Research Associate

Consider an opportunity to join our talented team
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) was recognized as a National Capital Region Top Employer for ten consecutive years

Want to contribute to the health and wellbeing of Canadians?
At the MCC, you'll be part of a dynamic team that ensures physicians have the competencies to support safe, accessible health care in Canada.

You'll be immersed in a collaborative and inclusive work environment that fosters professional development and work-life balance.

Apply for one of our rewarding positions today
Research Associate
Full time permanent
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Hybrid role
Join Us in Shaping the Future of Medical Education

Reporting to the Medical Education Advisor, the Research Associate will play an important role in supporting and leading research that aligns with the MCC's strategic priorities. You'll work on projects that drive innovation and contribute to meaningful change in physician assessment and medical education across Canada.

From examinations and workplace-based assessments to broader issues like the Canadian physician workforce, your work will help advance national conversations and inspire continuous improvement. You'll also support program evaluation and quality initiatives, producing scholarly outputs that reflect the MCC's commitment to excellence.

This is a chance to be part of a collaborative team where your contributions will help shape research that is ethical, impactful, and influential across the medical education landscape.

What You'll Do

• Lead independent research projects from design to dissemination.
• Collect and synthesize data through literature reviews, environmental scans, or other relevant methods to support MCC projects or initiatives.
• Conduct rigorous data analyses, both quantitative and qualitative, using appropriate tools and methods to produce evidence that supports MCC's priorities.
• Collaborate with internal and external researchers and partners to support a shared research and scholarship agenda that advances MCC's organizational priorities.
• Prepare internal and external reports, peer-reviewed publications, and scholarly outputs.
• Deliver presentations for a range of internal and external audiences.
• Represent MCC at regional, national, and/or international meetings and committees, contributing evidence-based insights on physician assessment and health workforce policy.
• Oversee MCC's research-related knowledge-sharing events.
• Track and report on MCC research and scholarly activity to support strategic planning, evaluation, and accountability.
• Identify funding opportunities and support the preparation of grant applications

Experience
What you need to succeed

• 5-7 years' experience in research in assessment and/or medical education.
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Technical Skills

• Experience in leading research initiatives from conception to dissemination.
• Proficiency in academic writing, as evidenced by publications as principal investigator.
• Strong knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Proficiency in statistical programming and data management.
• Advanced skills in using statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS) for quantitative data analysis.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of ethical data handling and secure storage.
• Knowledge of common physician assessment methods (e.g. written, oral, and performance-based examinations; workplace-based assessments).
• Commitment to continuous improvement and educational scholarship.
• Knowledge of approaches to program evaluation.
• Familiarity with data and reference management tools is an asset.
• Familiarity with physician certification and regulatory processes is an asset

Competencies

• Exceptional attention-to-detail and strong analytical skills.
• Strong project management capabilities including planning, coordination, and execution of research activities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple, evolving priorities effectively, including under pressure and within tight deadlines.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the capacity to engage and motivate internal teams and external research collaborators.
• Effective conflict resolution abilities, along with diplomacy, maturity, integrity, and a high level of autonomy.

Education

• PhD in Assessment, Education, Health Professions Education, Psychology, or Social Sciences

Language

• Advanced oral and written skills in English are required, with oral and written skills in French considered an asset

The perks

• A defined benefit pension plan.
• A complete benefit package your first day on the job.
• Three weeks' vacation right off the bat.
• A company paid holiday closure in December - our gift to you
• A 35-hour work week.
• Compressed and telework programs.
• Free onsite parking - any day, any time.
• Free virtual Mobility and Strength & Conditioning classes.

Visit our Careers page to discover what sets us apart and how we cultivate an environment where employees thrive.
The MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace at all levels of its organization. Our team fosters belonging by welcoming and valuing people with diverse backgrounds and incorporating their experiences and perspectives into our work.
Accommodations can be provided at all stages of the hiring process; we ask applicants to make their needs known in advance.
Please note that only those invited for an interview will be contacted.