources and create concise summaries; Proficient in the use of American Psychological Association (APA) writing and referencing guidelines
• Experience with data analysis and displaying research results is an asset; experience with data visualization tools (e.

g., Tableau, Power BI) is a plus.

• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with statistical software (e.g., SPSS) or qualitative analysis tools (e.g., NVivo).
• Experience with coordinating research project activities is an asset

Previous research experience is an asset; applicants are encouraged to submit a sample writing of a research paper / document along with a resume

Desirable Skills :

• Passion for social innovation, community development, and addressing social inequality.
• Experience working with marginalized or vulnerable populations.
• Knowledge of human-centred design or participatory action research methodologies.
• The project team encourages applications from members of groups with historical and / or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to, First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and / or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;

persons with visible and / or invisible (physical and / or mental) disabilities; persons who identify as women; and persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

We encourage applicants to self-identify in their application if desired.

Required Skills

Pay rate : $28.29 / hour (+ fringe)

Required Experience

Work period : Maximum 12 hours per week between October 2024 June 2025 with the possibility of renewal.

Apply for this position by sending a resume and one-page cover letter to [email protected] . You must include the job title in the subject line of your email.

The deadline to apply is September 30, 2024.

Pay rate : $28.29 / hour (+ fringe)