Senior Research Scientist

Medical Council Of Canada•Ottawa, ON

4h•CA$130,000 - CA$156,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to lead its research and scholarship program. This role is crucial in shaping how physicians are assessed, trained, and supported in Canada. The Senior Research Scientist will report to the Medical Education Advisor and will be responsible for driving a strategic research agenda to enhance evidence-informed decision-making and innovation in medical education and health workforce planning. Key responsibilities include leading research initiatives, serving as Principal Investigator on high-impact projects, building partnerships with various organizations, and generating rigorous evidence to inform policy and practice. Additionally, the role involves building MCC's research capacity by strengthening governance, mentoring staff, and fostering a culture of scholarship. The Senior Research Scientist will also represent MCC on national and international platforms, contributing expertise on physician assessment and the Canadian healthcare system. This position is ideal for a scientific leader aiming to make a significant impact on healthcare systems through their research.

Requirements

8–10 years of progressively responsible experience conducting independent research in health professions education, physician assessment, health services research, psychology, or a related discipline.
Demonstrated experience developing leading multi-year strategic research programs.
Experience serving as Principal Investigator.
Strong publication record.
Experience obtaining research funding.
Experience collaborating across organizations.
Experience overseeing the work of other contributors.
Excellent scientific writing skills.
Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research.
Proficiency in data management.
Advanced skills in using statistical software (e.g., SAS, SPSS) for quantitative data analysis.
Proficiency in using Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Knowledge of approaches to program evaluation.
Knowledge of psychometrics and assessment.
Familiarity with data and reference management tools.
Understanding of ethical data handling and secure storage.
Knowledge of Canadian physician assessment and licensure systems.
Superior written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional attention-to-detail and strong analytical skills.
Strong project management capabilities including planning, coordination, and execution of research activities.
Proven ability to manage multiple, evolving priorities effectively, including under pressure and within tight deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the capacity to engage and motivate internal teams and external research collaborators.
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within diverse teams
Ability to influence without formal authority.
Effective conflict resolution abilities, along with diplomacy, maturity, integrity, and a high level of autonomy.
Receptive to guidance and feedback from leadership, while maintaining the initiative to work independently.
Sound judgement, initiative, resourcefulness, and discretion in handling sensitive and complex matters.
PHD in Assessment or Health Professions Education
Advanced oral and written skills in English are required

Nice To Haves

Oral and written skills in French considered an asset

Responsibilities

Design, lead and conduct high-quality quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research projects aligned with MCC priorities.
Oversee study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting to ensure scientific rigor and validity.
Serves as Principal Investigator on strategic and complex research initiatives.
Lead dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and other knowledge products that inform practice and policy.
Ensure compliance with ethical and methodological standards governing research activities.
Support program evaluation, measurement and quality improvement using rigorous research methods.
Translate complex findings into meaningful insights that support organizational decision-making and policy development.
Develop and lead MCC’s overall strategic research agenda, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
Identify emerging research trends, opportunities, risks, and partnerships that strengthen MCC's strategic position and influence.
Lead the development, implementation, maintenance and continuous improvement of MCC’s research governance framework, processes and infrastructure.
Oversee Research Ethics Board (REB) submissions, approvals, and compliance activities to ensure adherence to applicable standards and requirements.
Lead knowledge building, translation, and dissemination activities that connect MCC's research to practice and policy.