Senior Research Associate, MAP Homeless Research at Unity Health Toronto

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions is seeking a permanent part-time (0.6 FTE) Senior Research Associate to support the adaptation, implementation, and evaluation of Housing First programs for individuals primarily living outdoors. As part of Canada’s largest research centre focused on health equity and the social determinants of health, the successful candidate will help advance multidisciplinary, cross-sector initiatives that improve housing stability, health, and socioeconomic outcomes in Toronto and across Canada. The role is suited for candidates with a PhD and experience conducting semi-independent research, including study design, implementation, analysis, funding, and knowledge dissemination. The Senior Research Associate will collaborate with a wide range of partners, provide research expertise, and may supervise or mentor junior staff and students. We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every qualification but are passionate about the work, as we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Contributes to PI research (40% of work time)

The Senior Research Associate is expected to support and contribute to the Principal Investigator’s research program with a high degree of autonomy. Design and implement evaluation frameworks, study protocols, and research methodologies to assess clinical care programs, supervision quality, and care standards. Collect, analyze, interpret, and quality-control research and program data, identifying gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans to inform research priorities and generate new ideas for program development. Prepare and contribute to funding applications, ethics submissions, reports, manuscripts, publications, and award proposals. Lead and facilitate meetings with researchers, community partners, collaborators, and stakeholders to advance project objectives. Troubleshoot implementation challenges and ensure the feasibility, integrity, and reproducibility of research initiatives. Coordinate and execute project milestones as part of a multidisciplinary, cross-sector team. Serve as a key research resource, providing expertise and guidance to support successful project delivery.

Independently Conducts Research Within Program (35% of work time)

The Senior Research Associate expected to independently initiate and run evaluation and research activities, related to the research program’s area of expertise. Independently lead evaluation and research projects from conception through execution, analysis, and dissemination. Develop research protocols and establish collaborations with internal and external partners. Analyze and interpret data to generate actionable insights and advance knowledge. Prepare and publish manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, posters, and other knowledge translation products as first or contributing author. Support and contribute to grant applications, funding proposals, and research funding initiatives in collaboration with the Principal Investigator. Present findings at local, national, and international conferences. Monitor emerging research, funding opportunities, and best practices in healthcare, housing, and related fields. Conduct literature reviews and contribute to scientific publications and grant development.

Day to Day Project and Staff Guidance Tasks (20% of work time)

Senior Research Associate should have managerial skills to supervise, guide, mentor, and train junior level staff, students and visitors. Supervise, mentor, and train junior staff, students, and research trainees. Coordinate project resources and workflows to support successful project delivery. Support hiring activities and oversee student research outputs, including papers and abstracts. Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and safety requirements. Build and maintain collaborative partnerships and support expansion to additional study sites. Serve as a subject matter expert and key resource for program and research initiatives.

Administrative Duties (5% of work time)

Senior Research Associates are expected to ensure their administrative duties are organized, and completed on time, within institutional standards. Ongoing coordination of administrative activities including data collection activities, to ensure the effective use of resources and the efficient completion of work (i.e. studies, analysis, etc.). Represents and participates in Unity Health Toronto’s administrative committees, scientific meetings, advisory boards, protocol development, and in meetings with funding agencies, and community partners. Ensures timely completion and submission of time-sensitive project-related documents. Performs cross-functional and other duties as assigned and/or requested. All staff are expected to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner which prioritizes patient and employee safety, and confidentiality. Key accountabilities in this regard include: Strict compliance with patient/employee confidentiality practices and policies. Strict compliance with patient/employee safety practices and standards. Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee confidentiality breaches in accordance with established policies and procedures. Identification, reporting and response to patient/employee safety risks and incidents/events in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

PhD in clinical psychology with a focus on homelessness and community mental health Advanced (>5 years) methodological training in mixed-methods health and/or housing research 4 years’ experience working as a semi-independent researcher of housing-focused interventions and health and social care supports for underserved groups Preference will be given to candidates with a demonstrated background of practical experience working with people experiencing homelessness and mental health issues in a regulated professional context; a professional designation as a provider/clinician would be considered an asset. Tri-agency funding within the past 5 years as a principal/co-applicant on grants related to homelessness, housing and mental health. Previous experience in health or scientific research, protocol development, preparation of manuscripts, and data presentation is required. Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and manage multiple evaluation research studies. Experience supervising undergraduate/graduate students. TCPS 2 and GCP. (Completed within first 2 weeks of hire). RCR (Responsible conduct of Research) is an asset. Excellent knowledge of implementation science, evaluation community mental health terminology, as applicable. Qualitative data analysis software knowledge. ("e.g., Dedoose") Quantitative data analysis software knowledge ("e.g., SPSS, SAS"). Experience with reference management software an asset. In-person work at St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and community sites is required a minimum of 1 day per week and a maximum of 3 days per week and will fluctuate based on project needs. Excellent communication skills including excellent writing skills. Basic computer skills with Microsoft Office experience. ("e.g., Word, Excel PowerPoint") Experience with video conferencing software. ("e.g., Microsoft Teams etc.") Excellent organization/planning skills, project management and attention to detail. Excellent leadership skills, and the ability to act as a liaison between team members, community partners, and the Principal Investigator as needed. Strong internal and external relationship management skills, ability to professionally interact with and establish solid working relationships with partners and collaborators. Demonstrated commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and operating from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework. Creative problem-solving, analytical and technical skills. Effective stress handling. Strong conflict resolution skills. Sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.