Postdoctoral Fellow - Pharmacoepidemiology in Multiple Sclerosis Research Group

MGH and ACP; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is offering a postdoctoral fellow position in the Pharmacoepidemiology in Multiple Sclerosis Research Group. This role involves multidisciplinary research aimed at identifying pre-MS traits through data analysis and collaboration across multiple sites in Canada. The successful candidate must hold a PhD or MD with relevant expertise and demonstrate strong statistical and communication skills. Funding is available for a period of 1 to 3 years, with a salary aligned to CIHR guidelines.

Qualifications

• PhD/MD degree in epidemiology or a related field.
• Experience with health-related datasets.
• Proficient in statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, SAS, or R.

Responsibilities

• Generate hypotheses and design studies related to multiple sclerosis.
• Conduct statistical analysis and ensure data integrity.
• Mentor and supervise graduate students involved in projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Statistical analysis

Data management

Education

PhD/MD in epidemiology or relevant discipline

Tools

SPSS

STATA

SAS

R

Job description

Postdoctoral Fellow -- Pharmacoepidemiology in Multiple Sclerosis Research Group

The University of British Columbia

A postdoctoral fellow position is available for March 1, 2014 in the department of Medicine (division of Neurology) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) ‐ in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The successful applicant will be a contributing member of the Pharmacoepidemiology in Multiple Sclerosis (PiMS) research group. With the vision of fostering excellence in multi ‐ disciplinary clinical, therapeutic, and epidemiological research to advance knowledge and improve the well ‐ being of those affected by multiple sclerosis (MS), the PiMS research group thrives on diversity. Team members are trained in variety of disciplines, creating a truly interdisciplinary approach to research.

The successful applicant will be involved in an exciting cross ‐ Canada multi ‐ site collaboration accessing health administrative databases linked with clinical data to examine whether an MS prodrome or ‘pre ‐ MS trait’ exists. MS is a chronic disease of the brain and spinal cord often affecting young adults. It can be challenging to recognize as early symptoms can be non ‐ specific or vague, including fatigue, numbness and tingling or visual problems. This can cause distress for the affected person, their family and friends as they continue moving through the healthcare system looking for an answer. Ultimately, identification of an MS prodrome will encourage and facilitate more timely recognition, diagnosis and management of MS, and will help future studies in the search for the beginning and cause of MS.

The successful applicant will play a key role in the success of this Canada ‐ wide study including: hypotheses generation, study design, accessing and linking data ensuring data integrity, statistical analyses and interpretation, presentation of findings, and drafting and publication of scientific manuscripts and grant writing. The national study will also involve other dedicated personnel, including a part ‐ time research coordinator, data programmer, and biostatistician with whom the successful applicant will work closely. The successful candidate will also help to mentor and supervise graduate students who are working on this (or related) project(s).

To find out more about the PiMS research group, please see our website:

http://epims.med.ubc.ca

UBC is one of the world’s leading universities. UBC’s Vancouver campus has over 47,000 students, representing 140 different countries. UBC offers hundreds of academic programs through 12 faculties and 14 schools. Located on the western tip of the Point Grey Peninsula in the city of Vancouver, the stunning campus is surrounded by forests, ocean and mountains, yet is just 30 minutes from the city centre. For more information about UBC, please go to http://www.ubc.ca

QUALIFICATIONS

A PhD/MD degree with expertise in a relevant discipline (e.g. epidemiology, pharmacoepidemiology, applied biostatistics)
Experience with and knowledge about, special populations such as patients with chronic disease or multiple sclerosis
Experience with large health ‐ related datasets
Experience with data access and linkage from administrative databases
Computer proficiency, including use of statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, SAS or R
Working knowledge of advanced epidemiology ‐ related research methodology and design
Working knowledge of advanced biostatistics
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills in English
Ability to exercise judgment and make decisions in accordance with broad research objectives Ability to independently organize workload, goal setting and working effectively towards deadlines
Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary setting
Willingness and ability to positively engage with researchers at multiple sites across Canada in order to motivate other team members to achieve the study goals in a timely manner
Appreciation of the importance of clinical and basic research
An inquiring and open mind
Basic knowledge of medical ethics

Funding for this position is available for 1 to 3 years, with the possibility of extension. Salary as per CIHR guidelines ( https://www.researchnet ‐ recherchenet.ca/rnr16/vwOpprtntyDtls.do?prog=1907&view=currentOpps&org=CIHR&type=EX ACT&resultCount=25&sort=program&all=1&masterList=true ).

The position will remain open until filled. To apply, please send your letter of interest, CV and names/contact information for 2 ‐ 3 references to Dr. Helen Tremlett: [e-mail] [cc in: [e-mail] ].

Posted:

6 Mar 2014

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