Description
The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a W21C Research Associate, Human-centered/UX Design. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the W21C Program Manager, the Research Associate, Human-centered Design will receive direction from the Principal Investigator(s) of the project(s) they are assigned to. The Research Associate, Human-centred Design will be responsible for supporting Human Factors program specific and general W21C activities as needed. The Research Associate, Human-centred Design coordinates research in partnership with multiple internal and external stakeholders. This position is responsible for conducting research, writing research proposals, reports, manuscripts, grant applications, and ethics applications.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Development, progression, support and coordination of the multifaceted W21C Human Factors research and simulation program
- Assist in planning and scoping of project deliverables and discrete workstreams
- Oversee the design, development, and testing of digital health and health technology interventions intended for patients, health care providers, or decision-makers
- Develop co-design plans and usability testing protocols for engaging users and project stakeholders to generate knowledge, identify optimal design and implementation, and blend innovative new ideas with practical solutions
- Drive the use of a human-centred design approach, including but not limited to storyboards, journey maps, healthcare service blueprints, patient/prescriber/healthcare provider experience prototyping, and usability research, etc.
- Lead team in articulating strategic insights from engagements with external stakeholders (e.g., co-creation sessions, in-depth interviews)
- Present points of view on design challenges and solutions with clients including impacts on a variety of stakeholders within healthcare systems, such as patients, nurses, prescribers, and allied healthcare professionals
- Designs, develops, implements, and evaluates knowledge translation strategies
- Supports the W21C mandate of enhancing patient safety and quality of care through continual engagement with other W21C and University of Calgary stakeholders
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Graduate degree in a human behavior related field with research focus in service or industrial design, design, human-computer interactions, human factors, or equivalent discipline required. Relevant work experience will be considered alongside post-secondary educational experience
- Minimum of 3 years of work experience in qualitative research & facilitation skills using human-centered design, qualitative research principles, or systems thinking to frame a problem and prototype a solution is required
- Experience with health research to gain insights into the behaviours of groups and design of tools to achieve desired behaviour change
- Experience in public speaking, facilitating workshops and events, presenting at research forums, and publishing articles
- Complex project management experience, preferably in an academic or non-profit environment
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) considered an asset
- Knowledge and expertise working in a clinical / health research setting coordinating and conducting user research projects with qualitative and quantitative methods
- Experience using qualitative data analysis software (such as NVivo) to organize and analyze information
- Familiarity with government, UCalgary, industry, and health sector stakeholders required; Alberta experience will be considered an asset
- Proven ability to develop internal and external collaborations; experience interacting with industry Partners would be considered an asset
- Understanding of knowledge translation principles and tools to translate complex medical and scientific concepts into clear visual and written communications and strategies
- Basic understanding of healthcare systems
- Familiarity with patient simulation, specifically within the healthcare setting
- Ability to receive direction, collaborate with others in setting goals, and work effectively in teams to achieve agreed upon goals within set timeframes
- Communicates effectively on behalf of W21C with colleagues from various disciplines and external collaborators within a complex initiative
Application Deadline: July 21, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
