Research Assistant, Faculty of Nursing

Position Overview

The Faculty of Nursing invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 12 months(based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports directly to the Principal Investigator. This position also works closely with other faculty and research coordinators within the Alberta Cancer Outcomes Research Network (ACORN).

The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a digital clinical evaluation tool for evaluations and feedback in clinical practice. We will compare this digital tool against our current (paper-based) way of conducting evaluations and providing feedback.

The specific goals are to:

1. Generate knowledge about the outcomes of using of digital clinical practice tracking tool for feedback and evaluation 
2. Generate knowledge about the effectiveness of digital clinical practice tracking tool on nursing students in clinical practice affect learners experiences, learning outcomes, and clinical competencies

Decisions will be guided by study protocols and guidelines. The incumbent will assist the study investigator(s) to conduct literature reviews, data collection, basic data analysis, study recruitment, organization of study meetings, and writing for dissemination. The work requires a high degree of accuracy, and the ability to re-prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. The incumbent must also be able to work with diverse teams of researchers, patient partners, and community collaborators with varying levels of experience to ensure equitable involvement throughout the research processes.

The purpose of the position is to complete quantitative and qualitative data collection as part of a research project. Tasks include assisting in development of study documents, participant recruitment, data collection, data filing and entry, data analyses, and assisting with the preparation of manuscripts, presentations, newsletters and other knowledge translation and communication materials.

This role is highly independent and a strong background in quantitative data collection is essential in order to be successful in this role.

Position Description

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

Administrative

• Administrative duties applicable to project which could include correspondence, filing (electronic and hardcopy), scheduling meetings, supporting research meeting setup, etc.
• Contribute to general administrative tasks in the lab.
• Ensure compliance with lab protocols and file management system.

Research Assistance

• Liaise with Dr. Shajani to clarify information, tasks, or deliverables.
• Conduct qualitative interviews with patients and organize data.
• Manage and prioritize tasks and deliverables in accordance with the project milestones and timelines.
• Assist with study activities including conducting literature reviews, data collection, basic data analyses, and study recruitment.
• During team meetings, report on project progress, provide ideas to improve processes to achieve project milestones and timelines.
• Be present in all stages of project including study document development, data collection, entry and cleaning, and analyses, as well as integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation activities.
• Maintain organization and accuracy when filing, sorting, checking and maintaining research records.
• Work collaboratively with others to ensure data is correctly scored, entered, cleaned and interpreted.
• Compile, draft and maintain correspondence, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations, as needed
• Assist to maintain fidelity with protocols for the research project.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Masters Degree in progress or completed, preferably in health care or health sciences and a minimum 2-3 years experience in a research environment is required.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative interviews with patients is required.
• Strong understanding of qualitative research methodology is required.
• Ability to conduct interviews via web platforms such as zoom is required.
• Experience in cancer research setting and or clinical practice experience in cancer preferred.
• Ability to complete assigned and scheduled tasks under own initiative with minimal supervision required..
• Experience with research projects methodologies, processes, standards and policies required.
• Knowledge of research project life cycle required.
• Knowledge of research ethics and regulations for granting agencies including maintenance of confidentiality of patient information and medical records required.
• Ability to work well under pressure, multitask, time manage and re-prioritize tasks required.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills required.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, particularly in a team dynamic required.
• Analytical reasoning skills and decision making skills required.
• Proficient with computer systems, especially Microsoft Office Suite and patient health record experience preferred.
• Web-based survey software knowledge an asset, especially with Qualtrics Inc preferred.
• Proficient report writing skills is required.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment required.
• Must be open to learning and development and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments required.
• A positive attitude as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team is required..
• Knowledge of the University of Calgary processes and procedures is preferred.

Application Deadline:  December 08, 2021

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase I.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Nursing visit Careers in the Faculty of Nursing.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.