Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: Knowledge Synthesis & Evaluation Services

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

The Role The Population Health portfolio at Public Health Ontario (PHO) focuses on health promotion, chronic disease prevention and environmental health priority areas. This summer work with the synthesis team will involve working on key initiatives and requests specific to topics about health promotion and/or reducing risks for chronic disease. The assigned work will draw attention to a specific topic (e.g., alcohol, tobacco and reducing risk, diabetes prevention interventions, mental health) and provide best available evidence to inform decision-making, local planning and programming in Ontario communities.

The successful applicant will contribute to this work as a key member of the synthesis team, contributing to quantitative and qualitative analysis (e.g., prevalence and impacts of the assigned topic) and reporting strategies within evidence-to-impact frameworks. In addition, the position may include opportunities for connecting with public health units and assisting in the preparation of various knowledge products.

Suggested placement start date: May to August 2026

Please Note

• This position is only open to students who are currently enrolled in an academic program where the completion of a practicum placement is required.
• This position is only open to students currently residing in Ontario and attending a Canadian academic institution. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Ontario-based academic institutions.
• This is a paid placement.

Educational Objectives

• Develop understanding of contributing factors to, and impacts of, chronic disease, for a variety of higher risk populations.
• Build understanding of needs and beneficial services to best support individuals and communities in the context of health promotion and chronic disease prevention.
• Gain experience in synthesizing best available evidence and / or data analysis.
• Develop skills in clearly communicating scientific information to scientific and general audiences.

Proposed Deliverables At The End Of The Placement

• A rapid literature review on a sub-population related to health promotion/chronic disease prevention.
• A knowledge product (synthesis report) translating the results of the rapid literature review.
• An oral presentation related to the assignment and the results of the students’ practicum work, delivered to the Population Health portfolio and/or to relevant teams or advisory.

Required Education And Experience

• Enrollment in a graduate level degree program in public health at an accredited Ontario university for which a practicum placement is required.
• Familiarity with steps/processes in conducting literature reviews.
• Familiarity with survey data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity of knowledge translation theories and methods.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.

Duration: Student (Fixed Term), 3 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group: Individual Contributor

Compensation Range: $700.00 - $725.00

Posting Date: 01-5-2026

Closing Date: 01-20-2026

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first. While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose. PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.