Research Associate

JOB TITLE: Research Associate
SUPERVISOR: Arne Ruckert, Director of Research and Mathieu JP Poirier, Director
EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org
DEPARTMENT: AMR Policy Accelerator (amrpolicy.org) 
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 21, rolling deadline
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

Fueled by the collective use and misuse of antimicrobials in humans, animals and the environment, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has 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 between now and 2050.

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 research and knowledge-to-policy translation services focus on how to design laws, policies, governance mechanisms, and institutions to address transnational health threats to make a healthier, more equitable world. Our research focuses on four areas of public and global health research: global legal epidemiology, public health institutions, global AMR, and global health law. 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.

The AMR Policy Accelerator is a knowledge-to-policy initiative of the Global Strategy Lab that advances evidence-informed AMR policymaking. We conduct activities under three interconnected streams of work: policy research; policy translation; and capacity strengthening. We are uniquely situated as a connector between evidence and policy; science and politics; national and global governance; and equitable and context-specific solutions.

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, with a special focus on financing for and modeling of AMR.

Scope and Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute research activities to support the research program of the AMR Policy Accelerator applying appropriate quantitative research methodologies, with a focus on financing and modeling of AMR (e.g. economic modeling and statistical analysis)
• Contribute to the development of research funding proposals, project proposals, and submissions 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.
• Assist with coordinating knowledge mobilization events, including research seminars, expert workshop, and policy dialogues.
• 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 determinants of antimicrobial resistance and contribute quantitative evidence to improve our understanding of the impact of AMR interventions. This is an ideal position for someone who has experience leading research projects, writing grants, and working collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams, and has an established track record of publications in global health financing and economic and health modelling. 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 degree in the social sciences (e.g., economics, public policy, public health, political science, or related social science discipline) with a research focus on financing and economic modeling in global health;
• Demonstrated experience conducting return-on-investment (ROI), economic, costbenefit, or policy modeling analyses, preferably in the context of health systems, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), or public health and sector governance;
• At least three years of work experience planning, organizing, and conducting global health research and analysis using quantitative research designs and methodologies (can include participation in research projects during completion of a PhD degree or post-doctoral research fellowship);
• Established publication record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes

• Demonstrated success in investigating complex research questions in a multistakeholder 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)

• Experiences with modeling of interventions based on direct feedback from public health stakeholders

COMPENSATION AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Annual salary will range from CAD 68,000 to CAD 75,000 depending on the individual’s experience and education. 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 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-2026-08:

• 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 quantitative research skill set as applied to global health or a related field through a research or consulting project; and
• A completed copy of the work status declaration form linked here.

Applications will be accepted and considered on a rolling basis, with reviews beginning on August 21, 2026. 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.