Senior Research Associate, Communicator Assistance through Research and Emotional Support Project

Senior Research Associates:

Under the general direction of, and in collaboration with researchers and faculty members, positions at this level apply extensive knowledge in their field to lead high-level, complex research projects. Compared to Research Associates, these positions exercise greater input and judgment over the research, may be involved in setting research program objectives, and may be responsible for managing the team and project funds. Senior Research Associates would normally hold a doctoral degree or have equivalent qualifications and experience.

Position Overview:

This position will involve conducting advanced research, networking with relevant organizations, managing research processes and outcomes, mentoring junior staff or students, and contributing to the goals of the research project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Research Instrument Development: The candidate will provide critical feedback on all research instruments (multiple versions), including two comprehensive surveys (each containing approximately 300 question items) and two interview guides. The candidate must have solid operational knowledge and practical experience in communications to ensure research tools are well-aligned with participants’ occupational realities and resonate with participants' experiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Networking: The candidate must leverage their work experience in public safety communications to secure project support and endorsement from public safety agencies across Canada. The candidate must also be the “public face” of the project, staying in contact with the organizations that have already agreed to support the project and continuing to prospect for new ones. The intense interaction and exchange with the organizations involved will last until the end of the project.
• Data Collection: The candidate will assist in training students to conduct interviews and actively participate in the interview process. We anticipate conducting at least 100 one-hour interviews, where his role will be vital in ensuring the quality and depth of the data collected.
• Data Analysis & Knowledge Mobilization: Once data collection is complete, the candidate will contribute to the analysis and production of reports. The candidate must have solid field experience in communications, so they can interpret findings and craft reports and presentations that are meaningful and actionable for participating organizations. This includes ensuring the results are tailored to the needs of the services involved.
• Student Training: The candidate will play an essential role in the training of students engaged in this project, not only in subject matter expertise (communication work) but also in honing their research skills. The mentorship includes guidance on survey design, interviewing techniques, statistical analysis, and literature review, all of which contribute to the development of well-rounded, capable researchers. 

Qualifications:

• PhD, or Master’s with equivalent qualifications and experience
• At least 10 years of experience instructing public safety communications education or training programs.
• At least 15 years of work experience as a communicator (for example: 911 operator, dispatcher, tactical radio operator, and call taker).
• Reside in Alberta (given that data collection will be in Alberta)
• Experience conducting independent research
• Experience leading research projects
• Analytical and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication skills

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Note: This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant’s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.