Post-Doc Research Fellow, EMBaRC lab

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built – nor could it be maintained – without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

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Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Child Health Evaluative Sciences (CHES), The Hospital for Sick Children

The Enabling Bayesian Methods for Randomised Clinical Trials (EMBaRC) lab, working with Dr. Patrick Lawler (McGill University), are searching for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow. This project will focus on developing novel Bayesian statistical methods to model complex composite outcomes in randomised clinical trials. While clinical trials often require a single primary outcome, clinicians, patients and families are often more interested in the effect of treatment on a range of relevant outcomes. This project will consider develop different approaches to analyse multiple endpoints in clinical trials, both separately and creating meaningful composite endpoints using information collected during the trial. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will be embedded within multiple clinical teams to develop methodology that will impact the design and analysis of clinical trials in the adult intensive care unit and for paediatric rare diseases. The Fellow will also have a range of development opportunities, including supervision, communication with non-statisticians and possibility to apply for independent research funding.

Broadly, the EMBaRC lab aims to improve the design of randomised clinical trials through innovative Bayesian statistical methodology, combining methodological research with collaboration, guidance, education and meaningful patient engagement. We are committed to creating an inclusive, diverse and equitable environment in which to undertake their research (https://lab.research.sickkids.ca/heath/edi-principles/). Crucially, this includes a commitment to ensuring a flexible work environment, which allows our members to balance competing commitments. Furthermore, we actively encourage applications from candidates with characteristics that are currently underrepresented in research in Canada. These include but are not limited to people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; indigenous people; disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people; LGBTQ+ people; and women.

Here’s What You’ll Get To Do

• Develop novel Bayesian statistical approaches for complex outcomes in clinical trials.
• Develop and perform statistical simulation studies to evaluate the properties of these methods.
• Work collaboratively to implement these methods to improve the design and analysis of practical clinical trials.
• Create manuscripts for methodological and clinical journals (e.g., Critical Care) to translate methods.
• Develop as an independent researcher.
• Co-supervise students within the EMBaRC lab.
• Disseminate research through presentations, seminars and workshops.
• Interact with the EMBaRC team and the CHES program, including attending journal clubs, research rounds.

Here’s What You’ll Need

• PhD in statistics, epidemiology or other relevant field.
• Experience with Bayesian analyses and software.
• An interest in statistical methodology for clinical trials.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Ability to function independently.
• Interest in collaborative and applied statistical research.
• Strong organizational skills, with ability to multi-task
• A commitment to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.

To apply, please combine a cover letter and CV into a single document and upload. Your cover letter should address the following points (max 700 words)

• Your motivation for applying for this position
• Your most relevant experience
• A description of your long-term career goals

The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute has a commitment to mainstreaming equity, diversity and inclusion into the day-to-day operations of the SickKids Research Institute by championing diversity in our organization. For this position, we actively encourage applications from candidates with characteristics that are currently underrepresented in research in Canada. These include but are not limited to people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; indigenous people; disabled, D/deaf and neurodiverse people; LGBTQ+ people; and women.

Employment Type 1-year contract with opportunities to extend.

Full Time: 35 hours per week

SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion. If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Technical difficulties? Email ask.hr@sickkids.ca with a short description of the issues you are experiencing. We will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.

Tip: Combine your cover letter and resume into ONE document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.

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