JOB TITLE: Epidemiologist
SUPERVISOR: Susan Rogers Van Katwyk, Managing Director, AMR Policy Accelerator
EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org
DEPARTMENT: AMR Policy Accelerator, Global Strategy Lab (amrpolicy.org)  
APPLICATION DEADLINE: October 10, 2023
CONTRACT LENGTH: Until December 2024 with the possibility of extension

POSITION OVERVIEW

Join the team driving global policy action on antimicrobial resistance challenges.

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.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver a wider social impact on a global scale and to drive a new initiative through a key stage in its evolution. Working across our Advisory Services and Policy Research programs to develop, coordinate, and lead research projects and funding proposals, the Epidemiologist will:

• Contribute to research design, and lead data collection, analysis, and report/manuscript writing across a range of policy and advisory services;
• Perform evidence synthesis;
• Analyze and efficiently translate complex research results into key messages and visualizations for key stakeholders;
• Collaborate and contribute to knowledge translation activities such as report writing, presentations and peer-reviewed publications;
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals, project proposals, and grant applications;
• Provide advice and support on methods and study design across Global Strategy Lab projects;
• Actively contribute and participate in a dynamic and highly productive team environment;
• Communicate effectively with team members and key stakeholders. 
• Mentor interns as part of the Capacity Building program of work, which aims to develop
  and promote AMR knowledge and policy analysis skills among early career policy leaders around the world;
• Contribute to the development of background materials and academic outputs for knowledge mobilization purposes, including expert workshops, policy dialogues, and capacity-building workshops on an as needed basis.

WHAT YOU BRING

The ideal candidate will have expertise in social epidemiology and evidence synthesis methods, a strong knowledge of mixed methods study design, and experience managing research projects. Knowledge of global health challenges and AMR is desirable.

This position represents an opportunity to work across national borders as part of a globally integrated research team, interact with decisionmakers, and make tangible contributions to ongoing policy processes on pressing public health issues. This position also provides opportunities for professional development, including opportunities to master new research methods and to attend and present at academic conferences. 

Education and Experience

• A graduate degree in epidemiology or public health;
• Significant experience (5+ years for an MSc; 1-2 years for a PhD) designing and leading evidence synthesis and mixed methods research projects, ideally in global health and AMR;
• Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder projects such as multi-site research projects or funding proposals;
• Experience leading data collection, analysis, and manuscript writing;
• Experience supervising, training, and/or mentoring staff or students;
• Experience working with governments and international institutions (e.g., UN, WHO, World Bank etc.) is highly desirable;
• Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and/or resource-limited contexts is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes 

• Strong interest in policy research and supporting policy makers evidence to inform policy;
• Advanced knowledge of social epidemiology and mixed methods research designs;
• Advanced knowledge of evidence synthesis methods including quality assessment, risk of bias assessment and meta-analysis approaches; Experience conducting social science and policy knowledge synthesis projects would be an asset.
• Skilled in R, SAS, or STATA with significant knowledge of biostatistics;
• Advanced writing skills with the ability to write clearly, concisely, and quickly for interdisciplinary academic and policy audiences;
• Superior 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; 
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong ability to work independently and in teams;
• Willingness to take initiative and to learn new things;
• Ability to work effectively with sensitivity across barriers such as language, culture, and distance

COMPENSATION AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Annual salary will range fromCAD$70,000 – $95,000, 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. 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. There is one position available.

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. 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 Epi-2023-06:-2023-001:

1. 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;
2. 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
3. A completed copy of the work status declaration form linked here.

Applications will be accepted and considered until October 10^th, 2023. 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.