Research Assistant, Addictions Treatment Tech - Electrical & Software Engineering

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

An innovative opportunity awaits at a leading research university, where you can contribute to a vital project aimed at aiding individuals in their recovery from addiction. As a Research Assistant, you will collaborate with a dynamic team to develop a mobile app that addresses the needs of the addiction treatment community. This role offers a chance to engage in meaningful research, conduct interviews, and work closely with a health platform company to ensure the app is effective and user-friendly. Join a forward-thinking institution dedicated to enhancing lives through technology and research.

Qualifications

• Expertise in computer/human interaction essential for app development.
• Strong background in qualitative research and user feedback analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop a co-designed addictions treatment app with user feedback.
• Conduct interviews with addiction community for app feature input.

Skills

Computer Interface Co-design

Qualitative Research Methods

Interview Conducting and Analysis

Education

M.Sc. in Engineering or Computer Science

B.Sc. in Psychology or Related Field

Job description

Description

This opportunity is currently available for internal applicants only as THERE IS A STRONG INTERNAL CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION.

Electrical & Software Engineering within the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Recurring Part-timeposition is for approximately 5 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the key purpose of this position is to work with members of the community seeking treatment for addiction to develop a mobile app to assist in their recovery journey. App development is done in collaboration with Zamplo, a Calgary health platform company. The work takes place in office, with typical working hours and conditions.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• The main outcome will be the development of a co-designed addictions treatment app with results from a rigorous field test and user feedback exercise to evaluate the utility of the app for the addictions community.
• Coordinating and conducting co-design interviews with people experiencing addiction to determine the features they would like to see implemented in an addictions treatment app.
• Interface with the Zamplo development team to coordinate implementation of those features.
• Coordinate a field trial of the app among participants of the addictions treatment community.
• Coordinate and conduct follow up interviews and surveys with the app users to determine the usefulness of the app.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• M.Sc. degree in engineering or computer science with a specialization in computer/human interaction.
• B.Sc. degree in psychology or a related field.
• Proficiency in computer interface co-design methods.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods, including experience conducting and analyzing interviews.

Application Deadline: May 13, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([e-mail]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.