The Department Medical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases invites applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow position, commencing July 6, 2026, or on a date mutually agreed upon. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct independent research under the purview of Dr. Zulma Rueda, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Infectious Diseases, Multimorbidity and Syndemics from the University of Manitoba, and Dr. Katharina Maier, Associate Professor and Research Chair in Family Justice from the University of Calgary research programs. The AllTogether4IDEAS Research Team and the Exposome Laboratory, led by Dr. Rueda and her team, investigate the clinical, basic, social, and epidemiological factors that predispose to sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) and respiratory infections acquisition, and progression to negative outcomes. Dr. Maier is a criminologist and legal scholar who co-leads qualitative research and data analyses on the intersections between HIV, drug use, social marginalization, and criminal and family justice. Our transdisciplinary team, consisting of basic scientists, clinical scientists, social scientists, and community partners, also studies point-of-care and rapid diagnostic testing to improve diagnosis and linkage to care for affected individuals, as well as the best strategies to increase access to care. For this particular position, our team is looking for an outstanding PhD holder with 0-2 years of postdoctoral experience, with excellent written and communication skills, independent, who wants to develop a scientific career. The successful candidate will lead mixed methods research (quantitative and qualitative) on the individual, structural and contextual factors that shape the knowledge, attitudes and practices of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people at risk of HIV and STBBIs, prevent or facilitate people from accessing HIV and STBBIs care, and effectively engage in care. Our research invites participants from community settings, including people at risk of acquiring STBBIs and HIV, people experiencing houselessness, people who use drugs and service providers. Our team expectations include recruitment and follow-up of participants in the field, which includes shelters, community health clinics and hospital settings, conducting surveys, interviews and focus groups, drafting research projects to submit for competitive national and international calls for grants in the field of HIV, coinfections, and the overlap of health and justice, execution of research, analysis, presentations of research results, publications and sharing the research results with the scientific and general community. The successful candidate will mentor trainees of all levels and will have the opportunity to work with community members.

The Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases was established in 1884 and is dedicated to research and training in the area of infectious diseases of humans. The department combines strong basic science research and graduate student training with excellence in clinical microbiology and infectious disease care and post-graduate clinical training. The core disciplines used by the department scientists and trainees in research programs include molecular pathogenesis of microbial disease, immunobiology of infection, molecular mechanisms of antimicrobial action, microbial resistance and epidemiology. Opportunities for training and research collaborations are welcomed by departmental scientists. The department is proud to train and mentor over 60 graduate students and conduct extensive research on campus, within affiliated laboratories in Winnipeg, and around the world in places such as Kenya, India, and South Africa. Further information about the Department can be obtained from https://umanitoba.ca/medicine/department-medical-microbiology-and-infectious-diseases .

The successful candidate will have a doctoral degree in the social sciences with a preference in sociology, criminology, or a related discipline, or in public health, community health sciences or nursing, with demonstrated experience with mixed methods research and analyses, and with a proven track record in mixed methods research. Previous research on HIV or infectious diseases is considered an asset. The PhD must have been awarded within the appropriate time frame: no more than two years from the PhD (or equivalent) degree at the time of application. Candidates nearing completion of their PhD may also apply.

Preferred qualifications include candidates with a strong background in mixed methods research and data analyses, demonstrated by publications as first-author, the candidate PhD thesis research, and previous research where the candidate has strong publication track record. Funding as nominated principal investigator is an asset. To enhance our department, we particularly invite application from those who can support and enhance our diversity, including Indigenous peoples, women, racially marginalized persons, persons with disabilities, persons of marginalized sexualities and genders, and those committed to a diverse environment.

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global. Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The City of Winnipeg (www.tourismwinnipeg.com), located where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, is recognized for its vibrant, multicultural community and diverse culture. The city, with a growing population of more than 766,000, is home to internationally renowned festivals, galleries and museums, the historic Exchange District and The Forks, and ever-expanding research, education, and business sectors. From the Hudson Bay waters, across the farmland fields, to the pulse of the cities and towns, The Province of Manitoba’s (www.travelmanitoba.com) people and places – its 100,000 lakes, 92 provincial parks, winding river valleys and storied prairie skies – inspire.

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The Rady Faculty of Health Sciences is committed to the social justice principles of equity, access & participation and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, Black, racially marginalized communities, disabled persons and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities). An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, access and participation, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, we take proactive measures including implicit bias training for all hiring panels. We strive for diversity and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (hiring panels, short-list of candidates, interviews). The University acknowledges the potential impact that Career Interruptions and Personal Circumstances can have on an applicant's record of research achievement. Measures will be taken to ensure that these leaves will be taken into careful consideration during the evaluation process.

We encourage you to self-identity aspects of your identity that position you to bring currently under-represented viewpoints, expertise and forms of excellence to this role. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact UM.Accommodation@umanitoba.ca or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Applications including a curriculum vitae, three references (name and institutional email) of which one must be the candidate’s PhD supervisor, and share up to three first-authored publications of the candidate’s research career.

For more information, contact: Shreya Srivastava shreya.srivastava@umanitoba.ca

The closing date for receipt of applications is July 22, 2026

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provision of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae may be provided to participating members of the search process.