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Research Professional (Health Policy Researcher)

Department: National Institute on Ageing
Position supervisor: : Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy Research, National Institute on Ageing)
Contract length: One Year
Hours of work per week: 36.25
Position type: Research Professional
Rate of pay: $75,000 annual salary

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link) , @TorontoMetHR (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the program/department/team

National Institute on Ageing 

The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) improves the lives of older adults and the systems that support them by conducting research, convening stakeholders, sharing information, shifting attitudes and advancing policy solutions and practice innovations. Our vision is a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported, and better prepared to age with confidence.

The opportunity

The Research Professional (Health Policy Researcher) produces qualitative research, analysis, and written reports and products. This role supports the NIA in building a robust, evidence-driven picture of Canada’s health policy landscape as it relates to ageing, and of how Canadians from different communities engage with it. This role works closely with and under the supervision of the Director of Health Policy Research and the Health Research Manager, and collaborates with the broader health research team to develop policy-relevant research reports, white papers and other research products related to ageing and health.

Qualifications

  • A minimum of a Master’s degree in a gerontology/ageing, public policy, public health/health policy/health sciences, or another relevant field.
  • A PhD in a relevant field would be an asset.
  • A minimum of two years of relevant experience, which should include: 
    • Making a major contribution to policy-relevant health research in the ageing context, designing and conducting qualitative research studies, conducting complex analysis and writing comprehensive research reports in a full-time role.
    • Directly or indirectly supporting the communication of research results to external audiences.
    • Working in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects and overlapping deadlines. 
  • Excellent understanding and knowledge of Canada’s health research and policy landscape, and strategies to address associated challenges and increase opportunities.
  • Experience coordinating complex research projects and collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Ability to apply a range of qualitative research methods to answer research questions, (e.g., jurisdictional scans, case study research, literature reviews, expert interviews, policy analysis, ethnographic research, surveys, focus groups, and user-centered design). 
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills. 
  • Proven ability to gather, synthesize and analyze complex information from a variety of sources and draw conclusions from it. 
  • Proven ability to identify trends in data and research.
  • Excellent time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Effective team player with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision to meet tight deadlines. 
  • Ability to work professionally with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, medical professionals, business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs and others. 
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex issues, and make research accessible to maximize the impact of the Institute’s work.
  • Strong attention to detail with high levels of accuracy.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and incorporate feedback from multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to oversee the work of research assistants or other staff contributing to research projects.
  • Computer proficiency, including the use of the Google and Microsoft Office Suite of products.

How to apply

Please email your application to info.nia@torontomu.ca. Applications should be submitted in PDF or Word formats. In the subject line please indicate: “Research Professional Position 2024 - NIA”.

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your interest and academic/work experience in healthy ageing, and your most recent transcript. 

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates who are invited to an interview will be contacted.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.