Human Factors and Scientific Mobilization Specialist, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts

Description

The Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Human Factors and Scientific Mobilization Specialist position. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The position of Human Factors and Scientific Mobilization Specialist in the area of the social-psychological factors related to serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) will work under the supervision of Dr. Tom O'Neill in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary.

The ideal candidate with have expertise in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Human Factor principles, and scientific knowledge mobilization, with a proven track record of disseminating research findings to various audiences (e.g., journals, conferences, public posts and articles, workshops). The ideal candidate will also have proficiency in data analysis skills (quantitative and qualitative preferred) and experience with app development software and usability testing procedures.

The position is internally funded, and may be extended on a year-to-year basis based on continued funding and job performance. Workdays may vary in length and require travel within Alberta to collect data and pilot project outcomes, connect with subject matter experts, receive training on the technical aspects of the work, and disseminate findings to various audiences in mining and heavy construction. This position operates under a hybrid work model, with some days required in office as appropriate and a high level of responsiveness during work hours (e.g., email, phone, or in person).

The primary purpose of this position is to lead the development and implementation of a safety-focused mobile application for front-line leaders, aimed at addressing social-psychological factors related to workplace safety. This includes coordinating app content creation, wireframing, usability testing, and ensuring accessibility and universal design standards. In collaboration with a research team, the position also supports empirical research on serious injuries and fatalities through data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilization. Additional responsibilities include maintaining a research website, contributing to publications, and engaging with industry stakeholders to disseminate findings and resources effectively. The role requires a strong foundation in human factors, app development, and research methods, with a focus on proactive leadership and strategic communication.

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

• Lead the development of a front-line leader's safety app focused on supporting the social-psychological factors related to safety in partnership with the Principle Investigator and research team. This work is to be completed by the end of the position and will include:
  • Development of app content.
  • Development of a wireframe to support the app development using appropriate software.
  • Adherence to accessibility guidelines (e.g., WCAG) and universal design principles for app content and UI.
  • Coordinating with software developers to pilot and iteratively design the app and its functionality.
  • Executing a heuristic evaluation and usability testing on the app.
  • Developing, and delivering as needed, material related to app on-boarding for partner organizations.
  • Lead annual reporting to appropriate funding associations pertaining to the area of responsibility and contribution (Fall 2025).
• Engage in research with the Principle Investigator and research team examining the social-psychological factors related to series injuries and fatalities. This work will include:
  
  • Conducting interview and survey data collection, and analyses as needed.
  • Participate in manuscript writing and preparation, with a focus on applying human factors principles to serious injuries and fatalities research and data (involvement in three publications during position tenure).
  • Support the submission of research funding applications.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of scientific mobilization avenues. This work includes:
  
  • The development and maintenance of a website dedicated to serious injuries and fatalities research work including the publication of events, resources, and research findings (to be completed by end of position tenure).
  • Coordinate with other team members to ensure consistency in messaging and branding (e.g., graphic design, industry engagement specialists).
  • Participate in the creation of creative knowledge mobilization efforts and resource design including but not limited to, social media posts, videos, blog posts, etc.
• Attendance and commitment to ITP Lab and its members.
• Taking a leadership role within the position and coordinating with the rest of the team as appropriate.
• High level of responsiveness during work hours (e.g., email, phone, or in person.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• M.A. or M.Sc. in Industrial-Organizational psychology required; specialization or research-focus in Human Factors preferred.
• 1-3 years of research experience involving research design, data collection and advanced statistical analyses.
• Knowledge of individual and team assessment, human factors principles, and safety performance.
• Experience with app development, including building wireframes using appropriate software (e.g., Figma) and conducting pilot and usability testing (e.g., heuristic evaluations).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for writing and presenting.
• Proficiency with SPSS or R for data input, data preparation, and statistical analyses. Knowledge of qualitative software such as NVivo would be an asset.
• Knowledge of B2B software (i.e., Power BI and/or Tableau) or willingness to develop this skill.
• Be resourceful, innovative, creative, and strategic in problem solving.
• Positive attitude, self-reliant, team-player, team involvement.
• Effectively deal with multiple simultaneous priorities in an effective, efficient manner.
• Some days in office per week will be required, as appropriate.
• Travel as needed across Alberta to participate in workshop delivery, data collection, and training related to the technical aspects of the work (e.g., hoisting and rigging training).

Application Deadline:  May 12, 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 3.

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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

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.