Postdoctoral Fellow in Prevention Intervention Evaluation

Thunder Bay
Full-time
Contract

Overview


Lakehead University, Thunder Bay Campus, invites applications for a Full-time Postdoctoral Fellow in Prevention Intervention Evaluation at the EPID@Work Research Institute.

The Postdoctoral Fellow in Prevention Intervention Evaluation will be responsible for leading the design, execution, and analysis of research projects that evaluate the effectiveness of occupational health and safety (OHS) interventions under the leadership of Dr. Vicki Kristman. The successful candidate will apply rigorous evaluation methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) to assess workplace programs, policies, and tools aimed at preventing work-related injury and disability. Working within an interdisciplinary team and community partners, the Fellow will ensure that interventions are evidence-based and scientifically validated before broader scaling. This position is for 2 years, renewable for one additional year with the possibility of promotion afterward.

Research Environment:

Members of the Institute conduct research in three main research areas: mental health in the workplace; equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (IDEA); and knowledge mobilization and implementation (KMI). This is an excellent opportunity for new PhD graduates in Epidemiology, Public Health, Occupational Health Sciences, or Program Evaluation to apply their training and build an independent program of research. The research fellow will benefit from an active, well-funded interdisciplinary research environment with multiple opportunities for publication. The stipend is highly competitive and commensurate with experience. Opportunities for the fellow to apply for independent funding will be available and encouraged.

Responsibilities


  • Lead the development of evaluation frameworks and study protocols for various prevention interventions.
  • Collect, manage, and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data to determine the efficacy, effectiveness, and implementation fidelity of interventions.
  • Assess barriers and facilitators to the implementation of OHS interventions in real-world settings (e.g., small businesses, industrial workplaces).
  • Work with community partners to conduct primary or secondary analysis of administrative data to evaluate the impact of existing community service models.
  • Write, prepare, edit, and format manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals and lead grant applications for future funding.
  • Provide evidence-based guidance and training to research staff, students, and community partners on evaluation methodologies.
  • Present research findings at academic conferences and stakeholder meetings to influence policy and practice.

Qualifications


  • Passionate about Occupational Health and Safety.
  • A Ph.D. degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Occupational Health Sciences, Program Evaluation, Implementation Science, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting intervention evaluations (e.g., randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, or complex program evaluations).
  • Strong proficiency in quantitative analysis (e.g., SPSS, SAS, R, Stata) and/or qualitative analysis (e.g., NVivo).
  • Evidence of preparation and publication of manuscripts, including at least two first-authored publications (accepted or in press).
  • Excellent scientific writing and oral communication skills; results-oriented work ethic; ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Experience working with community stakeholders or in occupational health settings.

 

Established in 2018, the mandate of EPID@Work is to bring people together to reduce work-related injury and disability through collaborative applied research and the provision of education to enhance knowledge related to injury and disability. The Institute recently became a partner with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development and holds a seat at the Ministry’s Prevention Research Partners’ Table. Information generated from our research informs practice and policies aiming to improve health and social outcomes in Northwestern Ontario and beyond. More information on the EPID@Work Research Institute is available at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/centre/epid.

Lakehead University is a comprehensive, research-intensive university, founded in 1956, with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With 11 Canada Research Chairs, 338 full-time faculty members, 13 research centers, 38 graduate programs (over 1300 graduate students), and external research funding that has increased 62.5% in the last 15 years, Lakehead’s sustained development in research is clear. As a result, for five years in a row (2015 to 2019), Lakehead University was named Research University of the Year in Canada by
Research InfoSource in our peer group category. Re$earch InfoSource also ranked Lakehead first among undergraduate universities in Canada for our total amount of funding from non-profit partners for the period from 2013 to 2017. The health and well-being of our employees are of the utmost importance to us. Lakehead University encourages and supports our employees in prioritizing their own well-being. To support our employees in balancing their working and personal lives, whether working traditional hours in the workplace or remotely, we have implemented a Disconnecting from Work Policy to encourage employees to disconnect from work outside of their working hours. 

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.

Application Deadline: 
Monday, March 9, 2026 - 11:59pm
Salary: 
$75,000
Working Conditions: 
In-Person only
Yes, eligible for benefits
Reference Number: 
GEN-26-07