Women’s Health Alberta Research Associate

University of Alberta; Remote; CAD 76,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Canada is seeking a Research Associate focused on women's health. This full-time position involves managing the Provincial Obstetrics Survey System, developing measurement strategies to optimize obstetrical data, and collaborating with health partners. The ideal candidate should have a graduate degree and at least 3-5 years of research experience. Strong communication and project management skills are essential. This role offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Competitive salary

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience conducting research or evaluation projects.
• Strong foundation in health outcomes and quality improvement.
• Experience with research ethics and collaborative partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Provincial Obstetrics Survey System Project and execute project plans.
• Design outcome measures for obstetric care to improve equity.
• Develop reports and documentation for health service providers.

Skills

Health outcome measurement

Quality improvement

Implementation strategies

Research ethics

Excellent communication

Education

Graduate degree in health or related field

Tools

Canva

Visio

Job description

Job Description

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA). In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $76,135 to $104,709. The appointment is for an initial 2 years.

Location - The role can be remote; however, the successful applicant must reside in Edmonton or Calgary and be able to meet in person within their city of residence.

The Women and Children’s Health Research Institute (WCHRI) was founded in 2006 as a partnership between the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services, with core strategic funding from the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation (SCHF) and the Alberta Women’s Hospital Foundation (RAHF/AWHF). WCHRI supports research, training and development activities of investigators from a range of clinical and academic disciplines, all focused on improving health outcomes for women and children in our province.

WCHRI is the only research institute in Canada—and one of the few in the world—to focus on women’s and children’s health, including perinatal health. The Institute is a national authority and leader in these issues, supporting over 430 members from 14 faculties and three colleges across the University of Alberta.

About the Role

The Research Associate, Women’s Health is a 2‑year funded position, reporting to the WCHRI Program Director and working closely with Alberta Health Services partners, including Women’s Health Alberta (WHA) at Acute Care Alberta, health system data and analytics, and academic data experts. The Associate will lead the development and implementation of a Provincial Obstetrics Survey System for Alberta, produce key project deliverables, and respond to reporting requests as needed. This project is a key part of WHA’s effort to optimize obstetrical data and ensure equitable, safety‑focused care for all women in Alberta.

Responsibilities

• Provide management for the Provincial Obstetrics Survey System Project: create and execute a project work plan, track activity and progress, meet timelines and deliverables, develop terms of reference, and lead partners and interest holders.
• Design and refine outcome measures for obstetric care to address data gaps, enhance research capabilities, and inform improvements in care delivery; create evaluation strategies using Quality Assessment methodologies; use the system to address variance in standards of care between rural and urban settings to improve equity.
• Work with WHA and key partners and interest holders: develop working groups, maintain relationships, keep momentum, and ensure the project stays on track.
• Write a research protocol, carry out data collection and analysis using qualitative and quantitative techniques, and identify opportunities for publication, including research ethics board approval.
• Systematically review the literature to identify case definitions for relevant populations and key performance indicators, using existing clinical and administrative data holdings; recommend how the work and deliverables can be applied to other areas of women’s health.
• Develop reports and documentation as required: documents and presentations for WHA, health service providers, provincial health agencies, and other interest holders; final reports; peer‑reviewed publications; and other required reports in collaboration with project managers and teams within WHA.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in health, information management, social sciences, or other related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 3‑5 years progressive experience conducting research and/or evaluation projects in academic and/or health system environments.
• Strong foundation in health outcome measurement, quality improvement, and implementation strategies.
• Knowledge of health system data assets and methods for literature review, qualitative and quantitative research and their appropriate application.
• Experience with applied research or evidence generation in the health system and/or research based on specific objectives identified by organizational leadership.
• Knowledge of research ethics and ARECCI in a healthcare system environment.
• Commitment to equity‑focused research and patient‑centered care.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining effective working partnerships with internal and external interest holders.
• Exhibit personal characteristics of self‑confidence, persistence, integrity, leadership, team building, enthusiasm, and approachability.
• Experience with facilitation, negotiation, problem solving, and conflict management.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high‑quality project deliverables on time.
• Extensive experience supporting the understanding and use of research findings, facilitating critical reflection, interpreting learnings, and supporting capacity to respond appropriately.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational capacity and the ability to manage multiple components simultaneously.
• Previous experience with obstetrical care and associated health issues, working with multiple collaborators, including patient and family partners.
• Familiarity with patient safety/quality improvement approaches.
• Experience with health registries, large datasets, or health systems research is an asset.
• Experience with Canva, Visio, or other design software.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

About Us

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 a community of knowledge seekers, changemakers and world shapers, leading 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.

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.

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. 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.

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.