Postdoctoral Scholar in Paediatrics in Calgary

The Department of Paediatrics in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar (PDS). This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principle Investigator of the CCIPNR: From Care to Cure project, an interdisciplinary research initiative focused on improving outcomes for children and youth with complex chronic inflammatory and kidney diseases through integration of routine clinical care with innovative research infrastructure, patient-reported outcomes, education interventions, and health system evaluation to support precision medicine approaches, strengthen clinical trial readiness, and generate high-quality data to inform current and future care.

The PDS supervision will be provided by Dr. Marinka Twilt, Professor and Pediatric Rheumatologist; and Dr. Silviu Grisaru, Associate Professor and Section Chief in Nephrology, Cumming School of Medicine. This fellowship is embedded in a research program with extensive connections to local community partners, national and international research networks.

The position requires independent analysis and research, within a team approach in a fast moving and changing environment, often involving multiple stakeholders. The PDS will contribute to refining the research questions and methods and will have the opportunity to lead a multi-pronged program of research to assess use of patient reported outcome measures, patient education concepts and evaluation approaches across sectors for youth with rheumatic diseases, mental health concerns and/or other disability.

Clinical trial design will be used to assess interventional education programs. Quantitative analysis will apply statistical and economic approaches to survey data collection and qualitative analysis will draw on perspectives from focus groups and interviews with participants. Research outcomes will inform policy development for health services and evaluation. The PDS will work closely with national and international researchers and with community stakeholders.

PDS Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of at least two of the sub-studies in the above-described research program.
• Actively seek additional, external funding opportunities at local, provincial and national levels.
• Actively contribute to the development of peer-reviewed publications related to the studies undertaken as part of the PDS appointment.
• Provide leadership on knowledge translation activities.
• Provide leadership and mentorship at weekly research team meetings, including supervision of trainees and support staff.
• Undertake additional training.

Opportunities for applied training are available, related to statistical methods, clinical trials, qualitative inquiry and stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, grant writing, student supervision, knowledge translation of clinical research into practice and policy and multi-stakeholder collaboration with a range of investigators (policy analysts, epidemiologists, psychologists, qualitative researchers, legal analysts, statisticians, and health service agencies).

Qualifications

• PhD in health sciences, health services research, or a related field, completed within the last 7 years (or will be completed upon PDS start date).
• High level of effective organizational, time management and personal initiative skills.
• Proven ability to design and complete research studies of complex issues.
• Experience with research software (STATA preferred, NVivo preferred) as well as Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Strong team player.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in scientific writing.
• Proven ability to deliver high quality publications and presentations.
• Understanding of experimental design and scientific process and evaluative and qualitative methodologies.
• Strong track record of scholarly activities including publication of research findings in reputable peer reviewed journals and conference presentations.
• Experience in applying for external grants and awards.

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement.