Rural Development Postdoctoral Scholar

Community Economic Development Postdoctoral ScholarJoin to apply for the Community Economic Development Postdoctoral Scholar role at University of Alberta.This competition is open to all applicants; internal candidates and former employees will be given priority consideration. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.Position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association with an initial appointment of 12 months and a comprehensive benefits package.Location: North Campus Edmonton (in‑person). The applicant will work in university office 3‑4 days/week and will travel to Drayton Valley, Alberta for meetings or data collection as needed.Job DescriptionCUP (Community‑University Partnership for the Study of Children, Youth, and Families) is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar (PDS) for a 1‑year appointment. The PDS will support community economic development initiatives aimed at keeping assets and wealth within the community, working alongside CUP team and Drayton Valley partners to contribute to existing and emergent projects, design and execute research projects, develop knowledge mobilization products, contribute to manuscript writing, and identify funding opportunities.ResponsibilitiesResearchImplements research activities to fulfill project objectives.Employs qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches to answer research questions.Provides expertise in community‑based participatory research design and methodology.Supports collaborative work with research partners (community, government, and/or academic).Monitors trends and issues relevant to partners.Collaborates with CUP staff and Drayton Valley partners to provide research, evidence, and knowledge mobilization advice and establish research priorities that advance Drayton Valley’s focus on community economic development.Travels to research‑related meetings within Edmonton, Drayton Valley, and surrounding rural communities.Leverages funding opportunities to pursue innovative projects related to community economic development.Project ManagementPlans and oversees research activities related to community economic development.Provides leadership within the scope of the research project internally to ensure efficient and effective operations.Tracks timelines and deliverables.Participates in the hiring process for research assistants and graduate students.Supervises, trains, and mentors research assistants, graduate students, and other project contributors as required.Develops and maintains strong relationships with community, government and academic stakeholders that facilitate ongoing, sustainable research collaborations.Engages with interested actors to define research processes and fosters the necessary stakeholder involvement to ensure timely activities, cooperation, and progress of the project.Coordinates and contributes to reports on outcomes and other reporting as required by funders.Ensures compliance with Tri‑Council and University policies.Collaborates with Drayton Valley team to align with and respond to Drayton Valley’s evolving knowledge needs on diverse issues related to community economic development.Participates in CUP’s committees and groups as needed.Knowledge MobilizationContributes to knowledge mobilization activities, including for academic (presentations, papers, abstracts) and community (reports, briefs, summaries, presentations) audiences.Translates learnings into targeted, impactful information for community partners.Coordinates team meetings.Supports opportunities for collaboration with community members in conducting research and liaising between the project team and the community.Writes project updates and summaries for the CUP website and Drayton Valley as required.QualificationsApplicants must possess a doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant discipline (e.g., social sciences, public health, education).Experience in community engagement and community‑based research and/or evaluation.Strong quantitative and qualitative research and analytical skills.Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; exceptional writing skills.Application InstructionsCurriculum vitaeCover letterList of publicationsEqual Opportunity StatementThe University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect. #J-18808-Ljbffr