Patient-Oriented Research Specialist

Primary Purpose: The Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research’s vision is working together for a healthier Saskatchewan through patient-oriented research (POR).  POR brings patients and those around them (family, friends, and community) together as partners in research, along with health professionals, administrators and researchers.  SCPOR is a group of partners that includes patients, academic institutions, government agencies and health organizations.  Together, SCPOR will work on the Learning Health System (LHS), with the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of patients and families and ensuring healthcare services are helping people.  Patient Partners bring their knowledge and life’s experiences to this research.  SCPOR’s most significant impact will be to support the health system in its approaches to collecting and learning from health-related information to achieve system improvement.  This will further SCPOR’s desired outcomes of improved patient experiences, population health and provider care experiences, as well as lower health system costs.  SCPOR is committed to including patient voices and experiences in health research. This commitment, along with the active leadership of health system experts in research, will allow SCPOR to reach its goals of improving the health of people in Saskatchewan and increasing the value of health services.

Nature of Work: The Specialist will work with the SCPOR Coordinators, SCPOR staff and partner staff to provide support to the work of the various component areas within SCPOR and its partners, while upholding SCPOR’s vision, mission and core values.  Reporting to the SCPOR Coordinator, the Specialist will provide project management support for two patient-oriented research health system projects.

The Specialist will work with the SCPOR Coordinators to create strong working relationships with key partners, including patient partners, health service providers, and post-secondary organizations.  SCPOR partners include:  Saskatchewan Health Authority, eHealth Saskatchewan, Health Quality Council, First Nations University of Canada, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Metis Nation Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, and Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education.  As the SCPOR grant is a provincial initiative, building and maintaining strong working relationships with all relevant current and future provincial stakeholders is essential. 

This position is hybrid and based in Saskatoon.  Travel may be required.

Accountabilities:

• Support patient-oriented research health system project teams throughout the development and implementation of their two-year research project. Liaise with the project teams and SCPOR/partners.
• Coordinate the resources available to the project teams to ensure progress of the project.
• Support SCPOR and partner staff to operationalize strategic priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of operational plans.
• Support the tracking and reporting of outcome measures.
• Provide input to the regular reporting within SCPOR and to CIHR through the annual reporting process.
• Provide input regarding opportunities for training, events and other opportunities to build capacity in POR.
• Facilitate activities and events in collaboration with the SCPOR Coordinators and other SCPOR staff.
• Develop and maintain effective and collaborative relationships with partners and stakeholders, to support and accelerate the advancement of POR.
• Develop and maintain internal working relationships required for the conduct of the various components areas.
• Represent SCPOR in different forums, events, or committees to advance the understanding and goals of SCPOR at provincial and national levels.
• Collaborate and work effectively with the Executive Director, Scientific Director, SCPOR Coordinators, Partners and SCPOR staff.
• Work with SCPOR stakeholders to ensure appropriate individuals are engaged in SCPOR activities, outcomes and impacts.
• Manage project timelines, repositories, tracking tools and measures within the component areas and SCPOR’s priorities.
• Other duties as assigned based on SCPOR priorities.

Education: Graduate degree in health or other relevant discipline. 

Experience: A minimum of two years of relevant work experience or a combination of education and experience will be considered.  A strong understanding of academia, health research and the research process would be considered a significant asset.

Experience in managing research projects is required. 

Experience with POR and community-based research is an asset.

Experience working with rural and First Nations and/or Métis organizations or communities is an important asset. Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required.

Skills:

• Principled and self-disciplined; ability to work individually and as a member of an interdisciplinary and cross-sector team.
• Willingness and ability to build collaborations with a variety of stakeholders and work cultures; upholds respect for diversity and cultural safety.
• Understanding of POR and community engaged research and ability to apply this understanding in daily activities.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and oral; possess networking skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; respect for diversity; sensitivity, and empathy; relationship builder.
• Exercises judgment, tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• High level of professionalism; the ability to interact diplomatically and professionally with a variety of individuals within SCPOR, and with SCPOR’s partners and stakeholders.
• Possess dexterity in effectively maneuvering in difficult situations with competing interests.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain attention to detail and apply critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated dexterity in managing deadlines and multiple demands; ability to manage frequently shifting priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to logistically track and follow up on action items. Strong organizational skills and attention to follow-through.
• Demonstrated strong skills in online meeting software and online learning platforms, such as Zoom and Blackboard.
• Understanding of software, websites and resources utilized in offering online events (e.g. Zoom, Teams, etc.).
• Demonstrate exceptional efficiency with Microsoft Office Software including Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and pdf software.

This position is in scope of the Administrative and Supervisory Personnel Association (ASPA).

Department: Saskatchewan Centre
for Patient-Oriented Research
Status: Term to March 31, 2027 with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $66,030.00 – 103,174.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 1/9/2024

Closing Date: 1/23/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask’s Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin tendersglobal.net taapwaywin tendersglobal.net tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.