Research Associate, The Simpson Centre

Position Overview

The Simpson Centre in 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.

Housed at the School of Public Policy, the Simpson Centre focuses on the numerous social and economic factors that facilitate the success of Canadian agri-food and agri-business. The goal is to make the Simpson Centre a locus of Canadian research that strengthens and supports the growth and sustainability of agri-food and agri-business - especially in western Canada.

This position reports to the Director of the Simpson Centre, and contributes to research focused social, and economic policy at SPP. It normally involves working Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with occasional work outside of regular hours as well as potential travel within Canada.

The position entails undertaking research in a team and independently; coordinating the initial set up of a large scale research project that spans multiple researchers at multiple institutions; coordinating ongoing research programming, research projects and outreach activity, presentation and communication of research and research results to a variety of audiences and in different venues

Position Description

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

The Research Associate will split their time amongst research (70%), research portfolio coordination (20%), and communication (10%) activities. These splits should be considered a guideline for time management, and may be adjusted by the Scientific Director, FEP , as needs change. While their time will be primarily spent on FEP projects, the Research Associate may also be involved in projects led by other research divisions. Duties (may include any of the following):

• Applies analytical skills for the collection, formatting, analysis and effective presentation of data. Includes comparing and/or validating results with established literature.
• Organizes time effectively so that research results are produced by set deadlines that support overall project timelines.
• Collaborates regularly and closely with others (i.e., participation in project meetings, and brainstorming sessions) as required or to conduct research, obtain, and verify results.
• Regularly updates project team on data collection and analysis, as well as prepares and presents reports of these results using excellent technical writing skills.
• Follows set guidelines for completion of data analysis, but may recommend changes to research methods.
• Assists in the development of multi-year strategic plans that anticipate policy changes and link research activities from year to year.
• Represents SPP externally, which may include media interviews.
• Assists in the development of funding applications.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Completion of at least a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Economics, or a related area focused on social, and economic policy, with a strong preference for a PhD degree; however, a combination of experience, training, and education may be considered.
• At least two years of research experience in the fields noted above is preferred.
• Possesses knowledge of current social, environmental, and economic policy issues, data, and research, in both academic and policy literature, as well as the policy-making process at all orders of government.
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Proven ability to engage and build working partnerships with various stakeholder groups, including government, researchers, social/non-profit sector representatives, and people with lived experience to inform research and the development of policy advice.
• Proficiency in relevant technical software (statistical and econometric analysis, graphics, web and data base tools, etc.) in addition to Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Julia, Python, Stata, SAS, R, or other statistical programs is required.
• Strong analytical skills in reaching sound decisions and resolving complex problems.
• Excellent communication skills, orally and in writing, including demonstrated proficiency in effectively communicating ideas to policymakers and the informed public.
• Strong organizational skills for collection, maintenance and organization of information, data, and research programming.
• Experience supporting funding proposals, grant writing, and reporting processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in performance of day-to-day duties.
• Adaptable and flexible in a fast-moving and changing environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully with a variety of internal and external contacts.

Application Deadline: April 28, 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 Job Family, Phase 2.

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.