Posting Expiry
Position Description
Area: Youth Health Research & Policy
Duration: 12 months
Start Date: March 2025
The Child and Youth Healthy Futures Lab in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan (UBCO) is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF). The PDF will support research to examine how child provincial service use predicts youth homelessness. PDF supervision will be provided by: (1) Dr. Carla Hilario, Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development; and (2) Dr. Matthew Russell, Senior Research and Policy Associate, PolicyWise for Children & Families. In partnership with the BC Ministry of Housing, guidance can be provided in policy analysis and government research.
The Child and Youth Healthy Futures Lab aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of children and youth by addressing structural and social determinants of health and using research evidence to inform and advance equity-oriented interventions. PolicyWise for Children & Families is a not-for-profit research organization involved in analyses of cross-ministerial, linked administrative data.
Job Description:
The position requires independent analysis and research, within a team approach in a fast moving and changing environment, often involving multiple stakeholders. The PDF will contribute to refining the research methods and will engage in the analysis of linked Data Innovation program administrative data to investigate how youths’ other system outcomes during their child years predict young adulthood homelessness. The project draws on a community-engaged approach, placing community service providers, youth, and government workers at the center of the work and how it is done. The anticipated methods to undertake this research include multivariable modeling of linked administrative data housed at the Data Innovation program. Research outcomes will inform policy development for service navigation and utilization for youth at risk for homelessness. This research is part of ongoing work to develop youth homelessness data infrastructure in Canada.
PDF Responsibilities:
- Refine research methods according to their expertise and interest within the project parameters
- Lead the design and implementation of at least one sub-study in the above-described research
- Actively seek additional, external funding opportunities at the local, provincial and national level
- Actively contribute to the development of peer-reviewed publications related to the studies undertaken as part of the PDF appointment
- Provide leadership on knowledge translation activities
- Provide leadership and mentorship at team meeting, including supervision of research trainees and support staff
- Undertake additional training
Opportunities for applied training is available, related to statistical methods, qualitative inquiry, stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, government research, grant writing, student supervision, knowledge translation of epidemiological research into practice and policy, and multi-stakeholder collaboration with a range of investigators.
Qualifications:
- PhD in health sciences, epidemiology, public health, and nursing research, or a related field, completed within the last 4 years (or will be complete upon start date)
- Ability to use scripts in SAS or R for research, with preference to SAS.
- Previous experience working with administrative data or large datasets, such as large scale healthcare administrative data
- Proven ability to design and complete research studies of complex issues
- Understanding of experimental design and scientific process and evaluative and qualitative methodologies.
- Experience with research software, specifically statistical programs as well as qualitative and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
- High level of effective organizational, time management and personal initiative skills
- Strong team player
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, especially in scientific writing
- Proven ability to deliver high quality publications and presentations
- 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
- Previous experience in the study of child and youth health and/or homelessness would be an asset
This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) 12-month appointment, with the possibility for extension. For additional information and policies regarding postdoctoral scholars at the University of British Columbia-Okanagan, please see https://gradstudies.ok.ubc.ca/postdocs/.
The PDF will be affiliated with UBCO and the Child and Youth Healthy Futures Lab. The Futures Lab is housed in the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health and Social Development (FHSD) at UBCO. The Futures Lab conducts a suite of research projects that are funded by the CIHR, the SSHRC, and Michael Smith Health Research BC. FHSD is a research-intensive environment that has established research infrastructure including funding support, partnership development, and a dedicated knowledge exchange unit.
Application details
Application materials include:
Statement of interest (limit 1 page) summarizing your relevant experience, career goals, and description of how postdoc training will contribute to these goals
Curriculum Vitae
List of two (2) references (reference letters will be required for final decisions)
Two (2) writing samples (published or unpublished) that best exemplify your scholarly work, along with an explanation of your role in each sample.
Application materials can be submitted via email to carla.hilario@ubc.ca
The application deadline is Feb 28, 2025, but applications will be considered as they are submitted. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Additional Information
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at UBCO and all we have to offer, view the UBCO Postdoc website.
About the University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia is a global center for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC’s two main campuses are situated in Vancouver and in Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. For more information, visit https://www.ubc.ca/.
About Kelowna, British Columbia
Located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the syilx/Okanagan people, Kelowna is a vibrant mid-sized city in the southern interior of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, surrounded by mountains, lakes and vineyards. The region is home to a world-class teaching hospital, the second largest trade school in the province, Kelowna International Airport, and a top-ranked university, UBCO.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply.
How to apply?
Please send applications to carla.hilario@ubc.ca and refer to reference number PDFO-58371.
Desired start date: 01 Mar 2025
Duration: Fixed term / Temporary
Contract Type: Full Time
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.