Research Associate Ontario Drug Policy Research Network

The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network (ODPRN) is a collaboration of established researchers who provide timely, high-quality, drug policy relevant research to decision makers to guide and inform their decisions. The ODPRN has expertise in generating real world evidence related to the utilization, outcomes, safety, effectiveness, and costs of drugs in Ontario. The ODPRN’s work has informed decisions related to system efficiency, quality of care, and health outcomes at regional, provincial, national, and international levels.

The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network is seeking a Research Associate for a permanent full time (1.0 FTE) position to lead, supervise, and support research projects. In this role, the Research Associate will work collaboratively with other members of the ODPRN to generate research questions, design studies, and develop research proposals and analysis plans for the research team. They will have the opportunity to take the lead role in writing reports and manuscripts, and will support the Principal Investigator in drafting grant applications. The Research Associate will oversee the development of knowledge translation materials and dissemination strategies for research deliverables, and will assist with the ODPRN’s stakeholder and public engagement strategy throughout the research process. This position is intended for candidates with PhD training, or those with an equivalent combination of Master’s level training and related experience, who may be on a career track to becoming Independent Scientists (Investigators). The successful candidate will have experience in epidemiology, project management, communication, public engagement, and peer-reviewed publications. Candidates with knowledge of or experience in pharmacoepidemiology are encouraged to apply. This position will offer the successful candidate an exciting opportunity to lead research projects and be involved in all aspects of research study development, funding, initiation, execution, analysis, interpretation and publication of results.

Duties & Responsibilities:
Assisting the Principal Investigator with the development, initiation, and execution of research studies

Designing research studies, and developing research proposals, study protocols, and dataset creation plans that will leverage administrative data from ICES or other sources (e.g., IQVIA, CIHI), in collaboration with ODPRN Scientists

Conducting statistical analysis of data as required, and providing oversight to team members in the analysis of data, as well as the visualization and interpretation of research output

Conducting literature reviews, and drafting research reports, peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations and other research deliverables

Managing research activities, including general project management, monitoring timelines and budgets, and preparing meeting materials

Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including the ODPRN Citizens’ Panel and Lived Experience Advisory Group, and developing strategic partnerships

Assisting in the writing and submission of research grant applications

Preparing and overseeing research ethics board applications, privacy impact assessments, project activation worksheets, and other submissions relative to study initiation and conduct, as required

Training and supervising students and team members as necessary

Qualifications:
PhD (in epidemiology, biostatistics, health services research, public health, or another health-related discipline) or Master’s level training preferably with at least 4 years of relevant research experience

Understanding of epidemiology, biostatistics, and observational research methodology

Previous experience conducting research projects using administrative databases (preferably using ICES data), including the preparation of research proposals, analysis plans, peer-reviewed manuscripts, reports, and presentations

Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills

Strong organization, project management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Knowledge of or experience in pharmacoepidemiologic or drug policy related research an asset

Experience supervising or mentoring research staff or students an asset