July 2024: The School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is seeking a Research Associate to support the Partnership for Work, Health and Safety (www.pwhs.ubc.ca) in the Faculty of Medicine at the Vancouver Campus of the University of British Columbia. This position will support a program of research on the evaluation of policies and programs designed to prevent work-related injury and illness as well as improving disability and return-to-work outcomes related to them. The position will be supervised by Dr. McLeod, Director of the Partnership for Work, Health and Safety (the Partnership).

Housed within the Faculty of Medicine, the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is an innovative unit structured around four divisions (Occupational and Environmental Health; Health Services and Policy; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Practice; and Health in Populations) that provides multidisciplinary opportunities for researchers, learners and decision makers to develop creative evidence-based strategies to solve public health issues.

Operating within SPPH, the Partnership is an innovative research unit that combines rigorous work and health research with effective knowledge translation. The Partnership brings together policy-makers, researchers and data resources from national and international organizations to address current and emerging issues of work-related health in Canada. Our program of research is aimed at improving our understanding of the causes and consequences of injuries and illness, identifying high-risk industries and occupations, and investigating the impact of policies and procedures on worker health. Our collaboration, based on best practices of knowledge transfer, enables researchers and decision-makers to work together to identify relevant questions, understand data, and produce useful information to effectively inform policy and practice. The Partnership is founded on years of research experience and expertise working with workers’ compensation data from across Canada. It is an excellent environment for an early career scientist to contribute to a program of research on work and health, and workers’ compensation.

The primary activities of the Research Associate include:

• Leading a program of research that uses observational research study designs to evaluate policies and programs designed to prevent work-related injury and illness and improve related disability and return-to-work outcomes.
• Conducting analyses using appropriate statistical methods and programs for observational research studies.
• Authoring/co-authoring manuscripts for peer-review publication.
• Drafting, editing, and reviewing technical reports and research briefs.
• Leading and supporting colleagues in preparing grant applications.
• Assisting with the development of workers’ compensation data for research purposes.
• Presenting research findings at conferences and workshops with academic and non-academic audiences and engaging with decision-makers for translation of research evidence in to practice.
• Supervising analysts, research assistants, students and/or junior graduate students.
• Participating in team meetings and contributing to PWHS academic and research activities.

Qualified candidates will have a PhD in a relevant discipline such as population and public health, occupational health/epidemiology, or any health science field or social sciences (i.e., economics, sociology, political science, geography) with a focus on work health and/or labour market outcomes; experience working in occupational health research projects (preferred); and a background in applying statistical and observational research methods to large linked administrative datasets. Ideally candidates will have at least two years of experience in policy research and three years of experience managing multiple research projects of various scopes and sizes. Experience in economic evaluation or mixed methods research is required. The following skills are required:

• Advanced understanding of, and proven experience using, advanced statistical analysis methods, as well as proficiency with related software (Stata, SAS, R).
• Demonstrated experience using observational research study designs in the evaluation of occupational health and safety management systems and policy evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience using large administrative health data/health services records for research purposes.
• Experience with writing scientific manuscripts in the field of public and work health, health policy and health service research or related social science journals.
• Sound theoretical and practical understanding of the linkages between public policy including but not limited to workers’ compensation and work-related health outcomes.
• Demonstrated econometric/statistical analytical skills including training in observational and quasi- experimental, research methodology.
• Experience interacting with policy stakeholders or funders, presenting and/or discussing research findings.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong writing, research and interpersonal skills.
• Organizational skills including the ability to multi-task, while being accurate and keeping attention to detail.

The Research Associate will work independently, with regular updates on progress and challenges. The Research Associate must exercise judgment on the day-to-day progress of research projects. The individual must perform their duties and interact tactfully with co-workers, researchers and study participants. A high level of confidentiality is essential. Structured decision making and an ability to work independently are critical.

Errors made could influence the ability of the research team to meet critical deadlines, as well as compromise the results of research projects, and therefore impact the credibility of the Principal Investigator(s). Poor decisions may be damaging to the reputation of the Principal Investigator(s), the School, and the University and could lead to incorrect or inappropriate policy recommendations being made.

This position will be responsible for access, collection, use and disclosure of personal information in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RSBC 1996) and other UBC privacy and security policies. This position requires employees to work under strict confidentiality requirements; internal procedures and policies to protect personal information must be followed and adherence to these requirements will be regularly reviewed by the employer.

The anticipated start date for this position is January 1, 2025. Please apply through the UBC Faculty Careers website. Applications should be directed to, Partnership Operation’s Director, Suhail Marino, and should include a resume, cover letter and the names and contact information of a minimum two supervisory references.

As one of the world’s leading universities, the University of British Columbia creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters global citizenship, advances a civil and sustainable society, and supports outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada and the world.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.