Research Assistant

Dalhousie University; Halifax; Hybrid; CAD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP

Health and dental plans

Wellness allowance

Employee assistance program

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Dalhousie University invites applications for a Research Assistant on the UNITE project, a whole-system approach to youth mental health. The role supports survey design, data analysis, and ethics submissions under the Program Manager, with exposure to multidisciplinary teams and collaboration across campuses.

The successful candidate will assist with data management, reporting, and knowledge mobilization while engaging in capacity-building activities and attending UNITE events.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with two years’ experience in a research related role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills.
• Self-directed and able to multi-task across more than one project.
• Interest in advancing youth mental health.
• Experience with research ethics board applications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of existing research and summarize findings.
• Gather data via surveys, interviews, experiments, or fieldwork.
• Organize and input data into spreadsheets, databases, or statistical software.
• Use statistical tools to analyze data and produce visualizations.
• Assist with project coordination, scheduling, and communication.
• Support knowledge mobilization activities and event logistics.

Skills

Computer literacy

English communication

Time management

Self-direction

Research ethics familiarity

Education

Undergraduate degree

Tools

Mandalay

EndNote

Zotero

SPSS

R

Python

Excel

Job description

Research Project Unifying Networks to InnovaTE (UNITE): A Whole of System Approach for Youth Mental Health

Posting Number S303-26

Employee Group Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001)

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract 1 year

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency 1.0

Salary $46,082 - $58,326 per annum a 35 hours per week

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The UNITE project will mobilize an unprecedented team of multidisciplinary scientists, decision-makers, youth and community advocates to improve youth mental health outcomes, because doing so has the capacity to generate greater personal, social and economic benefits than interventions offered at any other time in the lifespan. There can be no health without mental health, making UNITE the best method for broad societal impact. Reporting yo the Program Manager, the Research Assistant will work closely with the Program Manager to support the research activities of all three projects in the UNITE program, including survey and assessment creation and implementation, data analysis and validation, usability testing, ethics applications and creation of written materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of existing research and academic papers. Summarize findings and identify gaps in knowledge. Manage references and citations (using tools like Mandalay, EndNote, Zotero).
• Gather data via surveys, interviews, experiments, or fieldwork. Use tools like questionnaires, lab equipment, or databases. Collect field notes associated with co-design teams and their activities, post-workshop evaluations, capacity assessment frameworks. Conduct interviews with key informants and study participants.
• Organize and input data into spreadsheets, databases, or statistical software. Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and confidentiality.
• Use statistical tools (e.g., SPSS , R, Python, Excel) to analyze and interpret data. Produce visualizations and summarizing results. Code qualitative data, contributing to development of code books.
• Assist with project coordination, scheduling, and communication. Keep track of project progress and meeting deadlines. Organize meetings, take notes, and maintain files, as required.
• Work with Communications & Engagement Lead on knowledge mobilization activities. Support logistics for UNITE Summits and Conferences.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with two years’ experience in a research related role (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• High degree of computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft office.
• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills, with an ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
• Self-directed and able to consistently take initiative and multi-task across more than one project. Attentive to detail with a high regard for quality, accuracy and organization.
• Interest in advancing mental health promotion and care.
• Experience with research ethics board applications.

Assets

• Experience in a research environment and the Tri-Council Policy Statement ( TCPS 2).
• Experience organizing and managing small events.
• Experience with Dalhousie and/or IWK systems.
• Experience with data management and analysis software.

Additional Information

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP , health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. Full-time students currently enrolled at an educational institution are not eligible for regular Grant-Paid positions. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).