Description
Area: Health Policy & Cumming School of Medicine
Duration: 1 year with renewal
Start Date: July 1 2025
Salary: $60,000 CAD per annum, plus University of Calgary Plan C health benefits
The School of Public Policy and Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar (PDS) in Genomic and Pharmacogenetic Policy and Implementation.
Mental health disorders are highly heritable with recent research focusing on identifying genetic and pharmacogenetic risk and protective factors to inform effective approaches to risk stratification and targeted interventions. The clinical implications and utilization of this information is evolving, along with the public perceptions. Cross-ministry policy and services have an important role to play in integrating relevant genetic findings into clinical workflows to improve mental health and well-being outcomes. Ongoing work at the University of Calgary has produced strong evidence for the value of increasing accessibility to evidence-based pharmacogenetic testing for children and youth requiring psychiatric medications. Provincial policy and service capacity for pharmacogenetic testing varies across jurisdictions. This PDS position focuses on mapping policies across provinces and identifying evidence-based policies and prevention strategies internationally.
This work will have an important role in supporting researchers, community partners and government to work together and build capacity to integrate indicators into measurement and monitoring of service delivery. This research program is embedded within the Canadian Precision Health Initiative which is funded through Genome Canada, with a vision for generating population-level genomic data.
PDS supervision will be provided by: (1) Dr. Jennifer Zwicker, Director of Health and Social Policy, School of Public Policy (2) Dr. Chad Bousman, Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine and (3) Dr. Paul Arnold, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine. This fellowship is embedded in a research program with extensive connections to local community partners and national research networks.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Postdoctoral Scholar to lead a cross-jurisdictional policy scan and comparative analysis on the Ethical, Environmental, Economic, Legal, and Social (GE³LS) aspects of genomics and pharmacogenomic. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of health policy, ethics, and innovation systems to explore how provincial and international policy environments shape the development, implementation, and public trust in genomics and pharmacogenomic research and its applications. This position will contribute to a multidisciplinary program of research focused on the governance, adoption, and responsible innovation of emerging genomic and pharmacogenomic technologies. Research outcomes will inform policy recommendations and the PDS will work closely with partners and with community and government stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION AND DISSEMINATION

• Lead and contribute to knowledge mobilization strategies, including the development of policy briefs, briefing notes, and synthesized reports for government and community audiences.
• Organize and support webinars, stakeholder dialogues, and policy engagement events to disseminate findings and promote uptake.
  Actively contribute to the preparation and submission of peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations, with opportunities to serve as lead author on publications arising from the project. Presentation and communication of research and research results to a variety of audiences and in different venues is also involved (i.e. presentations at conferences, workshops, team meetings as well as in various written publications). Peak times will occur near deadlines for reporting analysis and results to project stakeholders.
  Opportunities for applied training are available, related to statistical methods, qualitative inquiry and stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, grant writing, student supervision, knowledge translation of clinical research into practice and policy and multi-stakeholder collaboration with a range of investigators (policy analysts, epidemiologists, geneticists, psychologists, qualitative researchers, legal analysts, statisticians and health service agencies).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A PhD in health sciences, health services research, public policy, or a related field, completed within the past five years or expected by the start of the postdoctoral appointment.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute research on complex, multi-faceted issues; prior experience in health or social policy research is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in qualitative research methods, including conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups; experience using qualitative analysis software (e.g., NVivo) is an asset.
• Strong understanding of experimental design, scientific inquiry, and both qualitative and evaluative methodologies.
• Proven track record of scholarly achievement, including peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations in relevant disciplines.
• Experience developing knowledge mobilization materials and communicating research findings to diverse audiences, including policy-makers, practitioners, and community partners.
• Experience in comparative policy analysis, particularly in relation to the ethical, environmental, economic, legal, and social (GE³LS) aspects of genomics or health-related research.
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary research approaches and stakeholder engagement processes; prior experience conducting interviews with decision-makers is an asset.
• Previous research experience in one or more of the following areas is an asset: genomics, pharmacogenomics, mental health, disability studies, or public health policy.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant digital tools used for research and communication.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including scientific writing, policy reporting, and presenting to academic and non-academic audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with a collaborative mindset and interest in mentoring trainees or supporting a research team.