JOB TITLE: Research Associate/Investigator, AMR Policy Accelerator
SUPERVISOR: Mathieu Poirier, Scientific Director of the AMR Policy Accelerator
DEPARTMENT: AMR Policy Accelerator (amrpolicy.org), Global Strategy Lab (globalstrategylab.org)
EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled, with application review starting July 25th 2024
CONTRACT LENGTH: 18-month contract
The Problem
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the greatest threats facing humanity today. The overuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals, agriculture, and the environment has rendered antimicrobials less effective. Without these essential health tools, infections that in the past were easily treated are now harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat, contributing to almost 5 million deaths in 2019. By 2050, AMR is expected to cause 10 million deaths annually and cost the global economy $100 trillion.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Global Strategy Lab advises the world’s governments and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the World Organization for Animal Health. This advisory encompasses how to design laws, policies, governance mechanisms, and institutions that address transnational health threats to make a healthier, more equitable world. Our research focuses on three areas of public and global health research: global legal epidemiology, public health institutions, and global AMR. As the designated WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Governance of AMR, we bridge the gap between science and policy, providing advisory and research services.
The AMR Policy Accelerator is an initiative of the Global Strategy Lab, tasked with accelerating global action against AMR through research and policy innovation. We undertake three programs of work: (1) providing Advisory Services to governments, international organizations, and civil society in response to requests for evidence on AMR policy, implementation, and evaluation; (2) work with leading experts in the field to generate actionable Policy Research; and (3) support policy development and research around the world through a suite of Capacity Building programs.
Our research focuses on three areas of public and global health research: global legal epidemiology, public health institutions, and global AMR. We are designated as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Governance of AMR and contribute to the International Network on AMR Social Science (INAMRSS).
Building on our research and policy leadership on AMR, the Global Strategy Lab has received substantial start-up funding to accelerate global action on AMR policy. The AMR Policy Accelerator is a division of Global Strategy Lab with a mandate to undertake rapid and applied policy projects that leverage global science and insights to respond to urgent policy needs. The Accelerator undertakes three programs of work: 1) providing rapid advice to governments and civil society organizations in response to requests for evidence on antimicrobial resistance policy, implementation, and evaluation; 2) seeding actionable policy proposals from leading experts in the field and from related areas; and 3) building capacity to support policy development and research around the world.
We are hiring a Research Associate to support our research programs for the Accelerator. We are seeking a full-time team member who will support a program of research that focuses on addressing the global collective action problems posed by antimicrobial resistance and related health security challenges.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan, coordinate, and execute research activities to support the research program of the AMR Policy Accelerator applying appropriate qualitative research methods (e.g. interview analysis, comparative case studies, document analysis, etc.)
- Collaborate on the development of research funding proposals, project proposals, and
submission to the research ethics board. - Produce high-quality, well-written manuscripts, research reports, and data visualizations.
- Collaborate on knowledge mobilization activities such as report writing, presentations,
webinars, and peer-reviewed publications. - Analyze and quickly translate complex research results into key messages and
visualizations for stakeholders. - Actively contribute to and participate in a dynamic and highly productive team
environment. - Communicate effectively with team members and key stakeholders.
WHAT YOU BRING
We are looking to hire a researcher who is enthusiastic about using research and evidence to tackle the complex social components of antimicrobial resistance. This is an ideal position for someone who has experience leading research projects, writing grants, and working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams. 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 graduate degree (e.g., PhD, MA, JD) in social science (e.g., public policy, political science, international relations, or related social sciences);
- 5 years of experience planning, organizing, and conducting research and analysis using
qualitative research designs and methodologies - Experience designing and executing qualitative research projects, using mixed methods approaches including having previously conducted: literature reviews, thematic document analysis, and semi-structured key informant interview analyses.
Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes
- Demonstrated success in investigating complex research questions in a multi-stakeholder environment;
- Ability to work both independently and in teams;
- Advanced writing skills with the ability to write clearly, concisely, and quickly for
interdisciplinary academic and policy audiences; - Interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to act with tact, diplomacy,
and professionalism, and handle sensitive information with discretion; - Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to organize workload, set priorities and
respond effectively to competing demands; - Willingness to take initiative and to learn new things;
- Excited about working with a global and diverse team of passionate and driven people,
with sensitivity to language, culture, and remote working arrangements.
Desirable Experience (but not essential)
- Relevant expertise in antimicrobial resistance or a related One Health area (e.g., humanhealth, animal health, environment, etc.)
COMPENSATION AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
Annual salary will range from CAD$70,000-$90,000 depending on the individual’s experience. Global Strategy Lab’s commitment to pay equity necessitates that we will not be able to offer 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 until December 31, 2025. The possibility of contract renewal will be tied to the funding capacity of the AMR Policy Accelerator.
Global Strategy Lab staff 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 different 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 AMR-PA Research Associate 2024 Application:
- In a single pdf file titled LastName_FirstName, a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight how your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and attitudes will allow you to meet the scope and responsibilities of this position.
- A previous work sample highlighting your writing on a consulting project and/or research product in global health or a related field; and
- A completed copy of the work status declaration form linked here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, starting on July 25th, 2024. 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.
Please do not contact the Global Strategy Lab by phone; send all inquiries to
careers@globalstrategylab.org.
