Research Associate II

The goal of the Cancer Prevention & Screening Innovation (CPSI) Team within the Public Health, Evidence, and Innovation (PHEI) division of Provincial Population and Public Health (PPPH) is to reduce new cancer cases, detect cancer at earlier stages, and decrease unjust and avoidable differences in cancer risk. Within the Communities, Individuals & Families, and Workplaces streams, this goal is achieved by collaborating with community partners to develop and translate new knowledge into innovative, scalable cancer prevention interventions to reduce modifiable cancer risk factors. Proven strategies are transitioned to sustained, province-wide initiatives. CPSI’s settings-based approach is structured around improving key environments, including virtual environments, that shape the health of individuals and families in Alberta, with a focus on community and workplace settings. Reporting to the Senior Scientist, the Research Associate offers research support to our multidisciplinary teams. Duties include designing and conducting knowledge syntheses to inform methodological and theoretical foundations for innovations; collecting, cleaning, analyzing, interpreting, and managing quantitative and qualitative data; and supporting development of scientific protocols, internal and external reports, policy briefs, publications, and other knowledge mobilization materials. The Research Associate II may also coordinate assignments with other members of research teams. This position has an impact on settings-based cancer prevention efforts.

As a Research II, you will be responsible for coordinating research activities which generate and disseminate new knowledge that assists with advancing the understanding of health disciplines and various health and medical concerns. Working with the principal investigator, you will assist with the study design and development of research protocols, determine appropriate data collection methods and measurement procedures, interpret results, develop recommendations and coordinate study approvals. You will also contribute to grant submissions and budgeting, conduct literature reviews and environmental scans and provide day-to-day oversight of research studies/projects.

Master's degree in a health or science related field. Registration with applicable professional association or college where required.

A minimum of 3 years of research experience in a university or healthcare setting. Advanced experience with selecting and applying appropriate research designs and methodologies and managing research data. Experience with using qualitative health research methods for data collection and analysis (e.g., interviews and focus groups). Experience with using quantitative health research methods for data collection and analysis (e.g., surveys). Advanced experience in knowledge synthesis techniques, including systematic literature reviews, rapid reviews, and environmental scanning, and translating evidence for informed decision making. Experience writing reports for internal, external, and academic audiences. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and work simultaneously on different projects. Ability to work in collaboration with others both virtually and in-person, as part of multidisciplinary teams. Ability to be organized, creative, flexible, self-directed, and dependable. Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills and ability to establish solid working relationships.

Experience coordinating applied settings-based research programs. Experience using mixed and/or multi-methods approaches and relevant software (R, NVivo). Demonstrated understanding of socio-ecological models and approaches to health promotion. Familiarity with social determinants of health and systemic barriers to achieving health equity. Experience with collaborative community and/or industry research partnerships is an asset.