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ADS - Research Assistant - Early Years Nutrition Coach - Department of Applied Human Sciences - Faculty of Science

Competition Number:
129E21
Position Type:
Staff Position
Closing Date:
Date of Posting:
Department:
Department of Applied Human Sciences
Position:
ADS - Research Assistant - Early Years Nutrition Coach
Contract:
Full-Time Term Position
Hours of Work:
20 hours per week (During intervention 37.5 hours per week)
Salary:

$23.00 per hour, as per CUPE 1870 (Off Scale) (Grant Funded)

Term:

September, 2021 to September, 2022 (Term may be reduced or extended depending on performance, available funding, and departmental requirements)

An interdisciplinary research team requires an Early Years Nutrition Coach in Nova Scotia (NS) and Prince Edward Island (PEI) to support the project, Mobilizing knowledge-to-action for responsive feeding in early childhood.  

Creating supportive food environments for young children fosters healthy behaviours that provide a foundation for lifelong health. Responsive feeding supports self-regulation by recognizing children’s cues for hunger and fullness and responding appropriately.  The purpose of this project is to use a theory-based approach to develop, implement, and evaluate an intervention to support responsive feeding environments in the early years in the Maritimes. Achieving the research aims is two-fold: 1) Develop, implement, and evaluate a theory-informed intervention for supporting responsive feeding environments in the early years using a pre-post intervention design; 2) Identify the feasibility of the intervention to inform integration and potential scaling up within the broader early childhood system.  

The research project is positioned within the research programs of Dr. Jessie-Lee McIsaac (Tier II, Canada Research Chair in Early Childhood: Diversity and Transitions, Director of the Early Childhood Collaborative Research Centre at Mount Saint Vincent University) and Dr. Misty Rossiter (Associate Professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences at the University of Prince Edward Island). This project is funded through the Canadian Institutes for Health Research. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • The Early Years Nutrition Coach will collaborate with the Principal Investigators, MSVU and UPEI research team members and a Research Advisory Committee
  • Work with early childhood educators and regulated childcare centres to develop goals and action plans related to responsive feeding
  • Coach educators and centres in achieving their goals
  • Support data collection and analysis
  • Support knowledge mobilization and scaling up with the research team
  • The incumbent will also be required to perform related administrative office and other tasks as needed
  • Travel throughout the province will be occasionally required  

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, Child and Youth Study, Health Promotion or another related field is required. At least 3 years of working experience in a coaching, coordination, management role 
  • Knowledge of nutrition in the early years and experience with supporting goal setting and actions plans
  • An awareness of early childhood programs and related guidelines that influence responsive feeding practices
  • Knowledge of the research process, and assessment tools for nutrition
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently, as well as a member of a team
  • Excellent writing, interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
  • Experience with basic administrative functions and working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • The successful candidate is required to show proof of a valid driver’s license when offered employment
  • French language skills is an asset

 

Application Instructions:

Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link posted on the UPEI Human Resources website. Applications will not be accepted via email.

If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number (902) 894-2895.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. The University of Prince Edward Island is committed to gender equity in employment.

UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. 

Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.

UPEI encourages all qualified applicants to apply for job openings; however, in keeping with the terms and provisions of the university’s various employment and collective agreements, first priority will be given to internal candidates.