Job Description

The Options Collaboratory ( ) is currently looking for a dynamic team player with excellent statistical analysis, science communication, critical thinking and leadership skills to join our research team as a full-time Post-Doctoral Fellow. Our lab is an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to bringing together community, academic, clinical, and policy partners to find and implement new and better options for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We are housed within the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions ( ) and conduct clinical and implementation science research within the Division of Infectious Diseases at St. Michaels Hospital.

A major focus of our work relates to HIV prevention modalities such as HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP). Our methodologies draw on clinical epidemiology, public health and implementation science, and we collaborate closely with researchers in the basic, behavioural, health economic and social sciences. Our diverse team is passionate about the ability of rigorous science to achieve positive social change and improved health outcomes.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to lead work on two projects. First, our CIHR Team grant entitled \'Scaling up PrEP for HIV Prevention: Optimizing strategies for targeting and delivering PrEP to MSM in British Columbia and Ontario\xe2\x80\x99 (PRIMP) has been measuring the \xe2\x80\x98PrEP cascade\xe2\x80\x99 among gbMSM across multiple clinical facilities, and harnesses quantitative and qualitative data in order to improve PrEP uptake. The post-doctoral fellow will perform quantitative data analysis of longitudinal program data and cross-sectional survey data, co-supervise trainees, and conduct knowledge translation activities related to the study. Second, \xe2\x80\x9cFilling the Gaps in the PrEP Cascade\xe2\x80\x9d is an OHTN-funded project in which we will use a pilot randomized trial design to evaluate a PrEP training intervention for clinicians. Working closely with a research coordinator, the fellow will lead the implementation of this study, including preparation of study documents, delivery of the intervention, collection of study data, analysis of results, and knowledge translation activities.

This is a one-year fellowship, with the potential for renewal for a second year pending performance. The fellowship will provide opportunities for outstanding candidates to broaden their network of clinical, public health, policy and community-based collaborators working in the Canadian context, while honing skills in clinical trial implementation, data analysis, scientific writing and the design of interventions. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel to present at national and international conferences, in accordance with national and international restrictions on travel.

ACTIVITIES

• Oversee the launch and implementation of the \xe2\x80\x9cFilling the Gaps\xe2\x80\x9d pilot trial
• Participate in the training of front-line clinicians in the \xe2\x80\x9cFilling the Gaps\xe2\x80\x9d intervention on PrEP counseling
• Design and conduct statistical analyses of quantitative data from the PRIMP and Filling the Gaps studies
• Lead the development of scientific abstracts suitable for presentation at national and international meetings, and of manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Co-lead the writing, preparation and submission of research grants
• Provide mentorship to junior trainees, community collaborators and other research staff on methodological and logistical aspects of research conduct and reporting
• Conduct community-based knowledge translation and exchange activities with diverse stakeholders
• Collaborate closely with clinicians, research staff and community partners in data collection and knowledge translation activities

QUALIFICATIONS

Must have completed their PhD within 6 years of their start date OR currently in their last year of completing a recognized Doctoral (PhD or MD) degree. If currently in their last year, Doctoral thesis must have been submitted at the time of the postdoctoral fellowship application, and the thesis must have been successfully defended three (3) or more months before their Postdoctoral Fellow start date.

• Minimum 3 peer-reviewed publications where the candidate contributed to

75% of the writing as first author or co-author (submitted publications acceptable) * Previous experience in protocol development, grant writing, and making presentations to scientific audiences

• Familiarity with a variety of study designs, including clinical trials, longitudinal cohorts, and cross-sectional studies
• Strong verbal communication skills, including engaging with stakeholders with varying levels of research expertise
• Enthusiasm for self-directed learning
• Demonstrated commitment and/or interest in working with equity-deserving populations, including sexual and gender minorities
• 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 epidemiology.
• Microsoft Office applications.
• Statistical software (i.e. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS etc.).
• Qualitative data analysis software (Nvivo, Dedoose, Atlas TI etc.) an asset
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail required.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills required.
• Able to work with people with diverse backgrounds.
• Effective mentoring and coaching skills with the ability to effectively support team members preferred.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills required.
• Ability to make decisions, within scope of authority preferred.
• Excellent project management skills required.
• Ability to maintain active involvement in several aspects of research study development
• Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete a research study in chosen field required.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute and manage multiple studies preferred.
• Understanding of power dynamics, and structures.
• Sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness.

APPLICATION NOTES

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, M\xc3\xa9tis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified 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.

TO APPLY

Please apply via the SMH portal and include as separate attachments:

• A cover letter outlining why this position is of interest, including relevant training, skills and career goals
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae
• A formal writing sample that you have solo authored (eg. essay written for a course, a chapter from a thesis, a scientific article with no co-authors)

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\xe2\x80\x99s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Unity Health Toronto