Staff Scientist - Shkaabe Makwa

Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Ontario by advancing wholistic models of mental health and wellness care that are rooted in traditional healing practices. We deliver care, co-design research, and mobilize knowledge and tools to transform health systems. We action community-identified solutions to foster health justice. 

Shkaabe Makwa is seeking a full-time, permanent Staff Scientist with a specialized expertise in collaborative and relational Indigenous health research that aligns with Indigenous self-determination in health, data sovereignty, and contributes to policy, practice, and systems change. 

Reporting to the Scientific Director, Shkaabe Makwa, the Staff Scientist will lead and support research critical Shkaabe Makwa research initiatives and strengthen collaborative research with research centres across CAMH. The Staff Scientist will support the development, planning and implementation of Shkaabe Makwa’s research projects and knowledge mobilization initiatives. Primary responsibilities will involve the establishment and management of a robust research program and team. The Staff Scientist will play a pivotal role in generating and exploring innovative research ideas, while also contributing to the education of emerging scientists and trainees. Furthermore, the incumbent will actively promote knowledge mobilization activities to ensure the widest beneficial impact on the communities we serve.

The selected candidate is expected to have extensive expertise in Indigenous health research, offering training, supervision, and mentorship to staff and students across diverse disciplines. Emphasis will be placed on leading data sovereignty initiatives, advancing ethical research conduct across research streams, and the development and implementation of impactful policy relevant research aimed at enhancing healthcare for First Nations, Inuit, Métis. The position will also oversee research teams who develop, adapt, pilot, and evaluate clinical interventions and treatment modalities that weave traditional knowledge and western evidence, and explore the implementation of traditional healing practices in the hospital system.

The successful candidate will provide expertise and guidance to the teams, develop and manage budgets, initiate and oversee contracts and develop and oversee quality assurance practices and procedures to ensure ongoing advancements in research initiatives and overall project efficiency. Knowledge of Indigenous research ethics, principles and protocols contained in the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access and possession OCAP®; the National Inuit Strategy on Research; and Principles of Ethical Métis Research Canada are required. The candidate will support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is a respected First Nations, Inuit, or Métis researcher with significant experience leading community-based collaborative research that informs mental health and substance use policy, practice and/or systems change.

The successful candidate will be expected to establish collaborations at the local, national, and international levels. Additionally, practical supervision of undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral trainees, and technical staff is integral to the role. As a Staff Scientist, active leadership in research activities, maintenance of a strong publication record, and securing extramural funding are key responsibilities. Dissemination of research results through presentations at academic meetings, conferences, and communication with key decision-makers is expected. Participation in leadership advisory groups, both within CAMH and externally, is also a requirement.

Adherence to approved CAMH practices, procedures, and safety standards is imperative in conducting research studies. Beyond research commitments, the Staff Scientist will collaborate within a multidisciplinary environment encompassing both fundamental and clinical research. A commitment to fostering diversity, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements is essential.
CAMH is an academic research hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and the successful applicant must secure an academic affiliation at the Assistant Professor level. The role is based at 60 White Squirrel Way (Toronto) and will require some evening and weekend hours and travel to communities across Ontario, and beyond.

CAMH is an academic research hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and the successful applicant must secure an academic affiliation at the Assistant Professor level. The role is based at 60 White Squirrel Way (Toronto) and will require some evening and weekend hours and travel to communities across Ontario, and beyond.