As a Health Research Officer with the Department of National Defence, you will conduct research, analysis, and evaluation to support evidence-based health policy and program development. You will work on projects that directly impact the health and wellness of Canadian Armed Forces members and Defence civilians, contributing to the advancement of health care practices within a military context.
Your responsibilities will include designing and conducting health research studies, analyzing health data and trends, evaluating program effectiveness, and providing evidence-based recommendations to senior leaders. You may also prepare research reports, present findings to stakeholders, collaborate with internal and external health professionals, and stay current with emerging health research and best practices. Your work will support strategic decision-making on health initiatives, occupational health standards, and healthcare service improvements.
You will work within a structured health services environment, collaborating with military and civilian health professionals, researchers, and policy teams. The role offers the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to military health outcomes while working in a professional, mission-driven organization.
Key Responsibilities
Provide general health care and social services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you typically need a bachelor's degree in a health-related field such as public health, health sciences, nursing, epidemiology, or a related discipline. Many positions prefer or require a master's degree in public health (MPH), health services research, or a similar advanced qualification.
Professional certifications may include credentials in epidemiology, biostatistics, health program evaluation, or research methodology. Strong skills in quantitative and qualitative research methods, data analysis, and statistics are essential. Proficiency with statistical software and health research databases is advantageous.
Professional development opportunities within DND include specialized training in military health issues, defence policy, project management, and advanced research methodologies. You may also pursue continuing education through professional associations such as the Canadian Public Health Association or the Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research.
Entry Plans
You can enter the Health Research Officer career through several pathways:
Open competitions are regularly advertised on the Government of Canada's job website (jobs.gc.ca) and are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those with work authorization. These competitions typically include a screening process based on education and experience, followed by interviews or written assessments.
The Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP) and Post-Secondary Recruitment Initiative (PSRI) provide pathways for students and recent graduates to gain experience in federal health research roles, which can lead to permanent positions.
Lateral transfers from other federal departments or agencies with relevant health research experience are possible through internal mobility processes. If you are already employed in the Public Service, you may apply for positions through internal competitions or express interest in similar roles within DND.
You may also enter through specialized recruitment pools or targeted initiatives for professionals with advanced degrees in health research or public health.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements are often available for Health Research Officer positions, though availability may vary depending on the specific role and operational requirements. Many research-focused positions offer flexibility in work location, with opportunities for remote or hybrid work arrangements, particularly for data analysis, report writing, and literature review tasks.
Flexible scheduling may be negotiated based on project timelines and organizational needs. Full participation in research projects may require some on-site presence for collaboration with teams, attendance at meetings, and access to secure databases or facilities.
Specific accommodation for part-time work, compressed work weeks, or telework should be discussed during the recruitment process and confirmed with your manager, as arrangements depend on operational requirements and the nature of the research being conducted.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
