Senior Research Professional

Senior Research Professional, YSPOR Support Unit
YukonU Research Centre (YRC)
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus
Full-Time Term position to August 2026
Salary: $45.15 to $53.75 per hour
(Based on 75 hours bi-weekly)
Employment Opportunity Number: 24.112

Closing date: September 4, 2024

At YukonU Research Centre we create and share knowledge that helps us understand the world around us. We are excited by opportunities to solve unique problems. We are dedicated to supporting local innovation and increasing student research capacity, building a stronger, more resilient north, where we all thrive, together.

As a key member of the YSPOR (Yukon Strategy for Patient Oriented Research) Unit, the Senior Research Professional will lead, support, and implement patient-oriented research initiatives across the Yukon (YSPOR embraces a broad definition of patient-oriented research, encompassing communities and individuals with lived experience). The successful candidate will spearhead demonstration projects, working closely with YSPOR’s First Nation Community Research Coordinators. They will collaborate with NGOs, First Nations, and government agencies to enhance research capacity, including the development of research questions and grant applications. This role also involves developing research agreements with First Nations, engaging People with Lived Experience (PWLE) throughout the research process, and supporting patient-oriented research training.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant degree preferably at the PhD level in a relevant health field, combined with experience mentoring students, analyzing data, and working with Indigenous organizations/governments. If you have experience designing and managing the implementation of complex research projects, please apply.

Conditions of employment include a valid Driver’s License and the ability to occasionally travel to Yukon communities, and conferences.

Essential Qualifications (assessed in the screening process) 
Education and Training 
• Candidates with graduate-level education in a relevant health field are encouraged to apply; however, preference may be given to those holding a Ph.D. 
• A combination of relevant post-secondary experience and work-related experience could be considered equivalent, or an Indigenous knowledge keeper of equivalent level as recognized by their community. 
• Minimum of 5 years related experience from candidates without a Ph.D. 

Demonstrated abilities: 
• Excellent project and time management skills with the ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure; 
• A solid working knowledge of the Canadian health and social science research ecosystem with considerable experience in multi-disciplinary research methodologies including qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis;
• Experience partnering with Indigenous communities, government and non-government organizations on research activities.

Knowledge skills and abilities (factors assessed through the interview process): 
• Experience in designing and carrying out complex research projects in an academic environment;
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact productively and professionally with a range of internal and external partners;
• Knowledge of and respect for Yukon First Nation history, practices, teachings, language, values and beliefs;
• Knowledge of and experience working with patient partners/people with lived experience/community;
• Experience creating student research projects, and supervising and mentoring students; 
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse groups including government, non-government and academic organizations on shared projects, and in setting and achieving goals; 
• Able to work non-standard schedules at times to deal with deadlines/travel; 
• Ability to innovate – to identify opportunities and take responsive action; 
• Strong problem-solving skills; • Strong numeracy and academic writing skills; 
• Considerable experience in a computerized work environment and proficiency in web-based applications, e-mail, and the use of spreadsheet, word processing, and visual presentation software; and 
• Proven expertise in research knowledge mobilization, including the ability to translate complex research findings into actionable insights, effectively communicate with diverse groups, and implement strategies to ensure research outcomes are accessible and impactful across various communities. 

Note: This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies within YSPOR. 

This process will be used to create an eligibility list of qualified candidates to staff anticipated identical or similar perm/term/casual/seasonal vacancies as and when required. The duration of this eligibility list will be six months. 

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon First Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit, or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority. We encourage candidates to self-identify on their cover letter or CV. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted. 

For additional information please contact: 
Michelle Leach, Scientific Director, YSPOR
Michelle Leach: mleach@yukonu.ca