Description
The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Senior Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
This position will play a critical role in the Nephrology Research Group and is focused on qualitative and quantitative health services research, risk prediction tool integration in clinical information systems, and commercialization of the decision support tool. Related activities involve primary data collection from users of the tool, access and analyses of local and external administrative and clinical datasets (including international jurisdictions), business planning and commercialization strategies. These activities are coordinated across several working groups of researchers, qualitative and implementation scientists, information technology experts and data custodians with support from regulatory support teams.
The Senior Research Associate is responsible for leading select research projects, and carrying out associated daily research activities including but not limited to assistance with designing and executing studies, coordinating research projects, and overseeing the submission and maintenance of ethics applications, research contracts and similar documents. The incumbent will also be responsible for assisting in the writing of manuscripts and grant applications and will mentor learners.
This position requires expertise with both qualitative and quantitative methods for usability testing with experience in Human-Centered design and an advanced knowledge on how to gather and incorporate user feedback to refine a risk prediction tool, and have the ability to collect and manage data, including usability metrics and user preferences.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
LEADERSHIP:
- Provide expert advice, guidance and recommendations to the group's researchers, and trainees related to research design, planning and incorporation of data collection and analysis
- Oversee project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with funding requirements
- Identify resource needs and support the development of the research plan for all facets of the research project
- Independently take initiative in planning and implementing research project in collaboration with team members and students, including literature review, research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and interpretation
- Lead research initiatives including organizing and participating scientific rounds, team meetings, conferences, meetings, and to key stakeholder events
- Oversee project-specific tasks to staff providing clear instructions and guidance on tasks, resulting in the accurate and timely completion of the project/task at hand
- The ability to effectively present technical data and complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Demonstrates exceptional time management skills, successfully managing multiple competing priorities (project and operational) with minimal supervision and direction
- Negotiates priorities and develops strategic operational plans related to research objectives
- Provide in-scope supervision, oversight, and training relative to research expertise
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION:
- Build a research culture that prioritizes and supports health related outcomes research
- Assess the quality measures and health policy landscape and provide recommendations for appropriate actions to reach project objectives and milestones
- Identify potential risks and implement mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle
- Conducts patient, provider, and stakeholder focus groups and interviews where required
- Acts as a bridge between technical teams (e.g., developers) and clinical/research teams
- Provides insights and understanding of cultural differences in healthcare practices, patient preferences, and risk communication
- Ensures that all projects and activities adhere to the Alberta privacy legislation (including contents of ethics applications and creation of privacy impact assessments where required)
- Track metrics as they relate to each of the project deliverables and ensure that project budgets are adhered to
- Create tools and materials to support access and uptake
- Engages with multidisciplinary team members (e.g., Investigators, coordinators, health care team members, policy makers, institutions) to coordinate, define, assess, support, and implement research work, findings, priorities, and gaps
- Initiates and manages relationships with external departments and organizations (CHI, ABSPOR, Kidney Health Section of the Medicine SCN, Alberta Health) to communicate services and/or provide support required by the projects
TECHNICAL, ANALYSIS AND REPORTING:
- Analyzes data, identifies optimal design and implementation, and blends innovation and new ideas with practical solutions
- Establish metrics to assess project performance, impact, and alignment with AICE program goals
- Prepare comprehensive reports for funding agency, detailing progress, outcomes, and financial accountability
- Provides insights and understanding of cultural differences in healthcare practices, patient preferences, and risk communication
- Prepares annual progress report relative to planned research objectives
- Writes reports and manuscripts and disseminates key learnings to stakeholders and knowledge users in journal article and/or report
- Review and provide input into manuscripts for research projects where consultation has been provided
- Research and communicate interoperability across diverse EMR Systems, ensuring the tool can integrate with diverse EMRs used in other countries
- Contribute to academic literature/manuscript publications, presentations, and reports of research findings
- Work towards adapting the tool to align with country-specific workflows, data inputs, and clinical guidelines
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) focused on health evaluation with at least 7 years of experience in a health-related discipline, business administration or equivalent
- Advanced research experience & skills, as applied to health services research and management of health innovation projects, preferably with grant funding
- Experience with market research and commercial strategies to assist in identifying commercialization pathways, including licensing, partnerships, and regulatory compliance
- Proficient understanding of clinical risk prediction tools and their application in healthcare
- Familiarity with Alberta's health innovation ecosystem
- Understanding of qualitative and quantitative data analysis software to organize and analyze information and examine relationships in the data
- Strong project management skills including experience with change management, preferably in research, healthcare, or health services research sectors
- Understanding of knowledge translation principles and tools
- A clear understanding of information privacy regulations, the Health Information Act and how they apply to research, quality improvement and evaluation
- Working knowledge of ICH/GCP guidelines, research ethics policies and Tri-Council policies for research involving humans
- Proficiency with electronic medical record systems and workflows (e.g., Epic) to assist in integration and testing
- Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Experience and evidence to effectively present technical data and complex concepts to diverse audiences
- Understanding basic software development lifecycle concepts, including iterative feedback and testing phases
- Knowledge and expertise working in a clinical / health research setting coordinating and conducting research projects with both qualitative methods and quantitative methods
- Expertise with SPSS, NVivo, REDCap and Qualtrix
- Exemplary written, oral, and presentation skills and the ability to interact with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, patients, and potential commercial partners
- Working experience with Data Visualization: i.e. Tableau, Power BI, or Excel
- Understanding of EMR Integration Tools: FHIR standards or API interfaces
Application Deadline: May 7, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
