Job Description

The Injury Prevention Research Office (IPRO) at St. Michael\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital is to integrate data analytics in its injury prevention program where big data, machine learning, neural networks, or other AI technologies will be utilized for the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), along with other similar projects such as the RCL IMPACT study, theTRACE clinical trial, and the Think First For Kids (TFFK) project.

The opportunity

The Research Associate is an intensive experience that provides opportunities both for self-directed research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Strong candidates for this program have graduate level training in one or more of the following areas: computer sciences, statistics, biostatistics, epidemiology, health economics, or related fields. Applications from those with appropriate analytical skills from fields of psychology, neuropsychology, sociology, genetics, anthropology, urban studies, measurement and evaluation, policy, mathematics, spatial analysis, health services, demography, or other related fields would also be considered. A basic science or medical sciences background alone without expertise in one or more of the above fields will be insufficient for this position.

The IPRO Research Program combines academic research, education and training, and professional work with progressive mentoring from a multidisciplinary group of professors and researchers. Fellows contribute directly to the program of research through their involvement in work groups, development of new methods, and managing and driving research projects to meet deliverables.

The purpose of the opportunity is to:
Prepare candidates for future positions in academia, national health agencies, industry, international organizations, and foundations.
Enhance skills in designing and implementing in-depth methodological research related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and injury prevention.
Develop an understanding of the current landscape, scope, and challenges of TBI and injury prevention, and other clinical neuroscience and neuroimaging topics.
Strengthen the ability to mentor junior researchers, including students and research personnel.
Develop skills related to writing, obtaining, and managing grants and publishing manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals

Research Associate will be involved in the following activities pertaining to the TBI and injury prevention projects, with a main focus on the application of advanced data analytics in TBI and injury prevention related research:

Identifying and developing a useful signature for concussion or TBI.
Cluster analysis and complex multidimensional analyses including integration of geospatial and other factors in understanding outcomes of various research projects.
Liaising with the Institute of Clinical and Evaluative Sciences for data analyses and studies.
Supervision of students
Preparation and assisting in the preparation and submission of manuscripts of the study findings
Preparation of grant proposals related to this and other studies.

Expectations

Research Associate will be expected to complete the following:

Take part in and oversee all aspects of at least 2 research studies, including one concussion study
Co-author and submit at least 4 manuscripts per year
Develop and submit at least 2 grant proposals per year
Submit Research Ethics Board applications
Supervise students at all stages, graduate and undergraduate students
Present research findings at national and international scientific meetings

Eligibility

To be considered for the position, candidates must have the following:

A PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in computer science, epidemiology, biostatistics, economics, psychology, sociology, health and/or medical sciences, or other related fields
Completion of PhD within 6 years at the time of application
A strong quantitative analysis background. Quantitative or economic analysis expertise will also be desirable.
Advanced research experience, especially with data analysis, health economics, statistical methods
Strong writing skills
A keen motivation to make a difference and to achieve goals.

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.