The MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, is recruiting for a Postdoctoral Fellow (2-year fellowship) to begin as soon as possible. The Postdoctoral Fellow will be based at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, under the supervision of Dr. Ann Burchell at the ESTIMATE Lab: https://research.unityhealth.to/labs/estimatelab/.
The primary focus of this position will be to support and co-lead ongoing qualitative research activities as part of implementation science projects to inform equitable cancer screening for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Cancer is an important comorbidity and healthcare concern for people living with HIV, as they are at a greater risk for cancers with infectious causes compared with HIV-negative people. There is a need for comprehensive HIV care that incorporates equitable uptake of cancer screening guidelines. This position will involve leading new qualitative data collection activities as part of ongoing funded studies. This includes ongoing research to assess individual, healthcare provider, organization, and health system needs for adoption of cancer screening; to co-create, with healthcare providers and HIV communities, implementation strategies for cancer screening that are considered feasible and acceptable to deliverers and recipients; to evaluate cancer screening strategies according to reach, effectiveness, adoption, and implementation outcomes. The successful candidate will also contribute to other mixed methods research studies concerning cancer prevention needs for communities of people living with HIV. This position will offer the successful applicant a challenging and rewarding environment working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and the opportunity to help improve the health care sector.
ACTIVITIES:
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Operationalizes qualitative component of equitable cancer screening study under the direction of the supervising Scientist, including facilitating focus groups and key informant interviews
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Design and conduct analyses of qualitative data and contribute to the project team’s interpretation of research results
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Co-lead the writing, preparation and submission of manuscripts, research grants, abstracts, reports, plain-language presentations and summaries
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Provide mentorship to junior trainees, community collaborators, peer research associates, and other research staff on methodological and logistical aspects of research conduct and reporting
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Conduct community-based knowledge translation and exchange activities with diverse stakeholders
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Collaborate closely with clinicians, research staff and community partners in data collection and knowledge translation activities
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Coordinates research activities including hiring and training of peer research associates, managing research ethic applications
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Manage participant recruitment, including crafting creative and equitable strategies for reaching diverse participants
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Oversee and undertake collection and management of study-related data – ensuring quality control and storage in accordance with organizational policies and privacy regulations
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Monitor and communicate the progress of project activities; develop and maintain records of project activities and prepare periodic reports as required by investigators, administrators, funding agencies, and/or regulatory bodies
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Liaise with multiple internal and external stakeholders at local and international levels, including functioning as a knowledge broker
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Follow hospital, ethics, privacy regulations, and MAP’s policies and procedures
Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills
Must have completed their PhD within 5 years of their start date OR currently in their last year of completing a recognized Doctoral (PhD) degree.
- Qualitative interview experience and qualitative data analysis experience, including the use of NVivo software or other qualitative data analysis software is required.
- Applicants should have demonstrated interest or experience in HIV, cancer, health equity, and implementation science research
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Experience in data management and analysis skills
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Extensive experience with Implementation Science theories, models, and frameworks is a strong asset.
- Mixed methods research skills and French language proficiency are also considered an asset.
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Experience working with large quantitative data sets, including the use of R, SPSS, SAS, or STATA software is considered an asset but is not a requirement for this position.
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Experience in several aspects of research study development, initiation, execution, analysis and interpretation required.
- Experience with the preparation of manuscripts and data presentation required.
- Experience in working with community research/vulnerable groups as research partners and/or study participants.
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Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with an interdisciplinary and multi-site investigator team.
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Excellent understanding of mapping facilitators and barriers to evidence based strategies
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Meticulous attention to detail and capable of independent decision-making
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Comfort working on ambiguous tasks, including working collaboratively and iteratively to create project documents
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Ability to adapt to changes in project direction
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Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Conditions of Work
This is a two-year position. The amount awarded for Postdoctoral Fellowship: Hourly rate $26.84 to $34.90 CDN + benefits per year.
The normal hours of work are 37.5 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and training and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.
To Apply
Please apply via the SMH portal and include as separate attachments:
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Cover letter, noting relevant research experience and interest in the position.
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Curriculum vitae, with all relevant employment, volunteer, and academic experience.
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A sample publication.
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Three names of referees who can be contacted, with their contact information (phone and email). Referees will be invited to attest to the candidate’s capacity for critical thinking, qualitative and or quantitative research skills, independence, perseverance, originality, organization, communication, and collaboration.
Review of applications will begin as of June 1, 2023, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. Applications must be completed through the Unity Health Toronto website. Any questions about the position, should be emailed to supervisor Dr. Ann Burchell ([email protected]).
Equity Statement
Equity and diversity are essential to research and academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. Please note, if you are extended an offer of employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in Ontario QR Code format. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
