Job Description

DescriptionThis position is part of the Post Doctoral Fellows Association and has an initial appointment of 1 year with potential for an extension based on performance and funding.This position is full-time and has a comprehensive .Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.Working at the University of AlbertaThe University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Mxc3xa9tis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .Working for the Department of MedicineThe University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We have been recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for over a decade.The Department of Medicine is the largest department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta with over 250 academic faculty members and over 400 trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and residents). The Department of Medicine's core mission is to undertake outstanding education, research and high-quality clinical care to provide the best possible health outcomes for Albertans. We have 14 divisions that work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, multicultural and ethnically diverse collegial environment.Position SummaryThe Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta invites applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar position specializing in behavior change and digital health technologies. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research team led by Dr. Puneeta Tandon and Dr. Ashley Hyde, with expertise in patient-informed wellness interventions in chronic disease and aging using digital health platforms. The team focuses on designing interventions to improve user engagement with digital health platforms, particularly among older adults and underserved populations. They have multiple active digital health trials in adults with chronic conditions, with a recent digital health mental health RCT (EMPOWER) completed in 825 participants.This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of behavior change science and digital technology, with an emphasis on equitable access and user-centered design. Candidates will be supported for career development, to gain skills with student supervision, presentations, and grant writing, as well as to apply for scholarships and further research funding.Duties

• Design and evaluate behavior change interventions based on evidence-based frameworks.
• Conduct qualitative research to explore user experiences, barriers, and facilitators of engagement with digital health programs.
• Investigate the effectiveness of different motivational strategies (e.g., gamification, habit formation) on user adherence.
• Develop interventions aimed at improving equitable access to digital health tools for older adults.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to publish high-quality manuscripts and apply for research funding.
• Analyze behavioral and qualitative data using advanced methods to inform intervention development.

Qualifications

• A PhD (completed within the last 3 years or near completion) in Psychology, Behavioral Science, Digital Health, or a related field.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis) and software such as NVivo.
• Experience with digital health interventions, including app-based or wearable solutions, is an asset.
• Strong quantitative data analysis skills (e.g., R, Python, SPSS) is an asset.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, including patient/caregiver organizations.
• Excellent scientific writing skills, with a strong track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• Effective time management skills while managing multiple research projects.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in research and practice.

Applications Instructions:To express your interest in the position, please submit an application that includes:

• An up-to-date curriculum vitae,
• Cover letting detailing relevant experience, research interests and career goals
• List of Publications: Two relevant peer-reviewed publications or other samples of work
• Names and contact information for three individuals who can provide a professional reference.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents cannot be found, other individuals will be considered.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Mxc3xa9tis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight March 4, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

University of Alberta