Graduate Research Assistant, College of Nursing
Graduate Research Assistant Opportunity
Project: Assessing Organizational Learning in Tanzanian Health Facilities
Dr. Shehnaz Alidina is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to support a cross-sectional health systems research study examining organizational learning in Tanzania’s Lake Zone. The study will assess how approximately 800 healthcare providers across 45 public health facilities perceive the extent to which their organizations function as learning organizations. Using an adapted survey tool, the research explores three core dimensions: supportive learning environments, structured learning processes, and leadership for learning. The findings will generate context-specific evidence to inform system-wide strategies for quality improvement and learning health systems development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct a literature review on organizational learning in health systems
Review and compare learning organization survey (LOS) instruments
Support documentation for the adaptation and translation of survey tools
Assist with local ethics submission (NMRI)
Develop the data collector’s training package
Prepare PowerPoint presentations
Coordinate meetings with the research team and maintain meeting records
Perform other tasks as identified throughout the research process
This position offers valuable experience in global health research, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and the opportunity to contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
Your general location of work will be remotely from your own home/office, and you will report to Dr. Alidina as your supervisor.
Required Number of Hours: Approximately 7 hours per week; additional hours may be required some weeks.
Duration of Employment: September 2025 to March 2026
Qualifications (Skills and Abilities)
Applicants are required to be enrolled in a graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan.
Desirable Skills and Attributes include:
Strong critical reading and synthesis skills
Familiarity with survey research and instrument development
Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including international collaborators
Interest in organizational learning, global health, or health systems
Experience using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and survey software (e.g., Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or similar)
To Apply:
Interested applicants must include the following in their application: cover letter and curriculum vitae. References will be requested for short-listed candidates. Inquiries for this position can be directed to shehnaz.alidina@usask.ca
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted during the week of August 18th for interviews.
Where a graduate student is appointed to this position, it will be in scope of PSAC.
Department: College of Nursing
Status: Casual
Employment Group: Graduate Students - PSAC
Rate of Pay: Current rates of pay
Posted Date: 7/28/2025
Closing Date: 8/17/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
LI-DNI
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.
