Post Doctoral Fellow, Community Health & Epidemiology
INTERACT Postdoctoral Fellowship
Causal and longitudinal analyses for healthy cities research
Primary purpose
The Interventions, Equity, Research and Action in Cities Team (INTERACT) is inviting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellowship starting Summer 2025 (or as soon as a qualified applicant is selected). Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, INTERACT is a pan-Canadian collaboration of interdisciplinary scientists, urban planners, public health practitioners and community partners studying the design of healthy and equitable cities. Since 2017, INTERACT has been conducting natural experiment cohort studies in Canadian cities to assess the implementation and impact of built environment interventions on travel behaviour, physical activity, social connectedness, and well-being. INTERACT is co-led by Daniel Fuller (University of Saskatchewan), Yan Kestens (Université de Montréal), and Meghan Winters (Simon Fraser University). To learn more about our research program, visit www.teaminteract.ca.
Nature of work
In collaboration with city partners, INTERACT has established an intervention research program with multiyear cohort studies in the cities of Montreal, Saskatoon, Victoria, and Vancouver. Our research platform leverages mixed methods, including online surveys, GPS and accelerometer data, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and qualitative interviews. Four waves of data have been collected in our cohort studies to date. One of INTERACT’s priorities for 2025-2026 is longitudinal analysis to assess causal effects of sustainable transportation interventions on changes in travel behaviours and health over time. The successful candidate will execute this analysis in collaboration with INTERACT’s National Research Team, and with guidance from our partner network, the INTERACT Knowledge Hub.
Accountabilities
- Cleaning, manipulating, and analysing longitudinal quantitative data from various datasets, including survey, accelerometer and GPS, and EMA data from different project sites. Analyses will be framed by grant objectives, which centre on the influence of urban interventions on travel behaviours, physical activity, social connectedness, well-being, and equity
- Develop, write, and submit manuscripts for academic journals. The successful candidate will be expected to submit 3 manuscripts for publication within the first year
- Assist in other project-related tasks, which may include: preparing reports, presentations, and data visualizations for knowledge users; participation in meetings, team development, and strategic planning activities; contributions to methodological decisions; support for ethics applications; development of grant proposals
- Assist faculty supervisor in guiding graduate students’ research
- Collaborate with team members to initiate new projects
Education
Doctoral degree in public health, health sciences, geography, urban planning, epidemiology, computer science or a related field. Applicants who do not have a completed Ph.D. at the time of
application must include a letter from their Department Chair specifying the date of their dissertation defence.
Experience
- A strong background in biostatistics and epidemiology, longitudinal research, and causal analyses is required
- Experience analyzing wearable device data including accelerometer and GPS data, as well as experience with spatial data analysis
- Demonstrated publication record in high quality peer-reviewed journals
- Content knowledge in built environments, urban health, and equity analyses an asset
- Expertise in knowledge mobilization and data visualization an asset
Skills
Research and analysis
- Expertise in quantitative research, particularly methods for longitudinal analyses, causal inference, and natural experiments (e.g. difference in differences, interrupted time series)
- Demonstrated experience (as demonstrated via GitHub repository) in statistical analysis and modelling using R or Python with open source code
- Experience with high performance computing environments, particularly Digital Alliance Canada (Compute Data)
- Efficient at working with large datasets and synthesizing scientific literature
Project management
- Self-motivated and deliverable-oriented
- Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team
- Attention to detail and commitment to producing high quality work
Leadership and communication
- Strong English language and writing skills. Some knowledge of French (oral and written) preferred
- Ability to lead, collaborate, and communicate in a multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral environment
- Interest in fostering a supportive, student-led research environment
To apply
Please submit your application to Meridith Sones at msones@sfu.ca, including:
- Cover letter highlighting your relevant research interests, experience, and career goals (2 pages maximum);
- CV;
- 2‐3 samples of scholarly writing (where you are the first author);
- 2 references (including the PhD supervisor)
Department: Community Health and Epidemiology, University of Saskatchewan
Status: Full-Time
Salary: 70,000 CAD/year plus benefits. The fellow will be expected to apply for Tri-council postdoctoral fellowships.
Duration: Funding is available for 12 months
Posted date: May 2025
Closing date: Open until filled
Work location: This position is administratively based at the University of Saskatchewan. Priority will be given to candidates who can be geographically based in Saskatoon during their fellowship, but applicants looking to work out of our local research labs in Vancouver or Montreal will be considered.
Department: Community Health & Epidemiology
Status: Term
Employment Group: Postdoctoral Fellows - PSAC
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1
Salary Information: The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Posted Date: 6/9/2025
Closing Date: Open until filled
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.