Job Description
On November 30, 2023, 9-8-8 was launched in Canada as a new national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress. In 2022, CAMH was announced as the lead for the coordination and administration of 9-8-8, and has acted in this capacity to lead and coordinate the implementation of 9-8-8 and manage the operations and post-launch activities. This ground-breaking new service is available 24/7/365 and accessible to everyone from coast to coast to coast. CAMH is working closely with the federal government and key partners from different groups and communities, provinces, territories and building on our work on Talk Suicide Canada, to deliver this high quality, evidence-based, equitable suicide prevention service to Canada.
9-8-8 is part of a large portfolio at CAMH that broadly includes virtual care, psychiatry outreach to Northern Ontario and Nunavut, and ECHO Ontario Mental Health, a virtual community of practice and educational program. All of these programs support public health approaches to mental health and well-being, including suicide prevention. Core values include health access and equity, quality of care, and supporting the strengths, values, and leadership of diverse communities and peoples.
We are seeking a full-time Scientific Associate (12-month contract) with experience in conducting qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research. Our lab utilizes a wide-range of methodologies, including implementation science, social network analysis, qualitative and narrative-based methods, and arts-based approaches. We also prioritize co-design and patient-oriented research. As such, the Scientific Associate will have a breadth of experience across these methodological approaches, as well as experience designing and conducting research, submitting peer-reviewed funding proposals, and a strong publication record.
This role reports to the Manager of Research & Evaluation for the portfolio, with functional reporting to the Chief Medical Officer of 9-8-8/Principal Investigator of the 9-8-8, Virtual Care, and Northern Outreach research lab. The Scientific Associate will support the development and implementation of research and evaluation projects focused on suicide prevention.
The Scientific Associate will play a key role in supporting implementation of all aspects of the projects including: engaging in consultation with community partners and interested parties, providing support and supervision for required ethics approvals, development of data collection protocols and tools, data collection, data management, and statistical analysis. Other responsibilities may include supporting the scientific team in creating, managing and monitoring detailed project work plans; supervising research staff; guiding the preparation of progress reports to the project funder; working with project consultants; and preparing presentations, grant proposals, manuscripts, and project reports. In this position, you will be responsible for working both autonomously and in a team of research staff to achieve study targets.
The successful applicant will support a healthy workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. This position is currently located at the 1001 Queen Street Site.
Job Requirements
- Ph.D. in Psychology, Neuroscience, Public Health/Health Systems or a related discipline.
- Experience with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods mental health and/or substance use research
- Strong familiarity with Health Equity tools and frameworks
- Familiarity with the crisis and distress line sector, with preference for understanding of how 9-8-8 operates
- Demonstrated interest in suicide prevention and applied research and evaluation projects related to suicide prevention
- Experience collaborating with clinical programs and services, as well as technological and data management partners
- Training in quality improvement and evaluation research
- Experience collaborating with both REB and QPER
- Range of experience in co-creation, capacity building, and knowledge translation initiatives
- Experience in advising on project planning with external vendors and professional services
- Experience in collaborating with national initiatives and planning for bilingual engagement
- Experience overseeing the work of research staff
- A strong record of scientific accomplishments (e.g., peer-reviewed publications), complemented by strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Proven track record of research project development, and execution
- Direct experience working with R and other statistical packages is required, as is the ability to use NVivo and Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent attention to detail and the ability to exercise initiative and good judgment is required for this position. The successful candidate will have the ability to multi-task and produce high-quality, accurate work in a fast-paced environment, while meeting deadlines.
- The applicant will demonstrate a commitment to conducting and fostering research and enthusiasm regarding participating in multidisciplinary research and training activities.
- Demonstrated superior communication skills, i.e., ability to explain complex issues in plain language both verbally and in writing in a prior work setting is required.
- The successful applicant must be able to lead and work effectively within an interdisciplinary team and interact comfortably with diverse community partners.
- Experience in evaluating virtual health services is an asset, preferably with specific experience in virtual mental health services, crisis lines, and suicide crisis prevention
- Familiarity with social network analysis is an asset
- Familiarity with user experience journey mapping is an asset
- Experience planning and supporting capacity building sessions following the ECHO model is an asset
Please Note: This full-time, contract (12 months) position is NOT part of any bargaining unit.
Salary Range: Competitive salary and benefits package.
