Student Opportunity: Global Health & Humanitarianism Research Assistant

Research at York (RAY)
Project Title: Literature review and gap analysis to support the development of a research programme on health and humanitarian response

Nature of the research project: Critical knowledge gaps affect all areas of health in humanitarian crises, limiting the effectiveness of aid efforts in a moment of unprecedented global crisis. The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research (DIGHR) at York University works to bring the academic and humanitarian domains together to catalyze research on pressing health-related challenges in humanitarian response. In this RAY project, an undergraduate student will support DIGHR Director, Professor James Orbinski and DIGHR Fellow in Global Health & Humanitarianism, Dr. Syed Imran Ali, in conducting a scoping study on the humanitarian health research landscape. The scoping study will map out operationally relevant knowledge gaps and research priorities in the humanitarian domain through a combination of literature review (grey and published) and key informant interviews. In addition, the scoping study will also map the humanitarian research funding landscape. The outputs from this RAY project will support DIGHR in defining and accelerating a humanitarian health-related research agenda that leverages the world-leading expertise at York University in multiple domains (engineering, health, environmental studies, etc).

Specific research activities the student(s) be engaged in:

• Performing a literature search or bibliographical compilation
• Key informant interviews
• Developing compelling research proposals

Type of research experience the student(s) will receive:

• Literature review
• Key informant interviews
• Gap analysis
• Articulating research questions & Priority-setting
• Development of research proposals

Type of training and support that will be provided to the student(s) in carrying out these research activities:

• Methodological training on systematic review
• Subject matter training on health in humanitarian response
• Day-to-day supervision by DIGHR Fellow in Global Health & Humanitarianism, Dr. Syed Imran Ali
• Regular status meetings with DIGHR Director, Professor James Orbinski

Supervisors: Dr. James Orbinski & Dr. Syed Imran Ali

Qualifications:

• Current undergraduate York student (we encourage applicants from diverse programs of study)
• Demonstrated interest in global health and humanitarianism
• Experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds/cultures
• Excellent communication skills: professional email/phone correspondence, public speaking and presentation proficiency
• Demonstrated skills, experience, and familiarity with conducting literature reviews
• Excellent computer skills (word processing, email, database management, spreadsheets)
• Demonstrates an eagerness to learn and take on initiative
• Demonstrates organizational and time management skills
• Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team with researchers, students, and staff

Position Start Date:  September 30, 2018
Approximate Hours Per Week: 10
Job Type: Part-time
Salary Level: $16/hour