Economist - Health Research (hybrid/two-year contract)

Are you an economist with a passion for improving health policy and outcomes?

The Atlantic Economic Council is dedicated to fostering prosperity across Atlantic Canada. As the region's premier independent economic research organization, we are at the forefront of analyzing critical issues affecting our economy. Recent topics include the transition to net-zero emissions, labour shortages, diversity and Indigenous economic reconciliation.

We are seeking a dynamic economist to play a key role in a proposed two-year health economics project. The successful candidate will also contribute to other research, furthering our mission of supporting a healthy, inclusive, and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy.

A unique employment opportunity

The proposed project aims to address the health outcomes and determinants of health of Atlantic Canadians. This role provides a unique opportunity to improve the lives of Atlantic Canadians by assessing the situation, analyzing the issues and making recommendations to improve health care and promote healthy lifestyles.

Canada’s complex health care system requires deep thinking skills and the ability to address long-standing issues like access to health care, privatization and labour shortages. The socio-economic determinants of health require increased attention, including incomes, affordability and education.

If you are solution-oriented and up for resolving one of the region’s biggest challenges, we want to hear from you!

Key responsibilities

Research. Access data from Statistics Canada, Canadian Institute for Health Information and other reliable sources. Contribute to the design of our surveys and interviews. Synthesize information from research reports and government documents.

Analysis. Assess key trends and developments in economics and health data. Identify the story, what it means and what we can do about it.

Engagement. Consult with subject matter experts, industry leaders and government officials to verify findings, understand trends and resolve questions.

Communication. Write clear and concise reports for non-economists. Create presentations for various audiences, including businesses and government.

Required skills and qualifications

• We rely on economic thinking and robust data analysis for our insights. Your capacity to analyze qualitative and quantitative data is foundational.
• Master’s degree in economics, with coursework or research related to health care and the socio-economic determinants of health.
• High level of numeracy, research and analytical capabilities.
• Proficient in MS Excel and PowerPoint.

Our research is published, presented and posted on social media. Your ability to identify the story within the data, effectively communicate the story, and explain its implications for businesses and governments, is essential for our mission.

• Write clear and concise economic reports for non-economists.
• Present to diverse audiences and engage with stakeholders.
• Professional bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.

We are a small interdependent team where everyone’s contribution matters. Your actions directly impact our reputation as a trusted source of insights.

• Proficient at working independently with attention to detail.
• Ability to work well with others and willingness to positively contribute to the team.
• Knowledge of health care and policy in Atlantic Canada is an asset.

Hours and location

This is a full-time contract position (37.5 hours per week). Regular working hours are 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. The two-year term begins in September 2024. There may be an opportunity for continued employment, subject to performance and appropriate funding.

Staff are based in our downtown Halifax office, working at home three days a week. Exceptional candidates in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Charlottetown or St. John’s will be considered.

Compensation and benefits

The annual salary starts at $60,000 for candidates with a master’s degree and limited work experience. The salary for more experienced candidates will depend on qualifications and ability to add value to our work. We offer a health and dental benefits package after a three-month probationary period.

How to apply

Applicants should send a merged cover letter and resume, clearly indicating how they meet theabove requirements, by 9:00am Atlantic time, July 22, 2024. Please send applications to hr@atlanticeconomiccouncil.ca with Subject Line: “Economist - Health Research"

The Atlantic Economic Council is the source for independent research, providing the insights and ideas that are vital to supporting a healthy, inclusive and sustainable Atlantic Canadian economy. We are an independent, non-profit, charitable economic and policy research organization supported by our members and guided by a board of directors.

Potential applicants are encouraged to explore our website to learn more about our values, members and services. We would like to thank all those who apply for this position but only those under consideration will be contacted.

The Atlantic Economic Council provides a work environment that supports equality, teamwork, fairness and respect among all employees. All employment decisions are made without consideration of age, colour, creed, disability, ethnic or national origin, family status, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, political belief, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or source of income.