Research Associate 

JOB TITLE: Research Associate, AMR Policy Accelerator, Global Strategy lab
SUPERVISOR: Arne Ruckert, Director of Research 
EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org
DEPARTMENT: AMR Policy Accelerator, Global Strategy Lab (www.globalstrategylab.org)
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 29, 2024 
CONTRACT LENGTH: 1 year contract, with possibility of extension 

Position Overview

Join a team utilizing research and evidence to drive global policy action on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges. 

 THE PROBLEM 

Fuelled by the collective use and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and the environment, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has grown to become the world’s third leading cause of death. Its burden is disproportionately borne by low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), with over 86% of AMR-related deaths concentrated within LMICs. In addition to contending with vulnerable health systems, countries with the highest AMR burden often have the least access to antimicrobials, making AMR a defining global health equity challenge of our time. The challenge of AMR is far-reaching and multi-sectoral; it transcends national boundaries and requires evidence-informed and equity-promoting One Health policy solutions at both the national and global level. If more is not done to mitigate it, AMR will cause 39 million deaths and cost the global economy $100 trillion by 2025. 

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. Our advisory services encompass 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 and a member of the International Network on AMR Social Science (INAMRSS), we bridge the gap between science and policy to bring evidence to bear on AMR policymaking. 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 an initiative of the Global Strategy Lab with a mandate to undertake timely and applied policy projects that leverage global science and insights to respond to relevant policy needs. We undertake three programs of work: (1) providing timely and relevant advice to national governments on AMR National Action Plan (NAP) design and One Health policy prioritization and implementation; (2) enhancing policymaker and early-career researcher capacity to support policy action on a continuum – from evidence analysis to decision-making to policy implementation; and (3) critically examining AMR challenges to seed actionable policy proposals for evidence-informed and equity-promoting decision-making and policy implementation. 

The Accelerator is hiring a Research Associate to support its Policy Research program. 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

The Research Associate is essential to the AMR Policy Accelerator. Reporting to the Director of Research, you will specifically:

• 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 analyses, 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., human health, 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. 

The Accelerator welcomes applications from all qualified international and national applicants, with preference given to applicants based in Canada. Hybrid work arrangements are available for team members based in the Greater Toronto Area. Remote working arrangements will be considered for successful candidates based elsewhere. The successful candidates are 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. 

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. Lab employees are eligible for York University’s Tuition Fee Waiver Program. We are 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 RA-2024-11: 

• 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 accepted and considered until November 29th, 2024. 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.