JOB TITLE: Research Associate, Global Legal Epidemiology Program
SUPERVISOR: Mathieu Poirier, Director of the Global Strategy Lab
EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org
DEPARTMENT: Global Strategy Lab (globalstrategylab.org)
CONTRACT LENGTH: 2-year with the possibility of extension
POSITION OVERVIEW
Become a Research Associate with a team that is at the forefront of advancing the emerging field of practice of global legal epidemiology. You will conduct rigorous and impactful research on the international laws, policies and norms that shape our collective health, equity and well-being.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Global Strategy Lab advises governments and international organizations on how to design laws, policies, governance mechanisms, and institutions that address transnational health threats to make a healthier, more equitable world for everyone. Our research focuses on three areas of public and global health research: Global Legal Epidemiology, Public Health Institutions, and Global Governance of Antimicrobial Resistance.
We are seeking a Research Associate to take a leadership role in the lab’s Global Legal Epidemiology (GLE) research program. GLE is an emerging field which studies international law as a factor in the cause, distribution and promotion of health around the world. Our highly productive research team’s achievements include the first peer-reviewed publication of the principles and methods of global legal epidemiology (Poirier et al. 2022), the first global quasi-experimental impact evaluation of an international law (Hoffman et al., 2019), and the first systematic review and meta-analysis of international laws’ effects (Hoffman et al., 2022).
The successful candidate will have a background in social science, or a related field. This position represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects, work across national borders as part of a globally integrated research team, interact with decision-makers, train on innovative quantitative methods and make tangible contributions to ongoing policy processes on pressing health issues. As a staff member, the Research Associate will help execute and complete various research projects in the global legal epidemiology research program. Candidates must have a PhD or be nearing the completion of a PhD.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Take a leadership role in the development, conduct, and oversight of research in the Global Legal Epidemiology Program
- Contribute to data collection, quantitative analysis, and the interpretation of findings for academic and policy audiences
- Lead the writing of academic outputs, including peer-reviewed journal articles, policy briefs, and conference presentations
- Support the preparation of grant applications across a range of new and existing projects
- Mentor and supervise Research Assistants and students
- Support integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation activities
- Other duties as required
WHAT YOU BRING
This is an ideal position for someone with expertise in international law and global health who is
motivated to lead academic research projects with a highly productive interdisciplinary research
team. We welcome applicants from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds, but training and
experience in quantitative methods will be considered an asset. You are also excited about
working with a diverse team of passionate and driven people with sensitivity to language, culture,
and remote working arrangements.
Education and Experience
• A PhD or nearing completion of a PhD in a related field (e.g., political science, international
relations, health policy, international law, health economics, etc.)
• 2-3 years of progressive work experience leading and completing research projects
Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
• Excellent writing skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead the planning, analysis, writing, publication, and dissemination of academic research
• Attentiveness to detail and strong organizational skills; ability to handle multiple competing priorities
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Interest in global legal epidemiology research
• Ability to work effectively with sensitivity across barriers such as language, culture, and distance
• High level of judgment, tact, and diplomacy in interacting with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Proficiency with statistical analysis software (e.g., Stata, R, SAS, etc.) is considered an asset
• Experience and training in quantitative methods (particularly quasi-experimental methods) is considered an asset
COMPENSATION AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
Annual salary will range from CAD$73,000-77,000 depending on the individual’s experience. Global
Strategy Lab’s commitment to pay equity necessitates that we will not be able to oVer a salary
outside of the range provided. We also provide employer-paid extended health care and dental
benefits. The term of this contract will be from the earliest possible start date and two years from
that start date. Possibility of contract renewal will be tied to the financial capacity of the Global
Strategy Lab.
Global Strategy Lab staV employees are also able to participate in York University’s Tuition Fee
Waiver Program. The successful candidate is expected to work approximately 40 hours per week;
occasionally this role will require travel and evening and weekend work. The language of work is
English. All employees will be required to abide by York University’s policies and guidelines,
including their public health guidelines.
The Global Strategy Lab is based at York University in Toronto and new team members will benefit
from close ties to the Lab’s existing impact-driven research program and networks. Hybrid work
arrangements are available for team members based in the Greater Toronto Area. All qualified
candidates are encouraged to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens,
permanent residents, Indigenous peoples of Canada; and citizens of the United States, Mexico, or
Chile who are exempted from a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Remote working arrangements
will be considered for successful candidates based elsewhere in Canada.
The Global Strategy Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that
celebrates people in all their diversity and encourages a variety of perspectives. We recognize that
diVerent experiences and viewpoints are a source of strength in collaboration, and the driving
force behind innovative, creative, equity-minded, and globally oriented research.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email the following as pdf attachments to careers@globalstrategylab.org using the
subject line GSL GLE-RA 2025 Application:
- In a single pdf file titled LastName_FirstName, a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight your experience managing international research projects/collaborations, and/or working with global health institutions and governments;
- A previous work sample highlighting your writing and research or policy skills on a topic related to AMR. Ideal work samples could include: an academic publication, a report you have written, or a policy brief; and
- A completed copy of the work status declaration form linked here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting on May 1, 2025. The candidates short-listed for an interview may be asked to complete a skills-based task as part of the interview process. We thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Global Strategy Lab welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process, please email careers@globalstrategylab.org.
NOTE: All employees will be required to abide by York University’s policies and guidelines, including their public health guidelines.
Check out our latest projects:
Can Border Closures Control a Pandemic?
Most Existing International Treaties Do Not Work
The WHO FCTC – Global Impact or Stagnation?
Please do not contact the Global Strategy Lab by phone; send all inquiries to
careers@globalstrategylab.org.
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