Postdoctoral Fellow in Research Impact Evaluation

Department: EPID@Work Research Institute

Number of Positions: 1

Term: 1 Year Contract

Contract: Full-time

Start Date: April 2025

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

The Postdoctoral Fellow in Research Impact Evaluation will be responsible for leading the assessment of knowledge mobilization and implementation (KMI) strategies at the EPID@Work Research Institute under the leadership of Dr. Vicki Kristman. The successful candidate will design, implement, evaluate, and report on the impact of KMI activities, ensuring evidence-based decision making to enhance research translation and societal benefit. Working with a team of KMI and Communications specialists, the Postdoctoral Fellow will lead and contribute to research projects evaluating the impact of the Institute’s knowledge mobilization and implementation activities and strategies.

This position is for 1 year, renewable for two additional years with the possibility of promotion afterward. Members of the Institute conduct research in three main research areas: mental health in the workplace; equity, diversity, and inclusion; and knowledge mobilization and implementation (KMI). This is an excellent opportunity for new PhD graduates in knowledge mobilization or implementation science research 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.

Key Accountabilities:

• Design and lead research on the societal impact of the EPID@Work Research Institute.
• Evaluate the use of knowledge mobilization activities and strategies within the Institute, and provide evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Build and evaluate partnership networks between the Institute and the community in conjunction with the KMI team.
• Work collaboratively with the KMI team and Director to design and refine a knowledge mobilization strategy that will ensure the Institute’s research results in measurable impact.
• Work collaboratively with the KMI team to develop events, including the EPID Talks seminar series and community training initiatives.
• Provide evidence-based guidance and training to research staff, students, and collaborators on evaluation methodologies.
• Write, prepare, edit, and format manuscripts for publications and grant applications.
• Publish original research results in appropriate journals and other recognized media, and present at academic and stakeholder conferences.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels (including partners, members, employers, unions, government, and within Lakehead University) to enhance research uptake and application in various sectors.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• A Ph.D. degree in knowledge translation, implementation research, and/or evaluation research or related fields (preferred) OR a Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields with at least 10 years of relevant experience, with demonstrated exceptional ability and performance.
• Evidence of experience in evaluation (both quantitative and qualitative), knowledge mobilization, or implementation science.
• Evidence of experience in preparation and publication of manuscripts, including at least two first authored publications (accepted or in press); excellent scientific writing and oral communications skills.
• Results-oriented work ethic to work independently and undertake tasks needed to accomplish work objectives and deliver quality, consistent, and timely results.
• Demonstrated leadership, conflict resolution, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to adapt readily to change.
• Models and promotes core ethical practice and reflects an optimistic and positive attitude.
• Having networks with stakeholders relevant to the EPID@Work Research Institute is an asset.

Interested applicants are invited to submit a single PDF document containing a cover letter, resume, and the contact information of three professional references to:

Dr. Vicki Kristman
Director, EPID@Work Research Institute

Email: epid.hbsc@lakeheadu.ca

A completed Confirmation of Eligibility to Work in Canada form must accompany your package.

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 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 Partner’s 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 Re$earch InfoSource in our peer group category. Re$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 wellbeing of our employees is of the utmost importance to us. Lakehead University encourages and supports our employees in prioritizing their own wellbeing. 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, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons and persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Lakehead University is committed to an environment of open access to employment opportunities. Accommodations are available for all applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources at (807) 343-8334. We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.