The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation is a non-profit organization primarily involved in the design, research, and evaluation of social programs and policies. Since 1991, we have been building a base of knowledge and experience about what works in employment, education, health, and social policy. While SRDC is recognized across Canada, and internationally, as a leader in the design, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale demonstration projects, we also conduct program evaluation, impact analysis, and cost–benefit analysis for a wide range of government and non-governmental organizations, in particular those involved in the delivery of services to economically disadvantaged populations.

SRDC is seeking a full-time researcher for a three-year assignment in Calgary starting May 1, 2015. The successful candidate will be part of a team of professional researchers and program evaluators examining the effectiveness of local mental health literacy programs, and other health-related interventions. He/she will work closely with SRDC team members and representatives of the local education and health systems to coordinate, administer, monitor, and support field research activities.

Primary duties and responsibilities:

• general outreach and communications (for example, presenting evaluation goals to trainees);
• supporting effective and efficient functioning of the evaluation (including participating in team and local meetings/orientation sessions, identifying and helping resolve operational issues);
• engaging in research activities such as conducting observations of training sessions in accordance with a protocol developed by SRDC researchers; conducting or assisting with interviews and focus groups with trainees and other stakeholders;
• coordinating/organizing qualitative interviews and focus groups with educators, physicians, program stakeholders, and others (including looking after the scheduling and logistics) and preparing summary notes of focus group discussions;
• coordinating survey data collection (including ensuring that surveys are completed at training sessions, picking up paper surveys from schools);
• assisting with analysis of survey and interview data;
• conducting preliminary data verification, and arranging for secure transfer of data to SRDC (including maintaining data transfer logs and supporting transfer of quantitative data if required); and
• providing input into regular activity reports to clients.

Candidate qualifications:

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated interest and experience in applied research and possess the following competencies:

• a post-graduate degree in public/population health or social sciences;
• training/experience in evaluation methods;
• a minimum of two years’ research experience, ideally on multi-site or multi-component projects;
• experience analyzing qualitative and quantitative research data;
• knowledge of the education and mental health service delivery systems in Calgary, and strong relationship-building skills;
• excellent organizational, problem solving, and communication skills;
• ability to work in a self-directed manner and in a collaborative team; and
• proficiency with MS Office Suite programs.

Candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter that provides a short description of his/her research interests and skills, explaining how they relate to SRDC’s mission statement and research priorities. Interviews will take place on April 16th. Candidates may be required to write a knowledge and ability test as part of the selection process.

Please submit applications by April 7, 2015 to:

Elizabeth Rodgers
Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services
Social Research and Demonstration Corporation
55, Murray Street, Suite 400
Ottawa (Ontario)  K1N 5M3
E-mail: hr at srdc.org