Health Sciences Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Details

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Lethbridge is accepting applications for a postdoctoral fellowship on a research study currently funded by CIHR called Patient Oriented Innovative Nutrition Trial (POINT).

The successful applicant will contribute to the development of an innovative clinical trial (iCT) to investigate the comparative effectiveness of a multinutrient intervention for children and youth with Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The postdoctoral fellow will engage with patients, clinicians and decision makers ( stakeholders ) to prioritize study outcomes.

Research Project Overview The postdoctoral fellow (PDF) will support the work of the POINT study in designing an iCT to investigate the comparative effectiveness of multinutrients against stimulant medications, or in conjunction with dietary modifications and / or behavioural therapies for children and youth with ADHD.

The goals of the POINT study are to 1) organize a cross-disciplinary team inclusive of diverse stakeholders and terms of reference for an advisory group of knowledge users;

and 2) design a patient oriented iCT study that meets stakeholder identified priorities and clinically relevant outcomes.

Position Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent of this position will, under the direction of Dr. Brenda Leung, be responsible for leading the research activities of the project, including but not limited to the following core responsibilities :

• Facilitate communication and work across the team, Advisory Group and other stakeholders and organize regular meetings webinars, retreat(s), and engagement events;
• Assist with developing survey / interviews and recruitment materials;
• Undertake primary and secondary data collection including conducting interview (where appropriate);
• Partake in statistical testing such as mediator / moderator analyses of sample characteristics to identify sample criteria for stratified adaptive design;

employ statistical simulation to explore multiple arms comparisons : e.g. multinutrients vs. stimulant medications, or in conjunction with dietary modifications and / or behavioural therapies.

• Assist in designing the iCT design, with consideration of multi-arm multi-stage, adaptive dose-ranging, group-sequential (early termination), or population enrichment
• Engage in knowledge translation activities such as presenting research at international conferences and other events; writing up research for publication in leading international journals;
• writing up research for diverse audiences;
• Provide oversight on social media, newsletters, and outreach activities;
• Other activities as required.

Education & Skills Requirements PhD in epidemiology, health sciences, or a health-related discipline within the last 5 years.

Training in strategic patient-oriented research (SPOR) is a must. The candidate will demonstrate appropriate and meaningful engagement with patients with lived experience and knowledge users, and integration of sex, gender and other intersecting aspects of equity diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles, including groups marginalized by gender, experienced racism, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

As well, evidence of strong research knowledge, skills and attitudes; an interest in the subject matter of children / youth and ADHD, and clinical research.

The ideal background includes mixed methods research, including biostatistical testing (as related to mediator / moderator analysis, multiple arms comparison, and similar approaches) and qualitative techniques (such as qualitative interviewing and analysis).

Knowledge of innovative clinical trials design is an asset.

The successful applicant will need to have the ability to work independently, as well as within a team environment and must be able to work successfully within a specified timeframe.

The ability to share information in an effective and collaborative manner is required. Proven capabilities to self-motivate, take initiatives on, and have the ability to be resourceful, energetic, self-directed and creative, while generating ideas and fostering positive outcomes is crucial.

About the University of Lethbridge : The University of Lethbridge, a comprehensive university with approximately 8700 students from 37 countries, aims to foster the spirit of free inquiry and the critical interpretation of ideas.

The University is a vital part of Lethbridge, a community of over 100,000 people located near the Oldman River and close to the Rocky Mountains.

An excellent place to raise a family and enjoy the many recreational and cultural amenities of the area, you will discover a wonderful quality of life that is second to none.

If you are open to innovation and committed to the creation of an environment that excites and ignites learning, we welcome your application.

The Faculty of Health Sciences is an open, fair, honest, caring and collaborative community that strives to provide a rich education grounded in real world practice, drawing from the knowledge and expertise of multiple health disciplines.

The university website contains more information about our institution. To view additional information about the Faculty of Health Sciences, please visit our website at

Salary and duration The postdoctoral fellow will be offered a salary of 60K to 65K per annum (depending on experience). The anticipated start date will be April 1, 2024 or as soon as possible, with a duration of 1 year and possibility of extension.

How to Apply Candidates that would like to apply for this fellowship opportunity are invited to submit :

• A cover letter outlining how your experience matches the requirements;
• A detailed and up to date CV (please highlight your publications);
• Details of two referees, including their email addresses.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please submit all documents by email to Dr. Brenda Leung at [email protected] by March 31, 2024.

The desired start date for this position is as soon as possible. Position Category