Research Associate

**NOTE: This is a temporary position ending on or before April 30, 2026**

The purpose of this position is to plan, organize, and conduct research on the use of clinical simulation to reduce time to competency for students in the School of Health and Life Sciences. This position will be responsible for planning and conducting two research studies within two separate programs in addition to internal NAIT collaborations within various departments, schools, and centres internal to NAIT.

This position supports best practices and methodologies using simulation in healthcare. The RA will coordinate, plan and execute the research activities in this 3-year study. The RA will investigate use cases for physical, digital, and virtual simulations, will publish the results in a scholarly venue (academic journal and/or conference), and will provide a report to programs with recommendations for program improvements and future implementations.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Conducting an applied research project using one or more of the following:

- Conduct literature reviews
- Liaison with programs
- Design and build multisite study for two simulations to reduce clinical time to competency
- All phases of data collection and analysis
- Develop research plan
- Implement and oversee research
- Conduct face-to-face and virtually semi-structured interviews with participants
- Liaison with the research ethics board and other NAIT research centres
- Managing academic relationships with universities to support research fellowship opportunities and additional grants funders
- Gathering experimental data
- Communicating simulation development progress with the leadership team
- Supervise research students
- Adhere to NAIT research policies and procedures
- Provide technical advice and research expertise regarding the study set up
- Develop project timelines and technical proposal and quarterly updates
- Meetings with the programs and stakeholders (i.e. regulatory colleges, industry partners) involved in research study
- Produce a scholarly publication (academic journal and/or conference presentation) based on the findings of the study.
- Produce a report to programs detailing the findings of the study and recommendations for improvement for future program implementations

**Skills & Abilities**:

- Ability to conducting an multisite applied research project
- Background/experience in measurement and assessment, and research design and methods.
- Self-directed & motivated with excellent organizational & time management skills
- Exceptional interpersonal, writing and communication skills, along with your ability to build and maintain positive working relationships amongst a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders
- Excellent proofing skills and attention to detail
- Ability to prioritize work while dealing with multiple and conflicting demands, distractions and interruptions
- Ability to maintain confidentiality
- Proven track record in building and nurturing relationships with internal and external stakeholders

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum a Masters degree, ideally a PhD in Educational, Social, or Health Sciences e.g., Educational Psychology, Psychology
- 2 years related experience
- Equivalencies may be considered
- Understanding of allied health professions
- Understanding of Canadian healthcare system
- Familiarity of a Polytechnic mandate
- Training in adult education principles and pedagogy is an asset
- Track record of research excellence

**Remuneration**: $70,047.38 - $93,963.48 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. (Classification - Research Associate I).
- This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement._

**Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.**

**About NAIT**

At NAIT, people matter.

We’re proud to have been named one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 12 consecutive years. Developing an engaging, supportive, and rewarding work culture is something we take seriously. We know that people are our biggest asset - they are what makes NAIT a great place to work.

**What we offer**

We’ve created a benefits package that focuses on health and wellness, professional and personal growth, recognition, and work-life balance.

NAIT is a flexible workplace and depending on the nature of your role, you may request flexible work arrangements with respect to where and when you work, including being on-campus full-time, working off-site, or a combination of the two.

Employees also have access to excellent vacation time, paid time off between Christmas and New Year's, a strong recognition program, learning opportunities, 2 annual all-staff professional development days and so much more.

**Health and safety**

You can find the latest information on NAIT’s response to COVID-19 at nait.ca/covid19.

**Additional requirements**

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada who have not had them previously a