Research Associate, Energy and Environmental Policy, The School of Public Policy

Position Overview

The School of Public Policy invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to a professor in the School and contributes to research focused on Canadian climate policy. This Research Associate position is focused on managing, facilitating and executing a partnership-focused project to create complete, standardized and up-to-date information on the climate commitments, targets, policies, and investments from different orders of government in Canada. This position involves two distinct skillsets: project management, and the conduct of qualitative and quantitative climate policy research. The successful candidate will work alongside the PI and key partner organizations to determine the strategic direction and long term goals of the evolving research project. This work will include refining the scope of activity and intellectual foci of the project, and significant involvement in the drafting, presentation, and submission for publication of research findings. The candidate will also provide mentorship and coaching to a range of students and/or team members from a variety of disciplines.

Position Description

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

• Works independently and applies skills in project management, relationship building, data collection and analysis, as well as bibliographic research
• Compares and/or validates results or methodologies with established literatures
• Applies project management skills to organize time effectively so that research results are produced by set deadlines that support overall project timelines. The successful candidate will be a leading contact point for data collection and analysis, and will collaborate regularly and closely with the principal investigator (i.e., participation in project meetings and brainstorming sessions) as required or to conduct research, obtain and verify results
• Works alone, or with the PI to set guidelines for completion of data analysis
• Work with the PI, often taking the initiative, to develop and hone data collection and analysis methods that target a range of research questions
• Guide junior team members as they collect and synthesize the existing grey and academic literatures to develop appropriate practical and theoretical frameworks for interpreting and describing data and results.
• Work with partner organizations to schedule sessions for database validation
• Undertake a careful and insightful evaluation and interpretation of all analytical results
• Contribute to evaluations of policy implications of the results and develops carefully considered recommendations for practical and effective policy responses based on data analysis
• Organize and engage in stakeholder consultation meetings to guide analysis
• Act as a team lead and regularly communicates project timelines, milestones, complex issues, data collection and analysis to the project team. As well, reviews, prepares and present reports of results using excellent policy and academic writing skills

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Master’s-level training required, doctoral level training preferred, with a specialization in one or more of climate policy, resource development, energy, decarbonization, or a related field
• Practical experience in qualitative and quantitative research and/or climate policy research strongly preferred
• Direct experience managing complex projects and working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders (including governments) a major asset.
• Knowledge of current research and policy in Canadian efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions are major assets.
• Understanding of the scientific processes and underlying theories that support qualitative analysis of policy density is essential
• Knowledge of current energy and environmental policy issues, data and research, in both academic and policy literature is essential
• Knowledge of bibliographic research methods and familiarity with Scopus and other relevant databases is essential.
• Experience with qualitative coding software (e.g. NVivo, MaxQDA), relevant technical software (statistical and econometric analysis, graphics, web and data base tools etc.), citation and bibliographic software (Zotero), as well as Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) are essential
• The ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing is essential
• The ability to effectively prioritize and organize work, handle multiple assignments and meet deadlines is essential
• The ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully and persuasively with a variety of internal and external contacts is essential
• Proven ability to deliver high quality academic and policy-oriented publications and presentations is essential
• The demonstrated ability to work independently in performance of day-to-day duties while remaining adaptable and flexible in a fast-moving and changing environment is a significant asset
• Strong organizational skills in the collection, maintenance and organization of significant amount of qualitative and quantitative data are a significant asset
• Strong analytical skills in reaching sound decisions and resolving complex problem is a significant asset
• The ability to follow established procedures for research work, while also displaying the ability to be innovative with respect to suggesting new procedures/evaluation methods
• A combination of experience, training and education will be considered

Application Deadline: May 19th, 2023

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 Technical SalariesJob Family, Phase 3.

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.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

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.

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 theOffice of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion(equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.