Research Assistant - Enhanced Surgical Skills

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian university in Edmonton seeks a Research Assistant to lead mixed-methods research on rural surgical initiatives. This role includes engaging with community partners, coordinating research activities, and supporting grant and manuscript development. The ideal candidate holds a Master's degree and has over 5 years of relevant experience. A hybrid work model is offered, fostering research in a diverse environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Dynamic work environment

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in research coordination.
• Ability to travel to rural and remote sites; valid driver’s license.
• Experience with grant writing and published manuscripts.

Responsibilities

• Lead mixed-methods research on rural surgical task sharing.
• Coordinate with Indigenous partners for community engagement.
• Support grant and manuscript development.

Skills

Research coordination

Community engagement

Data management and analysis

Strong written and verbal communication

Knowledge in mixed-methods research

Education

Master’s degree in Sciences, Health, or related field

Tools

STATA

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

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

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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

The Research Assistant leads a mixed-methods research and program-building agenda on safe rural surgical task sharing and enhanced surgical skills for family physicians, with a strong equity focus on Indigenous and remote communities. Responsibilities span study design and operations, site coordination across rural hospitals, community and Indigenous engagement, data management and analysis, grant and manuscript development, and translation of findings into ESS curriculum and policy-relevant outputs.

The Research Assistant also supports the Office of Global Surgery (OGS) in advancing research and program development within the Rural Surgical & Obstetrical Networks of Alberta (RSONA) initiative and related OGS projects. The incumbent will coordinate research activities, contribute to program evaluation, and assist in knowledge translation to improve surgical and obstetrical care in rural Alberta. They will play an integral role in supporting the Rural Surgical Coaching Program and in strengthening OGS’s academic and operational research functions.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Research and Evaluation (30%)

• Design and implement mixed-methods protocols (qualitative and quantitative)

Community Partner Engagement (15%)

• Coordinate with rural site leadership, the Rural Surgical and Obstetrical Networks of Alberta (RSONA), Office of Global Surgery (OGS), Indigenous partners, and patient groups to support culturally safe approaches and community advisory processes.
• Plan and execute site visits, workflows, and readiness assessments for rural surgical and obstetrical services.

Grants, Manuscripts, and Knowledge Mobilization (20%)

• Support prospecting and preparation of external grants; coordinate timelines and compliance.
• Draft manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals; prepare briefing notes and practice tools for providers and policy audiences.
• Present findings to academic, clinical, and community stakeholders.

Program Operations (10%)

• Track milestones, budgets, and reporting; coordinate trainees/assistants; maintain shared documentation aligned with FoMD standards.

Coaching Program and Network Evaluation Support (25%)

• Provide research and logistical support for the Rural Surgical Coaching Program, including data collection, evaluation, and documentation of outcomes.
• Support tracking and analysis of coaching program, learning outcomes, and competency development based on the coaching framework.
• Assist in coordinating evaluations related to coach training modules, learner engagement, and CME accreditation processes.
• Contribute to the development of evaluation tools and feedback systems that measure the impact of programs on rural surgical capacity and provider well-being.
• Liaise with participating coaches, rural physicians, and program partners to ensure timely data collection and knowledge sharing.

• Master’s degree in Sciences, Health, Business, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in rural community or low-to-mid-income countries with research coordination or health-services projects (e.g., data collection, participant engagement, basic quantitative/qualitative methods).
• Advanced proficiency with standard productivity tools (Google Workspace/Microsoft Office) and statistical analysis software (STATA, GraphPad Prism); ability to learn platforms such as REDCap, SPSS/Excel.
• Strong written and verbal communication; organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently, in groups, and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Ability to travel to rural and remote sites; valid driver’s license and ability to meet site onboarding requirements.
• Grant writing and awards experience is considered an asset (Tri-Agency, foundations, or philanthropic).
• Prior experience with writing and has published manuscripts.
• Prior experience with rural healthcare delivery or rural/remote program coordination considered an asset; familiarity with Alberta’s rural ecosystem preferred.
• Current understanding of the collaborative effort between the Faculty of Medicine and RSONA to address unmet surgical needs in rural communities. Experience engaging with Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe, community based approaches.
• Mixed-methods research execution (REB, SOPs, qualitative interviewing, data analysis, REDCap) and contributions to abstracts/manuscripts.
• Stakeholder coordination across hospitals, universities, and community partners; experience in global surgery, rural obstetrics, or endoscopy pathways.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• List of publications

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 FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.

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.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. 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.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.