About the Palix Foundation
The Palix Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities across Alberta and beyond. The Foundation's flagship initiative, the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI) aligns science, policy, and practice in the area of brain development to support the foundations of all health. The AFWI partnered with the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child at Harvard University and the FrameWorks Institute to develop the Brain Story and Resilience Scale, which translates complex science into an accessible, engaging story-form.
Position Summary
As the Scientific Associate, you will play a key role in supporting translation of the complex science of brain development to mobilize transformative system shifts in policy and practice to support the foundations of all health. You will work with the Patron and Scientific Director to support project coordination, data analysis, evidence review, and the development of high-quality, accessible resources that can be applied across sectors and at the individual, organizational, and systems levels. This role collaborates with internal and external partners to contribute to the Palix Foundation’s evidence-based initiatives and ensures the accuracy and integrity of scientific outputs.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Scientific Associate is responsible for the following but not limited to:
Make recommendations to the Patron and Scientific Director in scientific and research matters
Lead and coordinate project planning, timelines, deliverables, and team communications to ensure successful execution of projects
Lead in the design, production, implementation, and evaluation of scientific resources
Conduct data collection, management, cleaning, and analysis using qualitative and/or quantitative methods
Prepare and deliver reports, resources, and presentation materials for various audiences for both internal and external use
Maintain current and ongoing scientific knowledge of Foundation program areas through evidence review, conference/seminar attendance, and professional networking
Deliver in-person training sessions, workshops, and presentations to professionals, stakeholders, or community partners
Travel regionally, nationally, or internationally as required to deliver in-person training activities
Represent the Foundation at relevant conferences, seminars, and training events
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS:
Requirements include but are not limited to:
Master’s degree in Neuroscience or relevant scientific discipline, PhD an asset
2 to 5 years of relevant research or applied scientific experience
Completion of the Brain Story Certification Course certification, or willingness to complete prior to appointment
Have knowledge and understanding of the neurosciences (or relevant discipline) and research methodology as it pertains to Foundation programming
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
Experience and confidence in facilitating in-person or virtual training, workshops, or community engagement sessions
Full willingness, flexibility, and ability to travel for training delivery and project-related activities
Proficient in scientific writing and analysis; publication history is an asset
Experience in prompt engineering, AI-assisted content development, and effective use of tools like ChatGPT
Ability to be adaptable, willing to be flexible with work hours during periods of high activity or tight deadlines to support project and training needs
Maintain a low profile and ensure everything read and heard in the line of duty is kept strictly confidential
Maintain all schedules and activities of the Patron and Directors of Palix Foundation in the strictest confidence.
