Research Assistant, Psychiatry

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan is seeking a Research Assistant in Psychiatry to support research on access to justice for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The role involves independent research, collaboration with a remote team, and interaction with research subjects. Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree in Law and experience in academic research. This is a part-time position with a focus on community engagement and ethical research practices.

Qualifications

• Experience with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred.
• At least one year of experience in academic research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support research and administrative activities related to FASD.
• Conduct literature reviews and assist with recruitment of research subjects.
• Prepare study materials and assist with data preparation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective written communication

Effective verbal communication

Organizational skills

Proficient computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree with honours in Law

Master’s degree in Law or related field

Tools

SPSS

Microsoft Office Suite

SurveyMonkey

Job description

Research Assistant, Psychiatry

Primary Purpose: The purpose of this position is to support research and administrative activities related to the study “Leave no one behind’ - Stimulating access to justice for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).”

Nature of Work: The position requires working with a remote team. Applicants from the province of Saskatchewan are preferred, as occasional in-person meetings may be required. The job includes independent research tasks, interaction with research subjects, and collaboration with the wider research team.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities: The proposed project seeks to understand the barriers that limit access to justice for individuals who are neurocognitively impaired or have FASD. The project will evaluate this urgent unmet need by utilizing an integrated and collaborative approach with community stakeholders and partners within the Criminal Justice System to garner evidence-based knowledge and inform and change practices and policies.

The successful applicant is expected to provide support in a timely and organized manner, as well as to:

• Participate in developing and preparing study materials (e.g. University of Saskatchewan ethics application)
• Execute literature reviews for projects initiated from this study, including reviewing abstracts, taking detailed notes, and collaborating with the research coordinator to interpret findings
• Assist with recruitment of research subjects, collect informed consent, and follow-up with subjects
• Help with organizing and participate in focus group sessions and team meetings
• Assist research participants with intellectual disabilities to complete the research study components (online survey). Be available by e-mail, phone, and/or videoconference to offer one-on-one assistance as needed during working hours
• Assist with data preparation for further statistical analysis and contribute to final written report, publications and conference presentations
• Report to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Mansfield Mela) as well as the research coordinator (Jordan Derkson) on progress of research study

Education:

• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree with honours in Law is required
• Completion of a Master’s degree in Law (or a related field) is preferred

Licenses:

• Applicants should have or be willing to obtain:
  
• Certification in the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2).

Experience:

• Experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities is preferred
• At least one year of experience in academic research is preferred, especially related to:
• Conducting literature reviews.
  
• Academic writing (research reports, journal articles, abstracts, posters and presentations, etc.).
  
• Knowledge Translation (KT) for lay audiences.
  
• Data collection, both qualitative and quantitative, including through surveys, focus groups, and interviews

Skills:

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Interpersonal skills, especially a willingness to learn, ask questions, and work with study participants and collaboratively within a team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills, especially related to time management and task prioritization
• Proficient computer skills, including with online data collection tools (SurveyMonkey), statistical analysis software such as SPSS, Microsoft Office Suite, and navigating online research databases
• A passion for applied clinical research, and an orientation towards using research methods to serve marginalized people

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Patrick Okonji at [e-mail]

To apply, please send Resume and Cover Letter (as a single document) to [e-mail] (Copy: [e-mail] )

Department: Psychiatry
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 0.5
Salary: $22.60 per hour Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2 Posted Date: 4/25/2025
Closing Date: 5/22/2025
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.