Shkaabe Makwa at CAMH is the first hospital-based Centre in Canada designed to improve the health and wellbeing of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Ontario by advancing wholistic models of mental health and wellness care that are rooted in traditional healing practices. We deliver care, co-design research, and mobilize knowledge and tools to transform health systems. We action community-identified solutions to foster health justice.
Shkaabe Makwa is seeking a full-time, permanent Staff Scientist with a specialized expertise in collaborative and relational Indigenous health research that aligns with Indigenous self-determination in health, data sovereignty, and contributes to policy, practice, and systems change.
Reporting to the Scientific Director, Shkaabe Makwa, the Staff Scientist will lead and support research critical Shkaabe Makwa research initiatives and strengthen collaborative research with research centres across CAMH. The Staff Scientist will support the development, planning and implementation of Shkaabe Makwa’s research projects and knowledge mobilization initiatives. Primary responsibilities will involve the establishment and management of a robust research program and team. The Staff Scientist will play a pivotal role in generating and exploring innovative research ideas, while also contributing to the education of emerging scientists and trainees. Furthermore, the incumbent will actively promote knowledge mobilization activities to ensure the widest beneficial impact on the communities we serve.
The selected candidate is expected to have extensive expertise in Indigenous health research, offering training, supervision, and mentorship to staff and students across diverse disciplines. Emphasis will be placed on leading data sovereignty initiatives, advancing ethical research conduct across research streams, and the development and implementation of impactful policy relevant research aimed at enhancing healthcare for First Nations, Inuit, Métis. The position will also oversee research teams who develop, adapt, pilot, and evaluate clinical interventions and treatment modalities that weave traditional knowledge and western evidence, and explore the implementation of traditional healing practices in the hospital system.
The successful candidate will provide expertise and guidance to the teams, develop and manage budgets, initiate and oversee contracts and develop and oversee quality assurance practices and procedures to ensure ongoing advancements in research initiatives and overall project efficiency. Knowledge of Indigenous research ethics, principles and protocols contained in the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access and possession OCAP®; the National Inuit Strategy on Research; and Principles of Ethical Métis Research Canada are required. The candidate will support a workplace that embraces diversity, encourages teamwork and complies with all applicable and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is a respected First Nations, Inuit, or Métis researcher with significant experience leading community-based collaborative research that informs mental health and substance use policy, practice and/or systems change.
The successful candidate will be expected to establish collaborations at the local, national, and international levels. Additionally, practical supervision of undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral trainees, and technical staff is integral to the role. As a Staff Scientist, active leadership in research activities, maintenance of a strong publication record, and securing extramural funding are key responsibilities. Dissemination of research results through presentations at academic meetings, conferences, and communication with key decision-makers is expected. Participation in leadership advisory groups, both within CAMH and externally, is also a requirement.
Adherence to approved CAMH practices, procedures, and safety standards is imperative in conducting research studies. Beyond research commitments, the Staff Scientist will collaborate within a multidisciplinary environment encompassing both fundamental and clinical research. A commitment to fostering diversity, encouraging teamwork, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and legislative requirements is essential.
CAMH is an academic research hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and the successful applicant must secure an academic affiliation at the Assistant Professor level. The role is based at 60 White Squirrel Way (Toronto) and will require some evening and weekend hours and travel to communities across Ontario, and beyond.
CAMH is an academic research hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, and the successful applicant must secure an academic affiliation at the Assistant Professor level. The role is based at 60 White Squirrel Way (Toronto) and will require some evening and weekend hours and travel to communities across Ontario, and beyond.
Qualifications
This position requires the incumbent to be First Nations, Inuit or Métis. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in the health and/or social sciences. A minimum of 3 years of
post-doctoral / post-graduate (or equivalent) experience is required (5 or more years of independent research experience is preferred) and a minimum of 3 years of Indigenous health research experience are required. The candidate must have a strong record of interdisciplinary and collaborative research informing mental health and addiction policy and practice, including epidemiology of mental illness and/or addictions; community-based, policy and/or prevention research; population mental health and/or addictions; intervention development and evaluation research and/or health services and health systems research or related fields. Demonstrated experience overseeing development and implementation of complex projects, including research and knowledge mobilization activities is required. Demonstrated research experience and knowledge of knowledge mobilization models and frameworks with previous experience implementing innovative projects with First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis communities is essential.
The demonstrated ability to cultivate internal and external relationships and collaborate effectively with colleagues, decision makers and the scientific community is required. Eligibility for an academic appointment at the Assistant Professor level (or higher) is required. Demonstrated commitment to principles of health equity, inclusivity, respect and social justice is required. Strong interpersonal, communication (oral/written), creative problem-solving abilities and organizational skills are required including the ability to direct, lead and coach a diverse team in order to meet priorities. Bilingualism (French/English) and/or proficiency in an Indigenous language would be an asset.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary is competitive and based on experience, with a hiring range of $120,472.10 – $150,590.12 per year.
- Employees in this role may progress within the full pay range of $120,472.10 – $180,708.14 per year
- CAMH’s Total Rewards : Includes participation in HOOPP defined benefit pension plan , extended health and dental benefits, paid vacation starting at 4 weeks, flexible work arrangements, and ongoing professional development support.
This role allows professionals to apply their expertise in a mission-driven environment dedicated to public health outcomes.
CAMH is a fully affiliated teaching hospital and research institute of the University of Toronto. As a CAMH employee, you will contribute to our mission by supporting teaching, research, and clinical care across the hospital.
CAMH is dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment is to foster a workplace, teaching, and learning environment that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination or harassment.
CAMH strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of mental health and substance use challenges.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Thank you to all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. If you require accommodations during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.
