Postdoctoral Scholar, Health Policy and Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Policy

Position Description

Area: Health Policy and Faculty of Medicine    
Duration: One year with renewal
Start date: September 1, 2022
Annual Stipend: $55,000 per annum (plus benefits)

The School of Public Policy and the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary are accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar (PDS). The PDS will lead research to identify optimal approaches and strategies for the knowledge mobilization of evidence into stakeholder specific knowledge user material to improve outcomes for children and families.

Children can experience vulnerabilities and resiliency factors (biologic or environmental) in their developmental trajectory that impact their well-being. Evidence about these factors generated through academic research can inform programs and decision making, including ministry policy and services. The ability to share and translate new information across domains from research to practice can expedite the development of evidence informed decision making, yet optimal approaches are poorly understood. Research on optimal approaches, translated into Strategic Plans and investments can help ensure the complex information concerning child health and well-being, can be translated into programs and policy to address modifiable factors that impact child health and wellness. These Strategic Plans and investments can improve population outcomes. This PDS position focuses on addressing the evidence to practice gap by developing and testing strategies through a systematic approach, ultimately culminating in a Strategic Plan for the Owerko Centre.

This work will have an important role in supporting researchers, community partners and government to work together and build capacity to integrate evidence into programs, service delivery and policy. PDS supervision will be provided by: (1) Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, Director of Health Policy, School of Public Policy (2) Dr. Suzanne Tough, Professor, Cummings School of Medicine. This fellowship is embedded in a research program with extensive connections to local community partners and national research networks.

Job Description:

The position requires independent analysis and research, within a team approach in a fast moving and changing environment, often involving multiple stakeholders. The PDS will contribute to refining the research questions and methods and will have the opportunity to lead a multi-pronged program of research to identify relevant strategies for communication, knowledge mobilization and mentorship, including developing evidence on best practices to fosters resilience and growth for vulnerable children. Research outcomes will inform policy development for child health and social services and evaluation and the PDS will work closely partners and with community stakeholders.

PDS Responsibilities:

• Refine research questions and methods according to their expertise and interest within the project parameters
• Lead the design and implementation of at least two of the sub-studies in the above-described research program
• Actively seek additional, external funding opportunities at local, provincial and national levels
• Actively contribute to the development of peer-reviewed publications related to the studies undertaken as part of the PDS appointment
• Provide leadership on knowledge translation activities
• Provide leadership and mentorship at weekly research team meeting, including supervision of trainees and support staff
• Undertake additional training

Opportunities for applied training is available, related to statistical methods, qualitative inquiry and stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, grant writing, student supervision, knowledge translation of clinical research into practice and policy and multi-stakeholder collaboration with a range of investigators (policy analysts, epidemiologists, psychologists, qualitative researchers, legal analysts, statisticians and health service agencies).

Qualifications:

• PhD in health sciences, health services research, health promotion, political science, education or communications or a related field, completed within the last 5 years (or will be complete upon PDS start date)
• High level of effective organizational, time management and personal initiative skills
• Proven ability to design strategies and complete knowledge translation of complex issues
• Experience with research software (NVivo preferred) as well as Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and design/ communications software
• Strong team player
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in translating complex information into accessible and engaging plain language
• Proven ability to deliver high quality publications and presentations
• Understanding of experimental design and scientific process and evaluative and qualitative methodologies.
• Strong track record of scholarly activities including publication of research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations
• Experience in applying for external grants and awards
• Previous experience in the study of child health or disability or medical/psychosocial complexity would be an asset
• Previous experience in working on knowledge synthesis (such as rapid or scoping reviews, measurement and evaluation and mixed methods approaches) would be an asset

This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefits-eligible, one year appointment with the opportunity to renew. For additional information and policies regarding postdoctoral scholars at the University of Calgary, please see http://www.ucalgary.ca/research/postdoc.

Application details:

Application materials include:

• Statement of interest (limit 1 page) summarizing your relevant experience, career goals, and description of how postdoc training will contribute to these goals
• Curriculum Vitae
• List of two (2) references (reference letters will be required for final decisions)
• Two (2) writing samples (published or unpublished) that best exemplify your scholarly work, along with an explanation of your role in each sample.

Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Please contact to Drs. Suzanne Tough ([email protected]) and Jennifer Zwicker ([email protected]), if you have any questions.

Additional Information

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.  

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Postdoc Careers website.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

To succeed as one of Canada’s top universities, where new ideas are created, tested and applied through first-class teaching and research, the University of Calgary needs more of the best minds in our classrooms and labs. We’re increasing our scholarly capacity by investing in people who want to change the world, bringing the best and brightest to Calgary to form a global intellectual hub and achieve advances that matter to everyone.

About the School of Public Policy

The School of Public Policy is Canada’s leading policy school. The School was founded in 2008 by renowned economist Jack Mintz with a vision to drive policy discourse with relevant research, outreach and teaching. Its faculty is composed of scholars with exceptional academic credentials and experienced practitioners in business, government and the non-profit sector.

The School’s research is respected because it is independent, credible, and based on hard data. Its influence is reflected by its wide dissemination among policy makers, business leaders, and the media. Indeed, the School is Canada’s most cited policy school, both within traditional media and academic publications.

The School of Public Policy also provides hands-on training in Canada and abroad through a Master of Public Policy Program, an Extractive Resource Governance Program, and an Executive Training Program. Its alumni can be found in leadership positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors across Canada.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here.