Research Assistant - Rural Development

at  University of Alberta

Department School of Public Health
Salary range $47,918.92 to $64,697.48
Hours per week 35
Grade 7
Posted date January 17, 2025
Closing date January 22, 2025
Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Research Coordinator and guidance of the Associate Director, the Research Assistant will support a community-engaged research project investigating rural wealth and inclusive economy strategies in rural Alberta. This project is a partnership between CUP and the Town of Drayton Valley, and aims to integrate research and practice by creating and mobilizing evidence to support economic resilience in the region. The Research Assistant will support data collection, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge sharing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to social policy and/or community economic development (e.g., social sciences, education, humanities, public health).
• Qualitative and quantitative research knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, and written), including the ability to translate complex research results to community partners.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High level of flexibility, adaptability, and ability to prioritize to meet urgent and evolving needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a discipline related to community wealth building, social innovation, rurality, and/or community economic development (e.g., social sciences, education, humanities, public health).
• Experience with collaborative, interdisciplinary, or intersectoral projects.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis software.
• Experience using a variety of knowledge-sharing strategies to communicate with diverse audiences (e.g. community organizations, government, academia).
• Knowledge of research ethics and guidelines in an academic environment.
  At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
  The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
  Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight January 22, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time

• Collect data using qualitative (e.g., interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (e.g., surveys) methods.
• Contribute to developing data collection tools and preparing materials and consent forms.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate software and techniques.
• Maintain and protect confidential research data, adhering to ethical conduct and privacy requirements at all times.
• Conduct environmental scans and literature reviews.
• Contribute to writing grant proposals, funding applications, research papers, presentations, and publications.
• Present results to partners, funders, and/or at conferences.
• Write ethics applications; update and maintain ethics approvals as necessary.
• Engage with stakeholders from community organizations, industry, government, and academia to build strong relationships.
• Translate results into useful information for community partners and prepare knowledge-sharing products (e.g., reports, presentations, journal articles) for academic and community audiences.
• Participate in research team meetings, and in meetings related to research activities in the community.