Research and Policy Analyst (12 – 18 month term)

Reports to: Associate Director, Research

Reporting to the Associate Director, Research, the Research and Policy Analyst (RPA) is a subject-matter expert who conducts research and responds to research requests (both internal to CCSA and external), and provides research-based policy analysis relevant to CCSA’s priorities. The RPA may represent CCSA on various expert committees and working groups and provide advice on research initiatives and their impact on public policy. The RPA works in collaboration with CCSA’s external facing divisions to communicate key messages and aid in the knowledge mobilization of research findings.

Responsibilities

Facilitates and initiates national research initiatives in the substance use and addiction fields

Collaborates with researchers within CCSA and with those of other agencies to determine the nature and scope of studies required

Contributes to the strategic development of CCSA’s research program

Plans and conducts sex and gender sensitive research studies on specific aspects of substance use and addiction relevant to the organization’s strategic directions and priorities

Performs internal quality peer reviews of research proposals, analyses, results and reports

Implements processes to help CCSA identify and promote important emerging areas of research

Contributes to research grant proposals to gain additional research funding for CCSA

Represents CCSA on expert committees and working groups and liaises with external scientific and clinical advisors

Provides functional advice to other RPAs in conducting specific studies

Determines the appropriate research methods, analytical techniques, designs, models, scope, timelines and costs of research projects

Determines data or information requirements and negotiates agreements with other organizations or government bodies to obtain data

Prepares ethics applications for review by Research Ethics Boards

Gathers information and performs appropriate quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Conducts or identifies existing research knowledge syntheses to inform policy and practice

Prepares reports with conclusions and recommendations or proposals for further study

Reviews research proposals from other analysts and kindred agencies

Responds to requests for information and advice from other research analysts

Conducts media interviews, webinars and workshops, and obtains and provides expert opinions on relevant issues

Publishes in peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed journals

Presents finding of research at conferences, workshops and symposia

Conducts impact analyses of new research directions vis-à-vis existing policies and practices in the substance use and addiction fields

Qualifications

Masters or Ph.D. in an addiction-related field or post-doctoral training in an addiction-related field

3-5 years’ research experience in the social sciences, population health, epidemiology, psychology or clinical sciences related to the addiction field

Experience working with SAS and/or SPSS

Fully developed analytical and reasoning skills

Ability to understand, express and apply complex quantitative and/or qualitative analyses, concepts, methods and procedures

Ability to perform knowledge syntheses and critically appraise and evaluate research.

Strong knowledge base of the addiction literature

Strong written and oral communications skills

Evidence of peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences

Experience effectively liaising with local, national and international stakeholders from various sectors

Strong time management skills

Ability to work independently

Assets

Research background and experience related to alcohol, opioids, substance use treatment, substance use trends or health economics

Knowledge of or previous experience with the GRADE approach to evidence evaluation

Training in, and experience with sex, gender, diversity and equity-based research and analysis techniques

Experience in developing guidelines

Experience in preparing successful grant proposals and reviewing grant proposals, particularly with federal research granting bodies (e.g., CIHR, SSHRC and federal departments and agencies such as Health Canada and Public Safety Canada)

Experience analyzing public policy and determining the implications of new research knowledge for application by policy makers

Experience with research project management, including budget management

Experience mentoring researchers

Bilingualism (French/English)

CCSA welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations for candidates with disabilities are available upon request during all aspects of the selection process. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and covering letter by email to [email protected]. We thank all respondents; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.