Indigenous Research and Community Engagement Coordinator
Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (CRISM) – Atlantic Node

The Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters Atlantic node (CRISM Atlantic) is one of five nodes within the CRISM network, a Canada-wide interventional research network in the field of substance use. The CRISM network supports projects that accelerate the transfer of scientific knowledge towards the development of new treatments, including pharmaceutical approaches psychological interventions and services for people who use substances.

The CRISM Atlantic node acknowledges that our office is in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Our projects and members live and work across what is now known as Atlantic Canada and we respectfully acknowledge the First Nations and Inuit traditional rights and land holders in this territory.

Position description: This position supports CRISM Atlantic’s commitment to supporting research protocols with Indigenous Peoples in Atlantic Canada. Through engagement with Indigenous communities and partners, the successful candidate will seek out and support research related activities focused on substance use interventions that are guided by and focus on the needs and priorities within Indigenous communities in Atlantic Canada.

Description of tasks to support both Engagement and Research related activities:

• Establish and maintain effective, continuous engagement and communications with Indigenous communities, Indigenous researchers, Elders, community members and affiliated groups and individuals within Atlantic Canada:
• Contribute to methodical and systematic monitoring of data collection process(es), data management, and analysis plans to ensure ethical principles such as OCAP and TCPS 2, Chapter 9 and frameworks such as Etuaptmumk – Two-Eyed Seeing are being included;
• Review and develop strong understanding of diverse research protocols, including Indigenous research methodologies specifically;
• Assist with the preparation of research grant applications;
• Perform data collection and data entry tasks related to CRISM Indigenous initiatives and related projects that include Indigenous communities and individuals;
• Work from & update reference lists, research tools & knowledge dissemination products to be culturally appropriate and relevant.

Note: The description of duties and responsibilities is intended to be an indication of the type of duties required for the position. This description is not exhaustive and other tasks not mentioned above may be necessary for the full realization of the project.

Required skills and qualifications.

• Minimum 2 + years of experience in data collection and/or interventions related to the health of Indigenous populations;
• Understanding of Etuaptmumk – Two-Eyed Seeing with experience working with this framework;
• Completed Undergraduate degree or Masters-level training is an asset (e.g., BA with 2+ years of experience in research related to the health of Indigenous Peoples);
• Knowledge of best practices and cultural appropriateness in guiding research ethics (i.e., Ownership Control Access and Possession (OCAP) principles; TCPS 2, Chapter 9, Northern liscences);
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English (ability to speak Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, French an asset);
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, Adobe, EndNote, and software such as NVivo, REDCap is an asset;
• Travel within Atlantic Canada and nationally may be required up to 10% of the time to meet operational requirements

Part-time: 15-20 hours/week – 1 year renewable. Any extension is subject to the candidate’s assessment and the availability of funds.

Posting deadline: Open until the position is filled. To submit your application, send your CV and cover letter by email to the attention of Jennifer Swansburg: jennifer.crism@gmail.com

Salary: $24-26,000.00 per annum (part-time role). The salary offer will consider the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The compensation package may include a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program (subject to mandatory deductions from pension and health insurance contributions). Annual leave will be based on the conditions for part-time positions held by grant paid employees at Dalhousie University.

Location and consideration: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Consideration will be given for other locations within Atlantic Canada.

Dalhousie University and the CRISM Atlantic node are an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as an Indigenous person.

Application consideration: We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Diversity Statement: Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.