Research Analyst - Institute for Mental Health Policy Research-camh

The Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), is seeking two-full time, contract (12 months) Research Analyst positions. The Research Analysts will work collaboratively as part of a team of researchers of the Ontario Node of the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM). As one of the five Nodes across Canada, the Ontario CRISM Node (OCRINT) conducts evidence-based research to improve interventions and systems for people who use substances and focuses on research on prevention and treatment interventions for substance misuse (primarily illicit drugs and non-medical use of pharmaceutical drugs), and knowledge translation of related research and evidence. The research analysts will work on a project which focuses on addressing Ontario’s drug and overdose crisis by advancing understanding and evaluating the implementation of Supervised Consumption Services (SCS) and Safer Supply Programs (SSPs) as critical public health interventions. This project involves conducting a comprehensive environmental scan of SCS and SSPs across Ontario to assess their availability, operational characteristics, and impact, particularly on opioid-related harms. Additionally, it will examine the implications of potential policy changes on these services to inform evidence-based practices and policies.

The Research Analysts will support key research activities focused on SCS and SSPs, with a strong emphasis on community-based research within vulnerable populations, particularly individuals with lived experience of substance use. Responsibilities include:

- Assisting in community engagement efforts, liaising with community representatives, and coordinating with the research team.

- Supporting the development and implementation of knowledge exchange activities aimed at translating research findings for diverse stakeholders.

- Conducting literature reviews on SCS and SSP-related topics.

- Mapping opioid-related data to health regions across Ontario.

- Assisting with report writing for environmental scans and supporting the preparation of scientific papers for peer-reviewed publication and policy reports.

This position requires a commitment to diversity, teamwork, and adherence to all regulatory and legislative standards.

The successful candidate will possess a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with one (1) year of research related experience, ideally experience with substance use. The candidate will have knowledge and active research experience with vulnerable populations. Must have demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative), process of conducting literature searches, and in community-based research. Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills, and the ability to multi-task is essential. Candidates will also have demonstrated the ability to work with secondary data and databases and will have literature review and synthesis skills, including systematic, and scoping review experience. Must have experience with endnote or similar reference management tool. Knowledge of qualitative software tool such as NVivo is an asset. Candidates require the ability to work effectively in a variety of settings with individuals from diverse backgrounds.