Research Associate

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.These are term positions intended for individuals who hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field but do not develop and lead independent research programs as Principal Investigator. This is intended to be a transitional position with a maximum term (or total consecutive terms) of five years. At the end of the term(s) the Research Associate is expected to transition into an academic or non-academic research stream. Role Summary: Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, these positions propose experimental hypotheses, design experimental questions and protocols, and plan, coordinate, conduct and report on assigned research projects. They evaluate research data, revise techniques and develop new methods and approaches to solve scientific problems.

Duties/Accountabilities:

• Proposes experimental hypotheses for research and designs experimental questions and protocols in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Applies standard scientific techniques and utilizes technical expertise and experience to plan, coordinate, conduct and report on assigned research projects. Notifies Principal Investigator of issues related to laboratory protocols and experimental designs and recommends solutions.
• Prepares Research Ethics Board applications and amendments as required, and ensures compliance with Research Ethics Board guidelines.
• Develops new laboratory methods and modifies existing procedures to facilitate research projects.
• Collects, records, analyzes, validates, interprets and organizes experimental and research data and communicates scientific findings to Principal Investigator. Recommends research direction based on preliminary findings in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Sources funding opportunities and provides input into writing research proposals and developing budget for grant applications. Can apply for fellowship funding.
• Conducts regular literature reviews relating to research areas. Contributes intellectual and scientific input to manuscripts for publications. Presents research findings at national and/or international conferences.
• Facilitates constructive and collaborative relationships with both the Principal Investigator and internal and external research partners.

Qualifications:

A level of experience, training and education equivalent to a Ph.D. in a related scientific field plus three (3) years of recent, relevant post-doctoral research experience.