Description
The Department of Anaesthesia in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
The primary purpose of this position is to oversee the execution and evaluation of national grant funded projects related to pain, child health, and health systems change. This individual will oversee internal staff, and work in close collaboration with external partners, and patient and caregivers partners to ensure the successful implementation of projects, which include research, knowledge mobilization, engagement activities, and other related efforts.
The Research Associate will oversee the execution and evaluation of national grant-funded projects, ensuring their timely and high-quality implementation. This position includes supervision of internal staff and close collaboration with interdisciplinary team members, external partners, and patient and caregiver partners to support meaningful engagement and co-development across projects. Additionally, the Research Associate will work closely with Dr. Birnie to support the development of new grant applications and funding opportunities, as well as contribute to the preparation and dissemination of research and knowledge mobilization outputs (e.g., publications, reports, presentations).
This position will be based out of the Foothills Medical Campus. Exclusive remote work will not be possible. Hours are 35.00 hours/week with some possible evening and weekend hours.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Project Leadership and Oversight:
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Lead the execution, coordination, and evaluation of national, grant-funded research projects focused on pediatric pain, child health, and health systems change
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Provide strategic oversight of project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure high-quality and timely completion
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Supervise and mentor research staff, trainees, and project personnel, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment
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Ensure effective integration of research, knowledge mobilization, and engagement activities across projects
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Oversee project governance, including internal coordination and alignment with partner organizations
Strategic Partnerships and Interest-holder Engagement
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Develop and sustain strong, strategic relationships with researchers, health professionals, administrators, policymakers, and patient and caregiver partners (including children and youth)
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Facilitate knowledge exchange and ongoing dialogue among diverse interest-holders to support co-development and co-implementation efforts
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Identify and engage key knowledge users and champions to advance project goals and uptake of evidence
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Establish, build, and maintain productive partnerships with organizational collaborators, identifying shared priorities and opportunities for collective impact
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Work collaboratively with national and local partners, including administrative centers and project sites, to support integrated project delivery and alignment with broader institutional, regional, and national initiatives
Capacity Building and Systems Change
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Lead initiatives to strengthen capacity for evidence-informed practice across clinical, research, and policy settings
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Support and design knowledge mobilization strategies that enhance the generation, dissemination, and application of research findings
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Mentor and support partners and stakeholders through training, resource development, and consultation
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Facilitate organizational and systems-level change by identifying and addressing barriers to evidence use and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement
Knowledge Mobilization and Implementation:
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Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive knowledge mobilization plans aligned with project priorities
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Design, adapt, and disseminate tailored knowledge translation tools and resources to meet stakeholder and contextual needs
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Support the implementation of evidence into practice in collaboration with clinical, community, and policy partners
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Monitor implementation processes, evaluate outcomes, and contribute to the sustainability and scaling of successful initiatives
Research Program Development and Grant Funding:
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Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator to identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with the research program
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Lead and contribute to the development of competitive grant applications, including concept development, proposal writing, and coordination of submissions
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Support strategic planning for program growth and sustainability through funding diversification and partnership development
Research Outputs and Dissemination:
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Lead and contribute to the preparation of high-impact research outputs, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, policy briefs, and conference presentations
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Coordinate writing teams and contribute substantively to data interpretation, knowledge synthesis, and scholarly dissemination
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Support dissemination strategies targeting academic, clinical, policy, and public audiences to maximize research impact
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:
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Oversee project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess progress, outcomes, and impact
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Lead regular internal and external reporting, including funder reports and annual evaluations
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Ensure accountability, quality assurance, and continuous improvement across all project activities
Qualifications / Requirements:
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PhD in a relevant field (e.g., public health, psychology, pediatric medicine), or an equivalent combination of work, education, and other experience
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3+ years of experience managing projects and research teams, demonstrated by strong organizational skills, attention to detail, supporting other team members and the ability to balance competing priorities to meet deadlines
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Experience leading collaborative projects with researchers, health professionals, partners and/or other interested groups/organizations, including patients and families
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Strong understanding of related and intersecting fields, including child health, community engagement, complex health systems change, implementation science, knowledge mobilization/translation, and quality improvement and evaluation, and healthcare system dynamics
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Expertise in mixed methods clinical and implementation science research, including supporting research funding applications
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Strong academic writing skills
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Experience in developing and implementing knowledge mobilization plans, activities, and products, and health systems change
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Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, and have good interpersonal skills
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Must be able to work independently and work well in guiding a highly collaborative, and supportive team
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Must demonstrate flexibility, strong problem-solving skills, and a willingness to take initiative
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Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and experience with video conference and webinar technology are required
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Passion for the well-being of children and youth
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Assets:
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Project management certification or training
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The ability to communicate effectively in French, both orally and in writing, is highly desirable and considered a strong asset as the team engages with diverse partners and knowledge users across Canada, including Francophone communities
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Experience with diverse research funding grant applications
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Knowledge of the University environment (e.g., research ethics submissions, e-Fin, legal/contracts)
Application Deadline: July 17, 2026
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 Specialist/Advisor 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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
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 People & Culture ([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.
