Position Summary:
The CIHR-funded Recognizing Resilience and Understanding Need (RRUN) project, administered through the faculty of nursing at the University of Regina, is seeking a postdoctoral fellow in the area of Child and Youth Disability in First Nations Communities in Saskatchewan. Involving interdisciplinary researchers from the universities of Regina, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba, RRUN is a community-based research partnership that works with Indigenous partner communities and organizations to help First Nation families in Saskatchewan navigate the challenges of caring for children with disabilities. The goal of this project is to enhance the health and wellness of children with disabilities and their families by leveraging existing community knowledge and skills and a) developing, b) implementing and c) evaluating community-led, sustainable health promotion initiatives (services, supports, resources). See www.rrun.ca and https://webapps.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/decisions/p/project_details.html?applId=468401&lang=en

The PDF would work under the direction of Dr. Elise Matthews, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina, in collaboration with Dr. Jan Gelech, Department of Psychology, University of Saskatchewan.

The primary work location will be the University of Regina, Saskatoon campus, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, with occasional travel to partner communities outside of Saskatoon. A hybrid working arrangement may be negotiated. The expected start date is July 1, 2024.

This role involves a range of responsibilities:

(1) Research Activities: You will contribute to various research activities, including project design, ethics applications, critical literature reviews, and data collection and analyses. Of note, you will utilize culturally competent and two-eyed seeing research approaches that respect the knowledge, perspectives, and traditions of Indigenous partner communities. You will also gain proficiency in various qualitative methodologies.

(2) Knowledge Dissemination: You will be involved in knowledge dissemination activities, which include co-authoring peer-reviewed research manuscripts and technical reports, and creating resources for Saskatchewan families and service providers. You will also be responsible for developing and presenting papers, abstracts, and workshops at academic conferences and community events.

(3) Fostering Strong Connections with Research Partners: Building and maintaining strong connections with research partners is a crucial aspect of the role. This involves collaborating and engaging with interdisciplinary researchers from the Universities of Saskatchewan, Regina, Manitoba, and British Columbia and Saskatchewan Indigenous Elders, leaders, and communities. Practicing two-eyed seeing and cultural humility, competence, and safety is integral to this aspect of the position, ensuring respectful and reciprocal relationships with all of our research partners.

(4) Mentorship. This role involves working with and supporting the growth and development of undergraduate and graduate research assistants

(5) General Management and Organization: The position includes the development of undergraduate and graduate research assistants, which includes responsibilities related to general project management and organization. You will facilitate communication and collaboration among the interdisciplinary researchers from multiple universities and Indigenous partners. This involves organizing team meetings and ensuring that everyone is aligned with project goals and objectives, organizing and maintaining databases of literature, project documentation, research data, and other logistical aspects to support the research activities.

Position Requirements:
1. PhD in a related area in the health sciences, social sciences, or humanities (e.g., Nursing, Medicine, Public Health, Social Work, Education, Psychology, Anthropology, Health Promotion, Community Health Studies, Kinesiology, etc.)

2. Experience conducting research (e.g., literature reviews, recruitment of participants, interviews, focus groups, research ethics, data collection, qualitative data analysis, dissemination of findings)

3. Experience with community-based research

4. Experience in research with Indigenous people is an asset

5. Competence in quantitative data analysis is an asset. Knowledge of QDA tools is an asset.

6. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relational skills are essential.

7. Demonstrated competence in academic writing and peer-reviewed publication in English.

8. Demonstrated competence in project management.

9. Demonstrated competence and understanding of principles of cultural safety and humility and knowledge of OCAP.

10. A valid class 5 driver’s license is a necessity. Reliable means of transportation is an asset.

The position is for one year, and renewable for up to two additional years. Funds are available annually for travel and training. Support will be provided to attend at least one major academic conference annually to present the outcomes of this research to the academic community and to develop the postdoctoral fellow’s academic network. Benefits include vacation time, extended health care, dental plan, travel insurance, and Employee and Family Assistance Plan.

If you require further information regarding this competition please contact elise.matthews@uregina.ca

Letters of References:
1. Letter of Reference (academic)

2. Letter of Reference (academic)

3. Letter of Reference (supervisor able to comment on your interpersonal and relational skills and suitability for community-based research)

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code.