Research Associate Academic, Institute on Ethics & Policy for Innovation (IEPI)

Position: Research Associate Academic  (RAA)
Area: Institute on Ethics & Policy for Innovation, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid in-person and remote)
Principal Investigator and Institute Director: Dr. Claudia Emerson
Schedule: Full time, 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday, 8:30 – 4:30 
Location: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Hybrid in-person and remote) 
Compensation: $70,000.00 – $80, 000 CAD per year 
Appointment Duration: 12 months (Benefits eligible) 

Job Description

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE ON ETHICS & POLICY FOR INNOVATION 

The Institute on Ethics & Policy for Innovation (IEPI), based in the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, is focused on identifying and addressing ethical challenges, ethics-related risk, and policy gaps that have the potential to undermine the impact of life-saving technologies and interventions in Global Health. The Institute operates on a demand-driven consultation model to support researchers, funders, sponsors, policymakers, and other stakeholders in global health navigate ethical issues that impact their work across the innovation lifecycle. The ethics consultation service is supported by programs of research across four core pillars: data ethics & governance, translational science, infectious disease management, and emerging technologies.

IEPI is currently supported by a major grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and is responsible for delivering an ethics program of research and consultation service that supports the Foundation’s Global Health division. IEPI is also supported by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). 

THE OPPORTUNITY: 

The Research Associate (Academic) will support a program of research that broadly examines ethical issues in global health. The Research Associate (Academic) will be responsible for i) leading and/or contributing to projects that arise from the ethics consultation service, and ii) executing a research program that supports one of IEPI’s research pillars. 

In addition to core ethics consultation and research activities, the Research Associate (Academic) will be an enthusiastic and active participant in the life of the Institute, contributing to its pedagogical mission and business development activities through participation in planning and outreach exercises, committees, and stakeholder and student engagement.

WHAT WE ARE EXPECTING OF YOU: 

• Delivery of Ethics Consultation Service and Projects
• Lead, and/or contribute to activities in the delivery of the ethics consultation service and related projects, as assigned by the Assistant Director and/or Director. The Research Associate (Academic) will intake, design, develop, and execute projects; conduct in-depth research and critical analyses, and prepare high quality reports, briefing notes, and papers in response to issues that arise on the service.
• Lead and/or oversee literature searches, landscape reviews, and qualitative research and analyses
• Advise colleagues and other stakeholders in global health, as appropriate
• Prepare abstracts and manuscripts for publication and presentation in collaboration with IEPI colleagues where appropriate
• Manage knowledge translation activities, including the development of materials and content for engagement with the public: presentations/lectures, website and social media
• As assigned by the Assistant Director and/or Director, provide guidance and direction to colleagues and students in the execution of project goals
• Contribute to the orientation, training and development of IEPI colleagues
• Travel internationally to meet with partners, sponsor, and other stakeholders in support of ethics consultation activities and projects
• Delivery of Research Activities
• In consultation with the Assistant Director and Director, maintain an active program of research: initiate, design, and lead projects within the stream
• Lead and/or oversee literature review and analysis, and qualitative research
• Lead the preparation of abstracts and manuscripts for publication or presentation in collaboration with IEPI colleagues, as appropriate
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, white papers, landscape reviews and presentations
• As assigned by the Assistant Director and/or Director, provide guidance and direction to IEPI colleagues and graduate students in the execution of the research program
• Manage knowledge dissemination and translation activities, including outreach and engagement with the public, as appropriate
• Support Institute Functions and Activities
• Participate in planning exercises to ensure activities align with IEPI’s strategic goals and objectives
• Monitor and evaluate research activities and prepare progress reports
• Participate in business development activities, as required
• Engage with stakeholders and develop partnerships and collaborations, as appropriate
• Represent IEPI at conferences, scientific meetings, committees, and other stakeholder functions

QUALIFICATIONS:

• PhD related to ethics, public health or global health
• Postgraduate work experience in ethics research and/or ethics consultation preferred
• Proven record of success: publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at national or international proceedings
• Ability to lead project teams and communicate well with team members
• Ability to work well independently while also being an excellent team player and an information resource to colleagues.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment and to prioritize effectively
• Experience working in one or more of the following will be an asset: in a global health or global development context; in a policy environment; in a consulting or other client-service environment.
• Familiarity with appropriate cultural protocols when interacting with international stakeholders
• Must maintain high standard of professionalism
• Must be flexible to work beyond the job description at times, as work demands
• Must be flexible to occasionally work on different schedules to adjust for off-hour requirements (IEPI works directly with various international organizations/individuals who operate in different time-zones).
• Must be available to travel internationally (minimum 2-4 times annually).

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
https://careers.mcmaster.ca/psp/prepprd/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1001&JobOpeningId=50626&PostingSeq=1

TO APPLY:
Applications for the position are welcome on the McMaster careers webpage and must include the following as a single file in the application:

Cover letter, including a detailed statement of research interests in bioethics, health policy, global health

CV

2 writing samples (peer reviewed publications preferred)

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.

Vaccination Policy Statement

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers and visitors.  The University’s Vaccination Policy-COVID-19 Requirements for Employees and Students (the “Vaccination Policy”), requires all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. While the Policy will be currently paused, this Policy may resume quickly and on short notice, as informed by public health advice and direction. As a result, failure to achieve and maintain fully vaccinated status or an approved human rights-based exemption may result in termination of employment. This is a term and condition of employment. The University will continue to follow the guidance of public health organizations to define fully vaccinated status.