McGill.CA / Centre on Population Dynamics / Opportunities

Survey/mHealth Programmer

CLOSED

Posting Period: June 6 to 24, 2019

Position: Survey/mHealth Programmer

Hiring Unit: Department of Sociology, McGill University

Supervisor: Dr. Zoua Vang

Work location: Indigenous Maternal Infant Health & Well-being (IMIHW) Lab, Peterson Hall Building, 3460 McTavish Street, Room 320, Montréal (Québec) H3A 0E6

Contract duration: 6 months (July to December, 2019)

The Indigenous Maternal Infant Health & Well-being (IMIHW) Lab investigates the social determinants of Indigenous maternal infant health using quantitative, qualitative and participatory research methodologies.

Job Description:

The consultant will develop an electronic data collection system using ODK and ODK Aggregate to create a Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing System (CAPI) consisting of five questionnaires, an accompanying consent form, and a subject fee receipt form.

Responsibilities:

  • Create, design and test a tablet data collection system;
  • Incorporate audio files into one questionnaire and the consent form to allow participants to self-administer questionnaire and have the option to listen to questions and response sets;
  • Incorporate appropriate skip logic, consistency checks, filters, controls, prompts and other appropriate validation commands into the databases to enhance efficiency and minimize data collection/entry errors;
  • Program tablets for data collection and data upload;
  • Conduct appropriate tests and verification of the developed applications to ensure that they are free of bugs and will collect data in the required format;
  • Work with the project systems administrator to set up the project’s server (virtual machine) to manage survey data and ensure appropriate data back-up;
  • Initial monitoring of data upload to ensure data is being transmitted properly.
  • Ensure existence of formats and procedures for data transmission and recommended data backups;
  • Provide back end support to the application during initial data collection period;
  • Create user manual for applications.

Deliverables

  • A ready-to-use, fully documented tablet-based CAPI in ODK with built-in skip logic, consistency checks, filters, controls, prompts and other appropriate validation commands;
  • Documentation and pilot test results exhibiting the system’s compliance with the terms of reference;
  • Full source code and related documentation (e.g., user manual);
  • Technical support to the project team as needed during initial stage of data collection.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in computer science, computer engineering, IT, mathematics, or related discipline.
  • Extensive experience with Open Data Kit (ODK) and ODK Aggregate for design and deployment of survey tools, or experience developing Android apps that collect data for local and server/cloud storage;
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as C#, Perl, Python, Java, PHP;
  • Knowledge of database/server systems such as SQL Server 2008/12/14, Postgress, MySQL;
  • Advanced knowledge and demonstrated ability in design, integration, testing, and deployment of electronic data collection applications;
  • Fluency in oral and written English;
  • Experience in developing and deploying m-health applications an asset;
  • Understanding of health/medical or social sciences field an asset.

A pdf of the job description is available here. 

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Supervisor: Dr. Zoua Vang, Director, Indigenous Maternal Infant Health & Well-being (IMIHW) Lab and Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, McGill University

Application process: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and CV to Dr. Vang (zoua.vang [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Survey%2FmHealth%20Programmer%20position) (zoua (dot) vang (at) mcgill (dot) ca)) by e-mail. Please write "Survey/mHealth Programmer position" in the subject heading of the email. Deadline for applications to be received is June 24, 2019. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Commitment to Equity and Diversity

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, Professor Angela Campbell, Associate Provost (Equity and Academic Policies) by email or phone at 514-398-1660.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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