Research Scientist

Job Summary

The Stringhini Lab at the UBC School of Population and Public Health investigates the social and environmental determinants of health across the life course, with a particular focus on biological embedding and biological ageing. We use worldwide multi-cohort data to examine how life-course socioeconomic conditions become biologically embedded, as measured by epigenetic clocks, allostatic load, telomere length, and other biomarkers of ageing. Our methodological approach integrates causal inference frameworks, counterfactual mediation analysis, and advanced longitudinal modelling with machine learning approaches across large-scale harmonized multi-cohort datasets. The lab currently leads several interconnected research grants, hosts approximately 10 trainees at various career stages, maintains active national and international collaborations, and is actively expanding its portfolio through new data collection initiatives. The Lab is embedded within the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Ageing and benefits from a rich international network of collaborators. We also conduct research on child health and environmental epidemiology.

We are seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to work as a Research Coordinator / Research Scientist across the full portfolio of the lab. The successful applicant will serve as a linchpin of day-to-day lab operations, research coordination, grant management, data analysis, and manuscript preparation across multiple concurrent projects and grants. The work will involve managing multi-cohort epidemiological datasets, managing grant and ethics applications, applying intermediate-level statistical methods, overseeing data access requests, and authoring scientific writing.

The ideal applicant will possess strong organizational and scientific writing skills, a curiosity and passion for science, and a solid understanding of epidemiological methods and statistical modelling. The ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, communicate findings clearly in writing, and work both independently and collaboratively is essential.

Organizational Status
This position reports to the lead Principal Investigator Dr. Silvia Stringhini (School of Population and Public Health and Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Ageing). The position will support students and other staff members.

Housed within the Faculty of Medicine, the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH) is an innovative unit that encompasses many of the health-related groupings at UBC as a collaborative venture. The School is structured around four divisions: Occupational and Environmental Health; Health Services and Policy; Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health Practice; and Health in Populations.

Work Performed

• Oversees the progress of multiple concurrent research projects, including timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Manages the preparation, submission, and reporting of grant applications.
• Prepares and updates research ethics applications and amendments.
• Responsible for data management and quality control of ongoing projects; oversees data access requests for external datasets and liaises with data repositories and collaborating cohorts.
• Conducts descriptive and intermediate-level statistical analyses in R and/or Python (; maintains code repositories to ensure reproducibility.
• Writes/drafts sections of scientific manuscripts, reports, and policy briefs.
• Contributes to ongoing strategic planning for the lab’s research needs; collaborates with the principal investigator to identify funding opportunities and develop grant proposals.
• Provides oversight on lab administrative functions: facilitating discussions, document management, and onboarding of new team members.
• Identifies and advises resolution of problems or barriers to successful completion of research projects in collaboration with the PI.
• Maintains and develops up-to-date knowledge of current information technology techniques and tools, especially as they apply to epidemiological analysis.
• Is involved in the management of the projects as needed.
• Other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The incumbent will make important decisions affecting the productivity of the lab. Poor judgment could result in loss of experimental data and delay in conducting research, which could impact collaborations, publications, and future funding. Studies may be jeopardized if not conducted according to ethical requirements as laid out by the University and by regulatory authorities. Study files must be kept secured to ensure that patient confidentiality is not compromised. An error within the realm of a research study may result in biased or incomplete data and skewed study results. Errors made and poor decisions may be damaging to the reputation of the Principal Investigator, the School, and the University and could lead to incorrect or inappropriate policy recommendations being made.

This position will be responsible for access, collection, use and disclosure of personal information in accordance with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RSBC 1996) and other UBC privacy and security policies. This position requires employees to work under strict confidentiality requirements; internal procedures and policies to protect personal information must be followed and adherence to these requirements will be regularly reviewed by the employer.

Supervision Received
General direction is provided by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Stringhini; however, the position requires a candidate capable of setting their own directions and priorities within a given framework and working within agreed-upon milestones and timelines.

Supervision Given
Supports research assistants, junior staff, and students as required. Assists and provides guidelines to other research members as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, or a related field is preferred; undergraduate degree with substantial relevant research experience will also be considered.
• Experience in population-based or cohort epidemiology research settings.
• Experience with advanced statistical modeling techniques, including mixed-effects models, regression, and basic causal inference approaches.
• Proficiency in R and/or Python for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization; experience with version control (Git/GitHub) is an asset.
• Experience in data harmonization and multi-cohort studies, including familiarity with Maelstrom Research guidelines or similar methodologies, is an asset.
• Familiarity with grant administration processes in a Canadian academic environment.
• Experience with research ethics submissions (BREB or equivalent) is an asset.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and databases.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships.
• Ability to interact with a diverse group of people calmly, courteously, and effectively.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills with experience coordinating multiple concurrent projects or tasks.
• Must conduct all activities ethically and maintain the confidentiality of funding information and research data.