Term
One-year with the possibility of extension, contingent on interest, performance, and funding.
Position summary
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada’s largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing heart disease. The BHI Research Program is a $109 million initiative funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. This first-of-its-kind interdisciplinary research program aims to transform the prevention and treatment of brain-heart interrelated conditions and improve the health and quality of life of Canadians and people worldwide. The BHI team includes experts from the University of Ottawa and affiliated research institutes, the uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, McGill University, the University of Saskatchewan and more than 45 other academic, industry and governmental and non-governmental partners worldwide. Patient-oriented research is a cornerstone of the BHI Research Program.
This postdoctoral fellowship affords the opportunity to gain and contribute knowledge to the area of patient-oriented research (i.e., engaging patients as partners, focusing on patient-identified priorities, and improving patient outcomes) as it relates to Brain-Heart conditions. This fellowship is ideally suited to an individual who wishes to pursue a path in research, program evaluation, implementation science, or knowledge mobilization. The incumbent will contribute to several qualitative and quantitative research projects that involve a broad range of patient-oriented activities (e.g., priority setting, needs assessment, resource and program development, evaluation) and will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to build capacity for patient engagement at the UOHI and affiliated institutes.
Responsibilities
It is expected that the fellow will take on progressive leadership in the conduct, analysis, and presentation of results from quantitative and qualitative patient-oriented research projects that support the strategic objectives of the BHI Research Program. The fellow will work closely with members of the BHI team and cross-cutting theme leads (e.g., patient engagement, knowledge mobilization), research coordinators and assistants, and will help to supervise undergraduate and graduate students. The fellow will become a member of the Cardiovascular Health Promotion, Education, and Social Determinants Laboratory, attend regular lab meetings, and contribute to various lab initiatives. There will be opportunities to support the development of grant applications, particularly those using patient-oriented approaches. The fellow will be encouraged to participate in activities offered by the BHI (e.g., Brain and Heart Summer School) and within the laboratories led by members of the BHI team.
Mandatory requirements
- A PhD in a health-related (e.g., health sciences, health studies, nursing) or social science discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology, education) from a recognized, accredited program
- Training in and experience with qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methods and their application to patient-oriented research (or closely related concepts, including patient engagement, participatory action research, community based participatory research, citizen science, co-design, etc.)
- Previous experience investigating health-or social science-related topics using patient-oriented approaches, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys etc.
- Experience analyzing textual and numerical data using established methodologies, with support from relevant software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, Atlas.ti)
- Experience in the preparation and publication of manuscripts
Desired qualifications
- Experience conducting interviews or focus groups with patients with lived experience and their families, health care leaders and providers
- Experience conducting research with individuals from equity-deserving groups or vulnerable populations
- Experience conducting systematic literature reviews
- Experience with research ethics and consent as it relates to study participation
- An openness to apply knowledge and experience in patient-oriented research to topics outside their field
- Knowledge of the Brain-Heart research ecosystem in Canada is considered an asset
Competencies
- Strong oral communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent technical writing skills in English
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment
- Excellent computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office, EndNote, SPSS)
Other qualifications
- Bilingualism (French and English) is considered an asset
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required
- The fellow is expected to be present in Ottawa, but hybrid-work may be possible as agreed upon by their supervisor. Office space at the UOHI will be provided.
To apply
Please send a letter of application, including: (1) a 1-page cover letter describing relevant research experience and interests; (2) updated curriculum vitae; (3) a sample peer-reviewed publication; and (4) names and contact information of three referees to Dr. Karen Bouchard. A description of any barriers that may have limited research contributions to date are encouraged. Applicants are encouraged to reach out should they have questions regarding the application requirements.
Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.
According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.
The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.