Feb. 5, 2026

2026 summer student opportunity - Health Equity HUB

The O'Brien Institute's Health Equity HUB welcomes applications from undergraduate students for a summer student position

About the Health Equity HUB

The Health Equity HUB is situated within the O’Brien Institute for Public Health at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. The HUB connects academic researchers across disciplines with community organizations, trainees, and policy makers to advance health equity. The HUB’s mission is to support research that enables community-led impact, addresses health inequities, and contributes to meaningful social change. Its growing network includes more than 200 members from over 10 faculties at the University of Calgary, as well as 40 community organizations working across a range of social determinants of health, wellness, and prosperity. 

The HUB is led by Dr. Katie Birnie (Associate Professor and Associate Scientific Director for Healthier Populations, O’Brien Institute for Public Health) and is supported by a collaborative team that includes a Student and Trainee Engagement Lead, Knowledge Translation Lead, HUB Manager, and Communications Coordinator. A full list of HUB staff is available on our website.

We recognize that health inequities are shaped by intersecting systems of power and oppression, including racism, colonialism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia, ableism, and socioeconomic exclusion. Our work is grounded in principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and we value multiple ways of knowing, including lived and community-based knowledge.

Purpose of the position

The Summer Student will provide research and coordination support to the Health Equity HUB, with a focus on supporting the development of a digital platform for research-community partnerships. Responsibilities will include assisting with mixed methods research (e.g., online survey, focus groups, interviews) and knowledge mobilization activities (e.g., events and community dialogues) focused on health equity. 

The student will interact with internal and external interest groups and will be expected to represent the Health Equity HUB with professionalism and respect. The Summer Student will work closely with the Associate Scientific Director for Healthier Populations and the Health Equity HUB manager at the O’Brien Institute for Public Health.

Qualifications and expertise required

Education

  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program.
  • Enrollment in a health equity-related field is an asset, including but not limited to health sciences, nursing, social work, sociology, Indigenous studies, gender studies, political science, or related disciplines.

Requirements and experience

  • Demonstrated interest in health equity, community-based research, and/or social justice.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience conducting literature reviews, evidence synthesis, or preparing summaries and briefing materials.
  • Experience working in or with community organizations and/or community partnerships is an asset.
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively within a team.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully with people from diverse disciplinary, cultural, and community backgrounds.
  • Attention to detail, good judgment, and professionalism.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and basic online survey tools.

We encourage applications from students who identify as members of equity-denied groups and from those whose lived experiences inform their interest in health equity.

Key activities and responsibilities

With supervision and mentorship, the Summer Student will be involved in:

  • Supporting activities related to the development of a digital partnerships platform.
  • Conducting environmental scans and reviews of academic and grey literature.
  • Preparing summaries, reports, and briefing documents.
  • Supporting meetings, workshops, or dialogues with Health Equity HUB members (academic researchers, community organizations, trainees, and policy actors).
  • Scheduling meetings and assisting with coordination across initiatives.
  • Assisting with research administration (e.g., grant applications, reporting).
  • Supporting knowledge mobilization activities, including presentations, briefs, and other dissemination materials.
  • Contributing to HUB events and the broader collaborative environment of the O’Brien Institute. 

Position details

  • Position runs from May to August 2026
  • Hybrid work arrangement
  • Regular supervision and mentorship provided by the Associate Scientific Director for Healthier Population and the Health Equity HUB manager.
  • Additional support from members of Health Equity HUB and O’Brien Institute for Public Health (e.g., communications, operations).
  • Opportunities to participate in research learning workshops and professional development offered through the University of Calgary.

Application process

  • Please submit one combined PDF including:
    • Resume/CV
    • Unofficial transcript
    • Statement of interest (briefly describing why this position interests you and how your background aligns)
  • Email application to: healthequityhub@ucalgary.ca
  • Application deadline: February 23, 2026.
  • Interviews are expected to take place: March 9-13, 2026.