Company Description The University Health Network, where “above all else the needs of patients come first”, encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of “Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning”, the University Health Network (UHN), Canada’s largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Job Description Under the supervision of Dr. Calvin Ke, the Principal Investigator and Director of the Epidemiologic and Applied Research Lab in Young-Onset Diabetes (EARLY Diabetes, earlydiabetes.ca), the Postdoctoral Researcher will lead and contribute to a portfolio of research projects focused on type 2 diabetes in young adults and ethnically diverse populations. The role will focus on advancing health equity through implementation science and community-engaged research, using qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. The successful candidate will be actively involved in project design, data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilization, while also taking a leadership role in community partnerships and interdisciplinary collaborations. This is a full-time, one-year in-person position based at Toronto General Hospital, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. Occasional travel to study sites and partner organizations within the Greater Toronto Area is expected (e.g., Mississauga).

Duties

• Lead the design and implementation of mixed-methods research projects focused on young-onset type 2 diabetes and ethnically diverse populations with type 2 diabetes, with an emphasis on community engagement.
• Develop research instruments including interview guides, surveys, and focus group protocols, in collaboration with academic collaborators and community partners.
• Manage all aspects of research ethics submissions, including applications, amendments, annual reports, and liaising with the Research Ethics Board.
• Conduct and supervise data collection activities, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, participant recruitment, and informed consent processes, particularly within underserved and ethnically diverse communities.
• Perform both qualitative and quantitative data analysis, and contribute to synthesizing findings for internal reports, public presentations, and academic publications.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with community organizations, health care providers, and stakeholders to promote culturally responsive and grounded research.
• Lead and support knowledge translation and mobilization efforts, including preparing materials tailored to academic, clinical, policy, and community audiences.
• Prepare and contribute to grant applications, peer-reviewed manuscripts, literature reviews, and conference abstracts and presentations.
• Mentor trainees, including students and research assistants, in research methods, data collection, and dissemination.
• Actively engage in lab meetings, strategic planning, and cross-project collaboration, contributing to the lab’s broader goals and activities.

Qualifications

• Candidate must be external to UHN (prefer candidates external to Toronto)
• PhD degree obtained within the last five (5) or MD within the last ten (10) years in a relevant field, preferably in public health, health sciences, epidemiology, social sciences, or a related discipline with a focus on mixed-methods and/or qualitative research.
• Experience conducting applied research using qualitative and/or mixed method, including community-based, health equity, and/or implementation science projects.
• Advanced knowledge of qualitative and/or mixed-methods methodologies, including protocol development, ethics submissions, data collection (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups), and integrated analysis and interpretation.
• Strong track record of academic writing and dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, grant proposals, conference presentations, and/or knowledge translation materials for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with relevant research tools, including qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo or similar) and Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with research ethics guidelines and processes, particularly the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2).
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary teams and engage with community stakeholders.
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to health equity, cultural responsiveness, and community-engaged research practices.
• Multilingual proficiency is an asset, especially in languages commonly spoken within ethnically diverse communities across the Greater Toronto Area (e.g., Punjabi, Urdu, Tamil, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, etc.).
• Work well independently as well as with others as part of a team
• Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to set priorities and work independently with accuracy in a fast-paced multitasking environment

Additional Information We are recruiting under UHN's Canada Leads program, so the position is contingent on acquisition of funding.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.