Position Overview
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA) in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for an Associate Lead, Mental Health Services. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension for up to an additional 2 years.
The CIHR-INMHA, headquartered at the University of Calgary, is one of the thirteen virtual institutes of CIHR. CIHR-INMHA has a mandate to support research that enhances knowledge of the brain, mental health, neurological health, vision, hearing and cognitive functioning and to reduce the burden of related disorders through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation.
Must be able to work flexiible hours. Some travel may be required.
The CIHR-INMHA Associate Lead, Mental Health Services reports to the Scientific Director (SD) with functional reporting to the Associate Scientific Director (ASD) and the Assistant Director (AD).
The Associate Lead, Mental Health Services on will work closely with the AD, Team Lead, Health Services Research and Implementation Science and other team members. The incumbent will also work collaboratively with the CIHR Initiative Management and Institute Support branch, other branches and departments of CIHR as well as government partners, as required.
The Associate Lead, Mental Health Services will support and coordinate a number of strategic institute projects, initiatives and funding opportunities in the area of mental health services research with a particular emphasis on youth mental health, post-traumatic stress, and virtual care. Some of the responsibilities will include organizing meetings and events, drafting and preparing materials, coordinating the development of funding opportunities and providing operational and administrative support to assigned projects.
Obtaining a Federal Government Security Clearance will be required.
Position Description
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Project Coordination
- Support the Assistant Director and the Team Lead, Health Services Research and Implementation Science in the development and execution of work plans and deliverables
- Collaborate with internal and external partners and relevant CIHR teams to coordinate research activities such as assisting with the development of funding opportunities from consultations to final version
- Contribute to the planning, organization, facilitation and evaluation of events such as stakeholder meetings, workshops, expert roundtables, webinars and other engagement activities
- Provide regular reporting to relevant parties regarding project planning, implementation and outcomes
- Analyze issues and defines project objectives, scope, implementation plans, resource requirements and timelines
- Apply their knowledge in the mental health services research domain to address research community and governmental information requests and queries related to CIHR-INMHA activities
Development
- Contribute to the development and implementation of projects, action plans and strategies on assigned priority areas
- Participate in the development and implementation of request for applications (RFAs) and third-party agreements/Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) in collaboration with other CIHR stakeholders
- Responsible and accountable for the development and creation of various internal and external materials including reports, analyses, briefing materials, funding proposals and slide decks that are appropriate for the intended audience
- Examine the research landscape, trends and community needs in identified priority areas within the CIHR-INMHA mandate
- Liaise with community members and key partners internally and externally to meet information needs
- Support consultations and collaborate with persons with lived experience to inform strategic initiatives in mental health
- Anticipate and plan for evaluation reports, briefs and other knowledge-sharing resources that can be generated during and after project implementation
Evaluation
- Monitor and report progress, as required, toward achievement of performance indicators and collaborates to analyze trends and meet targets
- Perform relevance review/validation of institute funding awards
- Conduct literature reviews, environmental scans on relevant research areas to support implementation of strategic priorities in the mental health services research domain
- Constantly assess processes, suggest recommendations, develop and implement changes as necessary
- Responsible for the acquisition and compilation of accurate information for the preparation of various knowledge-sharing products
- Support annual institute and initiative-specific evaluation activities such as data validation, drafting and coordinating the administration of evaluation surveys and report preparation
Communications
- Maintain internal and external collaborative relationships with other CIHR institutes, relevant government departments, stakeholders, research institutions and national, provincial and community organizations
- Prepare high-quality, accurate and audience-appropriate slide decks and other knowledge-sharing products for presentations at conferences, meetings, webinars, etc
- Prepare meeting agendas and minutes as required
- Strong understanding of CIHR and CIHR-INMHA mission, values, and plans
- Represent the institute at a variety of meetings as appropriate
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A research-based Master’s degree or PhD including experience in a health research or health services related field within the INMHA mandate area, ideally within the mental health services research domain
- Relevant experience in the mental health services research domain would be an asset
- Proficiency in French would be an asset but is not a requirement
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail is essential
- Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects/priorities with competing deadlines, and be accountable for delivery of service
- Understanding of Canada’s academic health research and health systems environment
- Good knowledge of Canada’s public health, health systems, and health policy and practice environments including an understanding of community-based health service delivery environments, and familiarity with key public health issues and stakeholders
- Good understanding of the principles, approaches, and methods related to health services, implementation science, and knowledge mobilization
- Ability to operate within a complex, multi-faceted work environment and be a strong team player
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills required in dealing with a range of situations, which may include complex, sensitive and confidential issues
- Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, courtesy, and respect in all interactions with internal and external clients creating a positive image for CIHR-INMHA and CIHR
- Must be flexible and able to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
- Capable of adjusting work schedules to meet multiple demands and pressures
- Ability to work under pressure
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint and e-mail applications
Application Deadline: August 14, 2022
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 Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase II.
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. For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.
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 the Office 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.