
Are you passionate about improving the lives of people who use drugs in rural, remote, and Indigenous settings? Do you want to effect systems level changes through community-engaged research? We’re seeking a Research Coordinator to join our team and help lead research on overdose prevention and access to opioid agonist therapy in the qathet region of BC. Come join us at the BC Centre on Substance Use.
This position includes some remote work. The incumbent will need to live in close proximity to the qathet region (i.e., Northern Sunshine Coast). Salary for this position ranges between $54,000-$74,000. We strongly encourage individuals with a lived experiences of drug use to apply. Preference will be given to individuals with lived/living experience with drug use. We also welcome candidates who possesses high levels of empathy and understanding regarding drug use and related harms.
Cover letters are encouraged. Apply through PHC portal. If you run into technical difficulties attempting to apply through the PHC Portal you can alternatively send your cover letter and resume to [email protected]
Position summary
Within the context of a client and family centred model of care and, in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care, the person promotes a safe, respectful, and civil working environment for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator(s) and working closely with other research staff and students, the Research Coordinator coordinates and conducts qualitative research activities associated with the Principal Investigator(s’) research program, in rural communities. The Research Coordinator will conduct qualitative and ethnographic data collection and analyses; assist in the efficient management of projects including budgets, ethics applications, scheduling, and other data collection activities; assign and check work of Research Assistants and/or Community Advisory Board Members; and coordinate research dissemination activities. The Research Coordinator will also assist the Principal Investigator(s) and their team with community partner engagement and undertake other general research duties as required. Some occasional travel may be required for research purposes.
About the organization
The British Columbia Centre on Substance Use (BCCSU) is a provincially networked organization with a mandate to develop, help implement, and evaluate evidence-based approaches to substance use and addiction. As a research centre of Providence Health Care Research Institute and a University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine Centre, the BCCSU’s vision is to transform substance use policies and care in BC by translating research into education and evidence-based care guidance.
By supporting the collaborative development of evidence-based policies, guidelines and standards, the BCCSU seeks to improve the integration of best practices and care across the continuum of substance use, thereby serving all British Columbians. The BCCSU seeks to achieve these goals through integrated activities of its three core functions: research and evaluation, education and training, and clinical care guidance.
The BCCSU values and respects all members of its communities, each of whom individually and collaboratively make a contribution to transforming care, education, training, and research in this area.
Skills
- Knowledge of substance use, harm reduction, and social determinants of health.
- Knowledge of community health issues and experience with qualitative methodology.
- Demonstrated computer literacy with Microsoft Office suite (including Excel), Endnote, and database management skills (NVivo).
- Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize workload, handle multiple assignments effectively and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability and experience in preparing documents, reports, and communication materials.
- An understanding of and sensitivity to diversity issues.
- Excellent research skills, with an ability to conduct basic analysis of research data.
- Demonstrated skill and experience in event planning.
- Strong critical and analytical skills required.
- Experience coding qualitative data preferred.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment is essential.
Education
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Master’s degree in Social Sciences or Health related field, with training and experience in qualitative methodologies, especially community-based approaches preferred.
- Minimum of two years’ experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, writing and coordinating ethics proposals preferred.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary, multi-site research teams and collaborative community-based projects is an asset.
- Familiarity with community-based services for people who use drugs.
- Experience working in rural settings is preferred.
Duties
- Coordinates development, implementation, and maintenance of qualitative research studies.
- Assists the Principal Investigators with various administrative tasks associated with the day-to-day operations of qualitative research studies.
- Assists Research Team with participant recruitment, conducts qualitative interviews and ethnographic observational research, and collects data for ongoing projects.
- Supports, develops, and evaluates strategies that encourage community participation in research activities.
- Liaises with, and assists community research partners, research staff, and research participants around issues regarding study enrolment, study protocol procedures (e.g., paying honoraria, getting informed consent), and study participation.
- Leads research projects, which includes strategizing and identifying goals, and works with other team members in the development of meaningful knowledge translation and exchange.
- Supervises and mentors other research team members (e.g., Peer Research Assistants and/or Community Research members).
- Coordinates meetings among community, staff, research teams, and support staff.
- Under supervision of the Principal Investigator(s), assist with updating project budget and forecasts.
- Assists with the preparation of applications for academic research ethics boards and non-academic review committees (e.g., Community Advisory Boards) and communicating with committee representatives regarding research ethical issues, as required.
- Prepares and delivers presentations for community members, health professionals, and other key stakeholders.
- Assists with the preparation of consent forms, questionnaires and other research-related materials.
- Supports the development, copy-editing, and proof-reading of manuscripts and other KT products.
- Conducts other general research duties as required.