JOB POSTING

POST-DOCTORAL FELLOW IN QUALITATIVE HIV PREVENTION RESEARCH

JOB DESCRIPTION

Together with co-investigators at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health and a variety of academic and community-based partners, the Options Collaboratory in HIV/STI Treatment and Prevention Science (www.optionslab.ca) is currently looking for a dynamic team player with excellent qualitative research skills to join our research team as a full-time Post-Doctoral Fellow. Our lab is an interdisciplinary research team dedicated to bringing together community, academic, clinical, and policy partners to find and implement new and better options for the treatment and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We are housed within the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (www.maphealth.ca) and conduct clinical and implementation science research based within the Division of Infectious Diseases at St. Michaels Hospital.

A major focus of our work relates to HIV prevention modalities such as HIV pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP). Our methodologies draw on clinical epidemiology, public health and implementation science, and we collaborate closely with researchers in the basic, behavioural, health economic and social sciences. Our diverse team is passionate about the ability of rigorous science to achieve positive social change and improved health outcomes.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to lead qualitative work on a project funded by the Ontario HIV Treatment Network entitled, “Planning for Long-acting ANtiretrovirals as HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PLAN PEP)”. This mixed-methods, three-component formative research study will use a convergent parallel design to evaluate the acceptability of long-acting PEP (LA-PEP) among PEP users, communities at increased risk of HIV, and clinical stakeholders.

Working closely with the investigator team, which includes academic and community partners, the fellow will lead the qualitative components of the study (e.g., finalization of study documents, facilitating focus groups and interviews, analysis of results, knowledge translation activities). The role will be co-supervised by Dr Darrell Tan, Clinician-Scientist in the Division of Infectious Diseases at St Michael’s Hospital, and Dr Daniel Grace, Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto. Depending on interest and experience, the Post-Doctoral Fellow will have additional opportunities to contribute to the quantitative component of the study (a prospective cohort study of PEP users), the design of a follow-up clinical trial, as well as related work being done in our labs. The successful candidate will have strong qualitative research skills and experience, familiarity with community-engaged research, and excellent science communication skills. Familiarity with the field of HIV and with quantitative methods is an asset.

Because our lab works with historically disadvantaged populations including gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender people, ethnocultural minorities, and other equity-seeking groups, the ideal candidate must have demonstrated familiarity and comfort working with these populations. Please address this explicitly in your cover letter.

This is a one-year fellowship, with the opportunity to renew for additional years pending funding availability and performance. The successful post-doctoral fellow will be well supported in seeking peer-reviewed funding. The fellowship will provide opportunities for an outstanding candidate to broaden their network of clinical, public health, policy and community-based collaborators working in the Canadian context, while honing skills in community-engaged research, data analysis and scientific writing. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to travel to present at national and international conferences.

This position is onsite with the option for occasional remote work.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people in underrepresented communities are less likely to apply to jobs when they don’t meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we still welcome you to apply.

ACTIVITIES

Lead recruitment, data collection, analysis and knowledge translation activities for both qualitative research components of the PLAN-PEP study (focus groups/interviews with community members and with clinicians, respectively).

Contribute to study document finalization and Research Ethics Board submission.

Collect qualitative study data by conducting focus groups and interviews.

Conduct qualitative analysis.

Lead the development of scientific abstracts suitable for presentation at national and international meetings.

Lead the development of manuscripts suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Co-lead the writing, preparation and submission of related funding applications.

Provide mentorship to and day-to-day supervision of peer research assistant (pending available funding for PRA role).

Conduct community-based knowledge translation and exchange activities with diverse stakeholders.

Collaborate closely with clinicians, research staff, and community partners in data collection and knowledge translation activities.

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 trainees and team members 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.

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.

Knowledge Translation activities including dissemination of results 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). 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 (e.g. 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.

May teach university subjects to undergraduate and graduate students as a TA or an instructor.

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, hiring from the Office of Research Administration, 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, animal care committee 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 completed their PhD within 6 years of their start date OR currently in their last year of completing a recognized Doctoral (PhD or MD) degree. If currently in their last year, Doctoral thesis must have been submitted at the time of the postdoctoral fellowship application, and the thesis must have been successfully defended three (3) or more months before their Postdoctoral Fellow start date.

Minimum 1 peer-reviewed publications where the candidate contributed to >75% of the writing as first author or co-author (submitted publications acceptable).

Familiarity with a variety of qualitative research methodologies and relevant theoretical frameworks.

Previous experience in protocol development, grant writing, and making presentations to scientific audiences.

Strong verbal communication skills, including engaging with stakeholders with varying levels of research expertise.

Enthusiasm for self-directed learning.

Demonstrated commitment and/or interest in working with equity-deserving populations, including ethnoracial, sexual and gender minorities.

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

Experience with the preparation of manuscripts and data presentation required.

Microsoft Office applications.

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

Experience in quantitative research and using statistical software (i.e. R, Stata, SAS, SPSS etc.) is an asset but not mandatory.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills required.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team required.

Ability to pay close attention to detail required.

Excellent planning and organizational skills required.

Able to work with people with diverse backgrounds.

Effective mentoring and coaching skills with the ability to effectively support team members preferred.

Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills required.

Ability to make decisions, within scope of authority preferred.

Excellent project management skills required.

Ability to maintain active involvement in several aspects of research study development required.

Demonstrated ability to initiate and complete a research study in chosen field required.

Demonstrated ability to design, execute and manage multiple studies preferred.

Understanding of power dynamics and structural inequities as they relate to health outcomes.

Sense of curiosity, inquisitiveness.

TO APPLY

Please include the following documents as separate attachments:

A cover letter outlining why this position is of interest, including relevant training, skills and career goals.

An up-to-date curriculum vitae.

A formal writing sample that you have solo authored (eg. essay written for a course, a chapter from a thesis, a scientific article with no co-authors).

References will be requested from applicants during the selection process.

We value personalized and authentic cover letters that reflect your unique experiences and perspectives. While AI tools can assist with creating a draft cover letter, we encourage applicants to limit their use to ensure your application and your cover letter reflect who you are as a person and accurately reflects your qualifications and interest in our work. Content that is clearly written using AI software is likely to be viewed negatively by our hiring committee. Please note that applications that do not include a cover letter and a formal writing sample will not be considered.

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.