Research Professional

Research Professional

YukonU Research Centre
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus
Term position starting May 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025
Based on 75 hours bi-weekly
Employment Opportunity No.: 23.42
Closing Date: April 25, 2023

RESEARCH PROFESSIONAL OR POSTDOCTORAL

The Council of Yukon First Nations and Yukon University are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to work on a vaccine hesitancy research project based in the Yukon. The research is funded through the NSERC/CIHR – College and Community Social Innovation Fund, and supported by an experienced team of researchers from Yukon University, University of Toronto, Washington State University, and researchers grounded in Yukon communities. The project is also directed by an Advisory Council composed of First Nations community representatives, health care professionals, and project partners.

Project: Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding the dynamics of information and communication channels in the Yukon

This project aims to better understand vaccine uptake in the Yukon and delve deeper into the attitudes and opinions of four Yukon First Nations with varying experiences of vaccine uptake. The project is a partnership between Yukon University and the Council of Yukon First Nations and will be conducted in collaboration with Champagne and Aishihik First Nation, Liard First Nation, and Daylu Dena Council, some of which have experienced high vaccine uptake and others that have experienced low vaccine uptake.

We will collect territory-wide survey data on vaccine uptake and hesitancy, as well as conduct case study research to better understand the factors that influence vaccine uptake and hesitancy in the four communities. We will also identify community-led opportunities for innovation within vaccine delivery and health care campaigns generally. The research will contribute to meeting community needs for effective, context-specific COVID-19 vaccine outreach programs.

The successful candidate will be based in the Yukon for the duration of the work term.

Salary: Will be determined based on the candidate’s level of experience.

Candidates will have a master’s or PhD in a relevant discipline (or be in progress) or a combination of relevant postsecondary experience and work-related experience could be considered equivalent, or Indigenous knowledge keeper of equivalent level as recognized by their community. Candidates will have experience working in collaboration with Yukon First Nation or other Indigenous communities, and/or demonstrated experience working in cross-cultural settings, as well as qualitative and/or mixed methods research experience.

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon first Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority. We encourage candidates to self-identify on their cover letter or CV. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.