Post Doctoral Fellow

The Interventional Psychiatry Program at St. Michael’s Hospital led by Dr. Venkat Bhat is currently looking for Post-Doctoral Fellows (PDF) with a track record and interest in research. The Interventional Psychiatry Program offers novel psychopharmacological (e.g. IV ketamine/other anesthetic agents), neurostimulation (e.g. rTMS, emerging neurostimulation modalities) and digital therapeutic (mobile-based monitoring and interventions) interventions. The interdisciplinary program offers emerging and procedural interventions for psychiatric disorders, the research program aims to understand treatment-response with these emerging interventions. The fellow will also have the opportunity to work with/examine data from brain stimulation (e.g. Deep Brain Stimulation, Functional Electrical Stimulation) at Toronto Western Hospital/KITE where Dr. Bhat is also based. This PDF position is intended for candidates that wish to develop and refine their research skills with novel and emerging treatment modalities with an emphasis on data science (AI/analytics) and digital mental health. As a PDF, this role is expected to be an extension of their academic training received during their doctorate with the goal of eventually transitioning into an Independent Scientist role. In addition to Dr. Bhat, the PDF will have the opportunity to work with leading researchers in psychiatry, neurology, anesthesia, imaging, informatics and biomedical engineering. Dr. Bhat leads AI & Analytics within iBEST (https://www.ibestresearch.ca/ ), this PDF position offers opportunities for analysis of multimodal data collected within the program. This PDF position is looking for candidates with interest in digital mental health and AI/Analytics for psychiatric disorders.

The Interventional Psychiatry program is currently looking for a Post Doctoral Fellow (PDF). Postdoctoral Fellows work in a variety of departments and units set in offices, laboratories, and at research sites (e.g., long term care homes).

Working closely with and receiving advice and direction from a supervising Scientist, the Postdoctoral Fellow is expected to develop a specialized area of research and expertise. A Postdoctoral fellowship is an extension of their academic training received during their doctorate which brings them one step closer to reaching their goal of becoming an independent Scientist. Primary responsibilities include:

• Developing research ideas and designing research studies under the direction of a supervising Scientist to address knowledge gap or problems and generate new knowledge.

• Leading/managing some parts of or entire studies under the direction of a supervising Scientist.

• Writing proposals, reports, manuscripts for publication, and grant writing as needed.

• Providing presentations for knowledge dissemination, as required.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Due to variable nature of position, this list is to be used as a guide only.

Research study development and initiation (55% of work time)

• Leads/manages some parts of or an entire study under the direction of a Supervising Scientist.

• Maintains clear knowledge and understanding of research ethics, regulations and policies while remaining in full compliance with all applicable policies for ethical conduct to ensure adequate quality control.

• Conducts ongoing review of relevant literature to keep up with current knowledge.

• Participates in and leads team/lab meetings and research rounds with other Post Doc Fellows by providing insightful and intellectual discussions and presentations.

• Develops protocols and budget; initiates and leads small to moderate level studies under the direction of a Supervising Scientist following established process/practice.

• Assists Investigator(s) in writing/submitting research grant applications, e.g., by providing study results and interpretation, feedback on the application, assisting with the development of budget and study protocols.

• Writes proposal and application for awards in conjunction with the Principal Investigator to increase funding, enhance CV and the profile of the institution, e.g., CIHR Postdoctoral Fellowship and scholarships.

• Develops novel research ideas and designs scientific studies of moderate scope to address knowledge gap or complex problems subject to review, input/amendment, and approval of the Principal Investigator.

• Utilizes research knowledge to contribute to institutional activities, e.g., being a judge for poster competitions, etc.

• May assist and contribute to PI's research.

• May participate in committees.

• May help with academic activities for the research team e.g., journal clubs, seminars, discussions.

• Develops training tools and modules based on the research and conducting training.

• Provides training on how to appropriately use laboratory equipment/technology

Report/manuscript writing and presentations (25% of work time)

• Writes reports and manuscripts for publication as first author, under the guidance/direction and subject to approval by the Principal Investigator while maintaining responsibility for academic output of research studies.

• Receives mentorship from the Principal Investigator to present at local, national and/or international meetings/conferences.

• Networks and collaborates with other Researchers to keep abreast of new developments in research, to exchange information, within scope of authority, etc.

• Selects appropriate techniques/methods to analyze data and provides interpretation of study results.

• May conduct "Knowledge Translation" - disseminates the results of research to the wider scientific community and to the healthcare community; develops tools and evidence summaries to make research more accessible to lay audiences.

Day to day project and staff guidance tasks (15% of work time)

• May provide day to day guidance to Research staff (research Coordinators, Research assistants, Research Technicians). Provides day to day guidance for activities performed in the research program under the direction and guidance from the Principal Investigator.

• May participate in hiring staff (Selection process, interviewing, providing input on job postings etc.).

• Helps students network and connect with other Principal investigators.

• Advise students on course and academic matters and career decisions.

• Guides and mentors students on how to conduct research/analysis (incld. Literature searchers, research techniques, and conceptual training) and how to write and review their work.

• Seeks, develops, and maintains, internal and external relationships for research collaborations and partnerships.

Administrative Duties (5% of work time)

• May coordinate research activities with other departments; study approval from the Research Ethics Board; approval for grant applications, research contracts, etc.

• May participate in the administrative onboarding of hired staff and students (e.g. Develops contracts, reviews applications, ensures budget is adequate).

• Prepares research ethics board, and all other required submissions relative to initiating and conducting individual studies, under the direction of a supervising Scientist.

• Orders supplies as required and maintains inventory for research studies

Performs cross functional and other duties as assigned and/or requested.

All staff are expected to carry out their assigned duties and responsibilities in a manner which prioritizes patient and employee safety, and confidentiality. Key accountabilities in this regard include:

• Strict compliance with patient/employee confidentiality practices and policies.

• Strict compliance with patient/employee safety practices and standards.

• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee confidentiality breaches in accordance with established policies and procedures.

• Appropriate identification, reporting and response to patient/employee safety risks and incidents/events in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Must have complete their PhD within 6 years of their start date OR currently in their last year of completing a recognized Doctoral (PhD or MD) degree where submission of a Doctoral thesis by postdoc application period is required and successfully defended their Doctoral thesis three (3) or more months before their Postdoctoral Fellow start date.

• Experience in several aspects of research study development, initiation, execution, analysis and interpretation required.

• Experience with the preparation of manuscripts and data presentation required.

• Uses Research equipment specific to the project, e.g., flow cytometry, microscope, tissue processor, DNA/RNA sequencer, animal imaging system, driving simulator, virtual reality, etc.

• Worked with community research before/worked with vulnerable groups

• Microsoft Office applications.

• Statistical software (i.e. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS etc.)

• Qualitative data analysis software (Nvivo, Dedoose, Atlas TI etc.)

• [Advanced] Computer skills with Microsoft Office

• [Intermediate] Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.

• [Advanced] Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

• [Advanced] Ability to pay close attention to detail required.

• [Advanced] Excellent planning and organizational skills required.

• [Advanced] Able to work with people with diverse backgrounds.

• [Intermediate] Effective mentoring and coaching skills with the ability to effectively support team members preferred.

• [Advanced] Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills required.

• [Advanced] Ability to make decisions, within scope of authority preferred.

• [Advanced] Excellent project management skills required.

• [Advanced] Ability to maintain active involvement in several aspects of research study development required.

• [Advanced] Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete a research study in chosen field required.

• [Advanced] Demonstrated ability to design, execute and manage multiple studies preferred.

• [Advanced] Understanding of power dynamics, and structures.

• [Advanced] Sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.