Grant-Paid Job Opportunity
We have been asked to assist with recruitment for the following job opportunity. Please note the successful candidate will be an employee of the grant holder and not Dalhousie University.
 
Data Analyst / Research Assistant
Canadian Centre for Vaccinology
Dalhousie University
Location: IWK Health Centre
Temporary (12 months) / Full Time
 
This position will provide statistical research support to a study assessing vaccine coverage of pre-schoolchildren in Nova Scotia, and other health and health utilisation studies where required.  MSI physician billing information and public health records are being used to ascertain coverage of vaccines administered to children (aged up to 18 months) for the publicly funded vaccines outlined in the NS Immunization schedule.  A telephone survey methodology is being used to determine completeness of vaccinations.  The results of the telephone survey will be used to assess the validity of using MSI data to estimate vaccine completeness. 
 
The Research Data Analyst will work as part of a research team, undertaking the statistical analysis of MSI data provided by the Population Health Research Unit (PHRU), Dalhousie University; performing data cleaning, data analysis and interpreting results in collaboration with the project team.  The analyst will undertake statistical analyses of the questionnaire survey data, including matching children from the survey sample with MSI records.  The Data Analyst will have considerable interaction with the Survey Analyst, who is undertaking the telephone surveys.  Duties will also include: involvement in project meetings; project development; literature searches and reviews; assistance with knowledge dissemination, including contributing to the preparation and dissemination of reports and research papers; participation in other research studies as required and input into research goals. 
 
Qualifications & Skills
Education:

• University degree in relevant subject (i.e. health, statistics or geography) is essential, with a strong component in statistical and data analysis.  Experience with SAS software for statistical analysis and programming is required.  Experience with geographical information systems (GIS) and training in research methodology and/or related health services research field are assets. 

Skills:

• Experience with SAS statistical analysis software is required.  Experience with SPSS for statistical analysis, MS Access, and ArcView / ArcInfo GIS are assets
• High degree of computer literacy, including proficiency with databases
• Competence and ability to work with large datasets, especially health-related data, and a high regard for data quality and attention to detail
• Competence and ability to work with survey and questionnaire data
• Experience in a research environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a team member
• Demonstrated planning, organizational, prioritization and time management skills
• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills
• Understanding of research methods, with skills in critical evaluation of research and interpretation of results
• Proven ability to pay attention to detail and accuracy
• Proven ability to meet deadlines

Duties

• Convert data into appropriate form for analysis with statistical software packages
• Perform data cleaning and data verification activities
• Perform statistical analysis of MSI and survey data using SAS
• Prepare written and tabular summaries of data analysis and interpretation of results
• Conduct and assist with online searches and literature reviews
• Contribute to the preparation and distribution of research report(s) and research articles
• Assist in knowledge dissemination events that may include international conferences
• Assist with administrative duties pertaining to research, such as ensuring project records are maintained, filed and stored appropriately and securely
• Participate in other administrative/support activities (e.g. team meetings) as directed

Please send Covering Letter, CV and contact information of three references to:
 
Dr Trevor Dummer
Canadian Centre for Vaccinology
IWK Health Centre
Goldbloom RCC Pavilion, 4th Floor
5859/5980 University Avenue
PO Box 9700
Halifax, NS, B3K 6R8
 
Fax: 902 470 7323
Email: trevor.dummer@iwk.nshealth.ca
 
Please quote competition number DA/RA0605-CB in your application.

Closing Date: 4:30 p.m., May 19, 2008
Start Date: As soon as possible
 
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
We thank all applicants for their interest.  Only those invited for an interview will be contacted.