Research Associate in Child Pain and Health Systems Implementation, Anaesthesia

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.

• Lead the execution, coordination, and evaluation of national, grant-funded research projects focused on pediatric pain, child health, and health systems change
• Provide strategic oversight of project timelines, deliverables, and milestones to ensure high-quality and timely completion
• Supervise and mentor research staff, trainees, and project personnel, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment
• Ensure effective integration of research, knowledge mobilization, and engagement activities across projects
• Oversee project governance, including internal coordination and alignment with partner organizations

• Develop and sustain strong, strategic relationships with researchers, health professionals, administrators, policymakers, and patient and caregiver partners (including children and youth)
• Facilitate knowledge exchange and ongoing dialogue among diverse interest-holders to support co-development and co-implementation efforts
• Identify and engage key knowledge users and champions to advance project goals and uptake of evidence
• Establish, build, and maintain productive partnerships with organizational collaborators, identifying shared priorities and opportunities for collective impact
• 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

• Lead initiatives to strengthen capacity for evidence-informed practice across clinical, research, and policy settings
• Support and design knowledge mobilization strategies that enhance the generation, dissemination, and application of research findings
• Mentor and support partners and stakeholders through training, resource development, and consultation
• Facilitate organizational and systems-level change by identifying and addressing barriers to evidence use and promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement

• Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive knowledge mobilization plans aligned with project priorities
• Design, adapt, and disseminate tailored knowledge translation tools and resources to meet stakeholder and contextual needs
• Support the implementation of evidence into practice in collaboration with clinical, community, and policy partners
• Monitor implementation processes, evaluate outcomes, and contribute to the sustainability and scaling of successful initiatives

• Collaborate closely with the Principal Investigator to identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with the research program
• Lead and contribute to the development of competitive grant applications, including concept development, proposal writing, and coordination of submissions
• Support strategic planning for program growth and sustainability through funding diversification and partnership development

• Lead and contribute to the preparation of high-impact research outputs, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, technical reports, policy briefs, and conference presentations
• Coordinate writing teams and contribute substantively to data…