Research Analyst

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has an end date of 6 months from the date of hire.

Location

This is a hybrid role with a mix of remote and in-person at North Campus Edmonton. 

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Position

Under the direction of the Directors of ARCHE and the Research Program Lead, the Research Analyst is responsible for undertaking complex research activities specific to evidence synthesis projects including systematic reviews, overviews, scoping reviews and rapid reviews. The position is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of various aspects of projects, including study selection, quality assessment, data extraction and analysis, report writing, and manuscript preparation.

The Research Analyst is responsible for tracking several milestones and targets to ensure timely completion. The successful candidate requires a strong understanding of recognized standards and recommendations for conducting evidence syntheses, strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Duties

Undertakes high-level, complex research activities and data analysis specific to evidence synthesis projects (e.g. systematic reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews and overviews) undertaken by the Directors of the Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence.

TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Assists Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators and/or ARCHE’s Research Program Lead to develop and refine specific key questions to be addressed by the project(s)
• Assists with preparation of research protocol(s) in compliance with funding agency requirements
• Ensures all procedures and processes are in compliance with the research protocol(s)
• Oversees the design, development and maintenance of project database(s) to ensure data quality control
• Designs and develops project materials including forms for study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and other related research tools
• Coordinates the day-to-day activities of evidence synthesis projects including the search implementation, study selection, quality assessment, data extraction, data entry and verification, and develops standard procedures to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency of data
• Assigns tasks to other research team members as related to day-to-day activities
• Works closely with the statistician and senior project personnel (e.g. Research Associates, Project Coordinators, Research Coordinators, Information Specialist) to analyze findings and coordinate aspects of the project
• Works with article retrieval personnel and research assistants to coordinate citation databases/Endnote libraries

MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION:

• Drafts all sections of manuscripts and reports; coordinates and integrates feedback from Principal Investigators, Co-Investigators and the Research Program Lead. Assists with responses and revisions based on feedback from knowledge users, stakeholders and journal peer reviewers.
• Prepares figures and tables for evidence reports, scientific papers, posters and presentations
• Prepares drafts of conference presentations and posters, educational materials and other forms of knowledge transfer and exchange

MANAGEMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES:

• Coordinates activities of article retrieval personnel and research assistants
• Reviews and assesses workloads of project personnel, and seeks additional resources to ensure project needs are met
• Assists with tracking milestones and timelines throughout the life cycle of research project(s) and works with the Research Program Lead to develop and implement necessary changes to ensure milestones are met

OTHER RESEARCH ACTIVITIES:

• Participates in and leads journal clubs in ARCHE to discuss relevant methodological issues, practical aspects of research project management, and results of relevant projects
• Assists with preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals as required
• Other related duties as may be required

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in health sciences; epidemiology, public health science, health management, or related field, minimum of a Bachelor’s degree
• 3­-5 years of experience working in a health research environment; experience in epidemiology, statistics, public health, or a related field is preferred
• 3-5 years of experience with research methodologies, systematic reviews, evidence synthesis, or health management
• A combination of experience and education will be considered
• Ability to embrace change, adapt to new information, and work proactively and positively in an evolving organizational context
• Ability to set priorities and manage changing/conflicting priorities and tight deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and work independently and accountably in a positive manner
• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, analytical, and decision making skills
• Ability to work efficiently in a professional and ethical manner in accordance with University of Alberta policies and procedures. Knowledge of the Canadian health care system is an asset
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), reference management and systematic review software and programs (e.g., EndNote, RefWorks, Reference Manager, Review Manager, Distiller); experience with other statistical programs (e.g., SPSS, SAS) is an asset

A cover letter must be submitted to be considered for the position. 

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.