Public Health Ontario Looking for Research Analyst at Toronto, Ontario, Canada Full Time

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Employee, Emergency Preparedness Response and Recovery

The Role

The Research Analyst provides coordination of work related to public health emergencies and provides support to the work of the Ontario Public Health Emergencies Scientific Advisory Committee (OPHESAC), including conducting literature reviews and developing products (e.g. background documents, reports and presentations). Supports the preparation of responses to scientific and technical issues and contribute to the ongoing review and analysis of scientific literature to promote public health practice.

Key Responsibilities-

• Leads the design and undertakes/coordinates literature reviews and provides critical appraisal and syntheses of current evidence to guide the development of evidence-based recommendations.
• Undertakes jurisdictional and environmental scans to inform priority setting and/or the development of knowledge products/recommendations.
• Supports the preparation of scientific briefs, presentations and/or other materials for discussion by external advisory committees; also provides advice and support to the development of other key team initiatives as it related to emergency management.
• Contributes to the development, dissemination, delivery and evaluation of a range of initiatives including educational and professional development programs, best practices, tools, protocols, guidelines and resources to build capacity across the healthcare continuum in support of emergency planning, as well as a comprehensive and systematic approach to identify, reduce and mitigate the risk and incidence of communicable diseases.
• Coordinates and conducts complex primary data collection activities such as key informant interviews, or observations and leads thematic or other analysis to align with qualitative approach; also administers questionnaires and surveys as required.
• Coordinates the review and/or updates to PHO’s conflict of interest form and other standardized secretariat tools, resources and operating procedures.
• Manages documents and processes on SharePoint to ensure systems are set up to orderly archive and access relevant materials.
• Maintains collaborative working relationships within PHO and with external stakeholders and committee members.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge And Skills-

• Skill and expertise in conducting literature reviews, syntheses, and critical appraisals.
• Skill and expertise in developing proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Skill and ability to work in a matrix management structure and within cross disciplinary teams.
• Planning, organizing and project management skills.
• Skill and ability to approach and manage assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective interpersonal, teamwork and relationship building skills to work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues.
• Knowledge of the public health landscape in Canada and Ontario (e.g., key issues, roles and responsibilities of different levels of government, departments, ministries and agencies, as well as roles of other organizations).
• Knowledge and experience with qualitative research methodology and related software applications (NVivo), sufficient to apply qualitative research methodologies to the collection, analysis and interpretation study data.
• Knowledge of and skills in critical appraisal and evidence based research methods to synthesize relevant sources of information, translate scientific evidence and apply it to public health practice.
• Office computer skills with proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and Reference Manager; skills with SharePoint an asset

Education And Experience-

• Master’s degree in public health, science, health sciences, social sciences or related discipline.
• 3-5 years’ experience in an academic, research institute, government or related setting.

Attributes and Competencies-

• Written communication and editorial skills to develop general audience and technical commentary, reports, summaries and presentations, and to create background materials suitable for inclusion in policy briefs, technical reports, background documents, FAQs and correspondence.
• Effective interpersonal and oral communication skills to work collaboratively with internal colleagues.
• Effective client service and relationship building skills to listen and understand stakeholder needs.
• Judgement and problem-solving are required in all aspects of the position; for example, conducting literature reviews, and monitoring and managing projects, addressing input and feedback on products from multiple reviewers.
• Takes initiative to address issues and problem solve in support of clients
• Ensures timelines are met, resolving any issues that may delay a project.
• Work is conducted within the framework of PHO policies, protocols and standards.
• Accountable for literature reviews and providing critical appraisal and syntheses of current evidence and developing summaries, acting as an expert resource to program areas and leading key initiatives as directed by supervisor.
• Coordinates the team’s work ensuring that it is completed within required timelines.
• Leadership skills to consult with management, team members and other stakeholders on the development of projects.
• Exercises teamwork and leadership in maintaining effective linkages with all levels of contacts, both internal and external to PHO.

Duration: Permanent

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario

Salary :$71,146.00 – $100,165.00

Posting Date: 02-20-2024

Closing Date: 03-6-2024

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to [email protected]. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.