Researcher (IV)

The Social Planning and Research Council of British Columbia (SPARC BC) is seeking full-time, permanent Researchers (IV) with relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: 1) accessibility and inclusion 2) income security and poverty reduction, 3) housing, and 4) other population health equity topics in BC.  The successful candidate will join the Research, Planning and Consulting team and report to the Associate Executive Director and work closely with other team members.

SPARC BC is an independent, non-partisan, registered charity (not-for profit organization) established in 1966 with a mission to work with communities in building a more just and healthy society for all.  Please visit www.sparc.bc.ca for more information. 

As an applied Researcher at SPARC BC, you will leverage advanced specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in population health, evaluation, health economics, urban and community planning, and/or other applied research fields relevant to SPARC BC’s work with people and communities.  This Researcher role requires comfort and experience designing and leading community-based, social policy research and evaluation initiatives as a recognized professional in their field of social policy research. This role also requires expert level project management skills and experience to lead research, planning, and consulting projects, while expertly engaging and fostering partnerships with key communities, organizations, and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct advanced applied research projects utilizing both primary and secondary data (quantitative and/or qualitative);
• Review and synthesize peer-reviewed research and government reports and policies, often with a quick turn around;
• Develop reports, guidelines/best practices, needs assessments, conference posters/presentations, and journal articles that leverage research evidence and information;
• Work collaboratively with team members, government representatives, community partners as well as other researchers, in BC and beyond;
• Identify funding opportunities and develop competitive proposals;
• Monitor existing and emerging social policy and health equity issues in the wake of structural and societal changes and develop scopes of work for applied research and analysis;
• Advise key internal and external partners as a content expert on key social policy and health equity issues; and
• Mentor and guide the work of Project Coordinators and Research Interns on a project basis.

Skills

• Expert ability to lead ethically sound, community-based, independent investigations (including leading research teams) as well as collaborate effectively in larger team initiatives;
• Expert understanding of scientific research processes, including ability to carry out quantitative and qualitative tool development, data collection, data cleaning and preparation, and analysis (including familiarity with software packages, such as SPSS, SAS, R, NVivo, Atlas.ti etc.), from study conception to reporting;
• Expert project management skills (i.e., time management and prioritization skills), including ability to work on a variety of projects simultaneously and balance priorities under tight timelines
• Expert written and verbal communication skills (ability to report complex research findings in clear, simple language for a wide range of audiences, including synthesizing key findings and pertinent viewpoints)
• Strong ability to apply creativity and critical thinking to research and analysis
• Strong ability to systematically and rapidly review and synthesize research and grey literature
• Strong ability to develop and maintain relationships with academic partners, government agencies, civil society organizations, and community members with lived/living experiences
• Demonstrated ability to work in and lead multi-disciplinary teams
• Proactive, dedicated team member with demonstrated ability to show initiative
• Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to high quality work
• Knowledge and understanding of the social determinants of health and/or various health equity topics
• Training and/or experience in program evaluation processes

 Education and Experience

• A Master’s Degree in a relevant field of applied research (e.g., public health, health economics, social planning, community development, public policy, etc.) with a minimum of eight years of employment in a related research or analytical role. (A PhD in an applied field would be considered a significant asset alongside relevant employment experience)
• Extensive project development and management experience, including complex research, planning and/or social policy initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in research partner engagement and management
• Specific subject area expertise including demonstrated recognition as an authority in a relevant field of practice
• Experienced in lay audience writing and verbal communication, group facilitation, public education, and community engagement
• Demonstrated experience and success in grant proposal development is an asset

The annual salary for this position is between $74,017 - $81,576 commensurate with skills and experience. SPARC BC also offers an excellent benefits package.

To apply for this position, please forward letters of application and CVs/resumes to Dr. Alex Price at the following address: aprice[at]sparc.bc.ca. All applicants will be evaluated on their education, skills, knowledge, ability, and experience based on the requirements set out in the job description. 

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a continuous basis until all positions are filled.  All applications submitted for this position must demonstrate the different ways in which the applicant meets the requisite skills and experience.  We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Researcher IV position is part of the BCGEU bargaining unit.

SPARC BC is committed to attracting and retaining staff from diverse backgrounds and experiences.  Our organization strives to create and maintain a working environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming.  If you are an applicant who requires accessibility accommodation, please feel encouraged to apply.

SPARC BC also acknowledges that our office is located on the ancestral and unceded homelands of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Halkomelem) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) speaking peoples. They have been custodians of this land for thousands of years and we would like to pay our respect to the Elders and knowledge keepers both past and present.