Indigenous Research and Community Engagement Coordinator

Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) – Atlantic Node

he Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse 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 Atlantic node contributes to the CRISM network with 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 we live and work in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Brief position description: This position supports CRISM Atlantic’s commitment to supporting and fostering the implementation of research protocols, including improving the accessibility and quality of substance use services and/ or interventions for people who use substances amongst Indigenous populations 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.

The successful candidate will work with and report to the CRISM Atlantic Node Principal Investigator (NPI), Dr. Sherry Stewart and Node Manager (NM), Jennifer Swansburg. The successful candidate will also work closely with the CRISM Atlantic Indigenous Advisory Council.

Description of tasks to support both engagement and research related activities:

• Establish and maintain effective, continuous engagement and communications with Indigenous communities, Elders, community members and affiliated groups within Atlantic Canada:
• Work closely with Indigenous researchers, communities, and collaborators;
• Identify challenges that could arise from a lack of understanding of Indigenous research protocols and certain research activities;
• Review and develop a strong understanding of research protocols;
• Conduct methodical and systematic monitoring of the data collection process, data management, and analysis plan to ensure OCAP principles and the Two-Eyed Seeing approach are being included and supported;
• Review and develop strong understanding of research protocols;
• Assist with the preparation of research grant applications;
• Perform data collection and data entry tasks related to CRISM Indigenous related initiatives
• Work from and update reference lists, research tools and knowledge dissemination products to ensure they are culturally appropriate;
• Regularly update CRISM Atlantic Indigenous Advisory Council, NM and NPl

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.

• Undergraduate degree with a minimum 2 years of experience in data collection and/or interventions related to the health of Indigenous populations;
• Master’s degree is an asset;
• Knowledge of best practice and cultural appropriateness in guiding research ethics (i.e., OCAP principles; Two-Eyed Seeing);
• Knowledge of the cultural appropriateness and scientific rigor involved in implementation studies;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English (Mi’kmaq or Maliseet, & French considered an asset);
• Proficiency in MS Office suite, Adobe, EndNote, and software such as NVivo, REDCap is an asset;
• Ability to prioritize assigned tasks and manage short- and medium-term deadlines;
• Effectively manage urgent and long-term deadlines;
• Excellent ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to travel within Atlantic Canada and Quebec as required.

Part-time: 17.5 hours/week – one-year renewable. Any extension is subject to the candidate’s assessment and the availability of funds.

Posting deadline: Friday, August 18th, 2023. To submit your application, visit the Dalhousie HR site at  https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/14503

Salary: $19,500.00/annum (based on 50% FTE of 35 hours/week). Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes 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

The salary offer will consider the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

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.