Public Health Ontario is seeking a Research Coordinator for a six-month position in their Knowledge Services department. Application deadline: October 18, 2011.
Position Title: Research Coordinator
Department: Knowledge Services
Duration: Temporary – 6 months
Location: 480 University Avenue, Toronto
Compensation Group: AMAPCEO
Position Status: Open
Posting Date: October 3, 2011
Closing Date: October 18, 2011
Organization Summary
Public Health Ontario (“PHO”) is an arm’s-length government agency dedicated to protecting and Promoting the health of all Ontarians and reducing inequities in health. As a hub organization, PHO links public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world.
PHO provides expert scientific and technical support relating to infection prevention and control surveillance and epidemiology; health promotion, chronic disease and injury prevention; environmental and occupational health; health emergency preparedness; and public health laboratory services to support health providers, the public health system and partner ministries in making informed decisions and taking informed action to improve the health and security of Ontarians.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Research Coordinator will work with the PHO Knowledge Services team, and Emergency Management Support (EMS) team by assisting with the management, coordination and implementation of two separate research projects:
1. Identifying and Adapting Tools to Enable Knowledge Exchange in Public Health Contexts: the primary focus of this phase of the project is on development, implementation, analysis and reporting on a stakeholder consultation and prioritization process, to identify and prioritize stakeholder needs for knowledge exchange tools and supports; and
2. Non-technical core competency development among public health and health professionals; through the use of focus groups, stakeholder interviews and analysis of findings. The primary focus of the six month phase of the EMS project is data collection and analysis, towards the development of a curriculum that prepares health and public health professionals in health and public health preparedness.
Time will be divided equally between the two projects over the course of the contract.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design questionnaires, develop and implement focus groups, interview protocols and other data collection instruments, to collect quantitative and qualitative data;
- Document and organize qualitative and quantitative data from interviews, focus groups, surveys, conducted as part of a stakeholder consultation and prioritization process;
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods as appropriate in order to review and analyze data, research studies and reports;
- Create material suitable for incorporation into background documents, project summaries, FAQs and correspondence;
- Review and synthesize research results, as background for the preparation of grant applications and manuscripts for publication; and for the development of a curriculum
- Prepare clearly written analytical reports, manuscripts for publication, commentaries, and summaries of research findings or recommendations arising from research;
- Prepare grant applications, including fiscal year operating budgets for grants and provide recommendations on grant money allocation and usage;
- Coordinate the grant application process;
- Manage documents and processes on SharePoint so that relevant project materials are archived and accessible; Coordinate Project Advisory Committee meetings, and prepare meeting materials
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with PHO staff, and with external partners;
- Prepare Research Ethics Board submission;
- Create and deliver presentations on research results;
- Take direction from and report to the Scientific Advisor, KS team for the knowledge exchange project;
- Take direction from and report to the Emergency Management Specialist, for the EMS team for the core competency project.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Demonstrated project management, conceptual, research, data management and analytical skills;
- Demonstrated computer and data management skills including proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Project 2003), SharePoint as well as relevant qualitative and quantitative data analysis;
- Demonstrated skill in the development of interview protocols, focus groups, survey questionnaires, and other data collection instruments
- Demonstrated skill in the use of qualitative research methodology
- Demonstrated skill in stakeholder consultations and prioritization processes;
- Superior written communication to develop analytical reports, manuscripts for publication, commentaries, and summaries of research findings or recommendations arising from research;
- Ability to manage assignments in a fast-paced environment;
- Clear understanding of the research process acquired through both practical and academic experience;
- Ability to develop and maintain positive, collegial working relationships with colleagues and clients both internal and external;
- Demonstrated analysis skills including working knowledge of statistical and/or qualitative software.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Masters degree in public health, health policy, public policy or related discipline and/or combined relevant experience;
- A minimum of 3-5 years experience in community based research in social science and/ or public health settings.
If you are interested in applying to this position, please go to www.oahpp.ca/careers and click on the job title.