JOB POSTING
Job Title: Research Associate / Postdoctoral Fellow
Job Location: Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
Supervisor: Steven J. Hoffman
Department: Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa (www.globalstrategy.ninja)
Main Contact: Lathika Sritharan (Research Coordinator), [email protected]
Application Deadline: May 8, 2015
Application Method: Email
The Global Strategy Lab (GSL) at the University of Ottawa has an opening for a Research Associate or
Postdoctoral Fellow. This position is intended to support a range of analytical and empirical studies that
GSL is conducting to evaluate global strategies for addressing transnational health threats and social
inequalities. Past studies have focused on topics like access to medicines, antimicrobial resistance,
health news misinformation, health systems, pandemics and tobacco control. This position represents a
full-time paid research opportunity to pursue an interest in global health law, global governance, and
institutional design, as well as develop skills needed for rigorous social sciences research on health policy
issues, work across national borders as part of a globally integrated research team, interact with global
decision-makers, and make tangible contributions to ongoing policy processes on pressing health issues.
As part of GSL, the selected applicant will be integral in the design, oversight and execution of various
research projects surveying global governance architecture and examining the design of international
institutions and instruments aiming to improve global health. The selected applicant will be supporting the
efforts of GSL Director Steven J. Hoffman, an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Ottawa with
courtesy appointments as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics (Part-Time) at
McMaster University and Visiting Assistant Professor of Global Health at Harvard University. Applicants
must have completed their professional or doctoral studies before they can start working in this position.
Basic Requirements
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A JD/LLM, PhD, or doctoral degree in a related field (e.g., economics, international relations, law,
political science, public policy, research methodology, sociology), or be enrolled in an accredited
LLM or doctoral degree program that will be completed by August 2015
Expertise in social sciences research, preferably related to health and international issues
Proficiency with MS-Office applications and research software programs
Strong ability to work independently and prioritize tasks to balance competing demands
Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
Attentiveness to detail
Excellent communication and writing skills
Willingness to take initiative and support the Global Strategy Lab’s ongoing efforts
Appreciation for and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
Interest in conducting research on global health law, global governance, and institutional design
Preferred Qualifications
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Track-record of publications and successful grant/scholarship applications
Knowledge of basic biological concepts (e.g., one undergraduate course in health sciences) or at
least willingness to learn scientific terminology as it arises
Knowledge of basic statistics and experience with a statistical software (e.g., R, Stata, SAS)
Computer programming and/or graphic design skills are always valued
Ability to read and write a second language at a very high level would be an additional asset
2 Global Strategy Lab Position Responsibilities
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Project management and leadership
o Provide a full range of research support to the GSL Director
o Offer operational leadership on several studies
o Support the design of studies’ methodologies, analytic plans and future directions
o Develop an implementation plan for research projects which may use analytical,
quantitative and/or qualitative methods
o Design promotional strategies and related materials to gain engagement and support for
research projects with key stakeholders
o Supervise students and research assistants
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Data collection, analysis and management
o Gather raw data from various health indicator, systems and policy sources
o Conduct literature searches
o Oversee the design and maintenance of databases, data collection forms, error checking
methods, and related programs for collection, analysis and reporting
o Organize data sets from multiple ongoing projects
o Ensure that relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is
handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures
o Maintain accurate records of methodologies and microdecisions throughout analysis
o Use various conceptual and evaluative methods to draw research conclusions
o Apply knowledge of data manipulation and management techniques to GSL research
plans and available data
o Identify process improvement opportunities through collaboration with GSL research
team and international partners
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Writing and information dissemination
o Create presentations and present information to project personnel and participants
o Help lead the drafting of manuscripts for publication, abstracts and grant applications
o Support knowledge translation and policy engagement activities
o Help deliver GSL-sponsored university courses and executive training
Position Details
This position is based in Ottawa with office space at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. The
successful applicant will receive a salary of $50,000 CAD per year (no benefits). There is funding for one
position to last several years. Employment is at-will and can start anytime from May-August 2015
depending on the selected applicant’s availability.
We thank you in advance for your interest. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be
contacted.
Please email a brief cover letter, CV, unofficial transcripts, list of two references and writing sample to:
Name: Lathika Sritharan
Title: Research Coordinator
Department: Global Strategy Lab, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
Address: 57, rue Louis-Pasteur, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1N 6N5
Email: [email protected]
Please quote Job #498740 in the email subject line.