Research Analyst

at  University of Saskatchewan

RESEARCH ANALYST

This Research Analyst position lies within the multi-faceted Saskatchewan Population and Health Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU) within the Community Health & Epidemiology Department of the College of Medicine. The selected candidate will utilize their quantitative data management and analysis skills to manage, use, and report on healthcare administrative data.
This position will be part of a 12-month long project, requiring physical access to the Research Data Center located in Saskatoon, SK, studying the associations between chronic health conditions and Long COVID symptoms and the role of vaccination status.
The successful candidate will also lead the quantitative analysis and data management of a project addressing critical knowledge gaps of the Canadian opioid crisis. This pan-Canadian project will monitor perinatal opioid use and maternal/child health outcomes through the development of a comprehensive surveillance system using existing health administrative data from five provinces (AB, BC, MB, ON, SK) over time, since 2013.
Primary Purpose: To perform high level quantitative data management and analysis skills on healthcare administrative data for multiple SPHERU projects based in Saskatoon. The incumbent is expected to work effectively in a team environment and to provide guidance on research related matters.
Nature of Work: This position reports to Nazeem Muhajarine, Principal Investigator of assigned projects and a Co-Director of SPHERU. The Research Analyst will work in close collaboration with investigators and staff in Saskatoon, and across Canada, to support both the Long Covid and Prenatal and pregnant opioid use surveillance SPHERU projects.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• University degree in a research-related field, graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum two years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Software programing experience such as NVivo for qualitative study and STATA, SAS, SPSS for quantitative study.
• Computer experience required, including experience MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Effective oral and written communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to synthesize information, autonomy, creativity, and ability to work in a team.

SKILLS:

• Strong computer programing skills with proficiency in analytical software (NVivo, STATA, SAS, SPSS)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written; possess a professional attitude with the ability to provide timely and courteous service under stressful conditions with a tactful and friendly approach
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated with the ability to take direction, work effectively, and show initiative
• Ability to establish and maintain the level of professional relationships
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues, develop and implement creative, outcomes-oriented solutions
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and present project results
• Ability to work effectively independently within a team-oriented and diverse atmosphere
  Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Paige Buckberger, SPHERU Research Officer, at paige.buckberger@usask.ca or 306-966-2093.
  Department: Community Health & Epidemiology
  Status: Hourly
  Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
  Salary: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

• Software programming such as STATA, SAS, SPSS for quantitative study
• Review, update and participate in the development of data collection methodologies, instruments and databases
• Negotiates procedures and timelines with external agencies involved in data collection
• Supervises graduate research assistants/employees within the unit as required
• Contributes to decision-making and judgment in determining how to achieve the goals and visions of the unit, program, project, or area.
• Contributes to the writing of reports, scientific abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts
• Professional qualifications associated with a high level of practice in research where necessary
• Involved in policy and development and implementation
• Provides courteous, professional, frontline guidance for the unit from researchers within the College, faculty members working within the unit, and the public at large.
• Works as a collaborative member of the Unit
• Effectively represents the Research Unit dealing with issues and concerns, solving problems related to office functioning as they arise, and maintaining appropriate confidentiality of information and materials