The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre
Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University
About the Research Centre
Located at the Parkwood Institute (Lawson Health Research Institute) in London, Ontario, the MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre (MFOSIRC) conducts innovative research in military and Veteran mental health. The Centre’s primary mission is to improve the mental health and well-being of Veterans with operational stress injuries (OSIs) through clinical and neuroscience research. The MFOSIRC collaborates directly with the Operational Stress Injury Clinic (OSI Clinic) at Parkwood Institute, which provides specialized services to those experiencing mental health challenges as a result of their operational service. The MFOSIRC is a catalyst and enabler for the adoption of increasingly specialized and evidence-based pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Priorities for the MFOSIRC include research on treatment outcomes, suicide risk behaviour, and neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Job Summary and Responsibilities
The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre (MFOSIRC) is inviting applications for a 12-month contract position, 1.0 FTE (40 hours/week) at the rank of Post-Doctoral Associate, associated with the Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University. The position may be extended for an additional year by mutual agreement and funding availability.
The successful candidate will work under the direction of the MFOSIRC Scientific Director (Dr. J Don Richardson) and senior-level researchers to develop new research projects and support ongoing research initiatives at the MFOSIRC.
As a member of the Centre’s research team, the Post-Doctoral Associate will be expected to:
· Develop and lead research projects that test efficacy and effectiveness of interventions related to the treatment of PTSD and related mental conditions.
· Interface with international collaborators and scientists to inform internal research initiatives.
· Provide expertise to research team on study design issues.
· Manipulate and develop large databases, including administrative databases, to obtain and analyze variables as required.
· Prepare and perform statistical analysis; interpret basic and advanced analyses.
· Identify and address pressing research questions in the field of Veteran and military mental health; utilize knowledge of epidemiology and clinical understanding to refine questions and hypotheses.
· Coordinate all aspects of project implementation, evaluation/analysis, and dissemination of study findings (opportunities for significant publications)
· Recruit, train, and supervise Bachelors and Masters psychology students; provide supervision and mentorship for research assistants
· Be active in grant-writing and design of new studies
While this position is based in London, Ontario, the successful applicant can optionally provide research services remotely during the 12-month contract. This position is open to all eligible candidates in Canada; however, individuals living in Eastern Standard Time (EST) time zone will be given preference. This position may occasionally involve travel.
Essential Qualifications:
· Completed (within the last 5 years) or near completion (with a confirmed defence date) PhD in Neuroscience, Psychology, Epidemiology, or other health related discipline (full completion of doctoral degree by the beginning of the post-doctoral position).
· Demonstrated experience working in the field of mental health research.
· Must have a history of scientific peer-reviewed manuscript publication and successful dissemination.
· Excellent project management and organizational skills needed to develop, plan and coordinate research projects with proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
· Strong knowledge of statistical software/languages such as R (or python), SAS, Stata, SPSS, and/or MPlus.
· Demonstrated knowledge translation skills through the ability to synthesize information from a wide variety of sources and communicate scientific concepts both orally and in writing for the dissemination of research findings.
· Exceptional quantitative research skills, such as advanced statistical analysis and modelling, and epidemiological techniques.
· Demonstrated advanced computer knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
· Strong interpersonal as well as written and verbal communication skills in English.
· Ability to be productive while working independently as well as in an interdisciplinary team.
· Strong analytical, interpretive, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
· Strong organization skills along with proven accuracy and attention to detail, creativity, resourcefulness and task completion.
· Highly developed organizational and leadership skills.
· Good judgement, initiative, tact and professional attitude in the workplace.
· Adaptable, flexible and resourceful. Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Clinical neuroscience and/or clinical, social/personality psychology background.
· Experience with clinical trials and experimental study designs.
· Strong methodological background in study design and statistics.
· Demonstrated understanding of military and RCMP culture.
· Experience working within the field of PTSD research.
· Knowledge of Veteran mental health needs and interest in conducting research related to Canadian military/Veteran mental health and well-being.
· Previous receipt of research funding or grants.
· Good knowledge of data management and large datasets.
The position is open immediately. The study team is willing to hold the position for availability of the ideal candidate (e.g. spring graduation). Applicants will be considered until the position is filled.
To apply please send a cover letter, C.V., and names and contact information of three references to Ms. Luciana Brown, MFOSIRC research coordinator.
Questions can be addressed to Luciana Brown directly.
Posting date:
Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Only those under consideration will be contacted.
Contract length: 12 months
Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Salary: $50,000.00 per year
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
Our staff is working remotely. This position does not require the incumbent to be onsite.
Experience:
- Microsoft Office Suite: 3 years (Required)
- military populations/culture: 1 year (Preferred)
- PhD in a health-related field: 1 year (Preferred)
- mental health research: 3 years (Preferred)
Education:
- Doctoral Degree (Preferred)
Language:
Work remotely:
- Yes, temporarily due to COVID-19