Postdoctoral/Research Fellow

Job title:

Postdoctoral/Research Fellow

Company

Job description

The Bridge Research Consortium (BRC), based in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser
University (SFU), invites applications from highly qualified candidates for two Postdoctoral/
Research Fellow positions. The BRC is seeking applicants with training in a relevant social
science or humanities discipline, commitment to multidisciplinary research, and scholarly
interests in the historical, political, social and behavioural factors that influence the uptake of
new vaccines and immune-based therapies in the context of pandemic planning.
ABOUT THE BRIDGE RESEARCH CONSORTIUM
The BRC is one of four projects funded by the Government of Canada, as part of Canada’s
Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH) led by the University of British
Columbia. It is also one of 19 projects funded in 2024, under Canada’s Biomanufacturing and
Life Sciences Strategy, “to rebuild a strong and resilient domestic biomanufacturing and life
sciences sector” ahead of a future pandemic event.
While Canada is poised to achieve exciting and important scientific breakthroughs, the
COVID-19 pandemic showed that support for the optimal uptake of new vaccines and
therapies is also needed. The decline of vaccine uptake within some populations over the
past decade risks the return of vaccine preventable diseases and undermines the capacity for
Canada to respond effectively to a future pandemic.
ORAL/RESEARCH FELL
In this context, the BRC has been funded as a unique collaboration of leading social sciences
and humanities scholars across Canada. The Consortium brings together expertise in
anthropology, bioethics, communications, history, international relations, law, political
science, public administration, sociology and other disciplines, with public health, clinical
medicine, and nursing.
Led by Professor Kelley Lee (Simon Fraser University) and Professor Ève Dubé (Laval
University), the project’s goal is to better understand the factors/determinants/practical
barriers to the optimal uptake of new vaccines and immune-based innovations. This is
achieved through multidisciplinary research, training, and knowledge mobilization activities
spanning the therapeutic pipeline and immunization system. The BRC focuses on topics
such as vaccine hesitancy and confidence, vaccine equity by design, science and crisis
POSTDOCT
communication, role of trust, ethical issues in pandemic planning, and mis/disinformation.
POSTDOCTORAL/RESEARCH FELLOWS
The two postdoctoral/research fellows will work with Professor Kelley Lee to advance one or more of the
following themes:

• To identify and assess priority social and behavioural factors that impact acceptability and accessibility

of immune-based innovations in Canada

• To strengthen understanding of priority social and behavioural factors among key constituencies

along the therapeutic pipeline and immunization system

• To conduct research, training and KMb activities along the therapeutic pipeline and immunization

system that support trust.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidates will hold a completed doctoral degree in a relevant social science or humanities
discipline such as political science/political economy, social psychology, sociology, public policy, history
or public health. At least two years conducting research in Canada is required.
Familiarity with relevant qualitative methods such as key informant interviews, focus groups, document
analysis, policy analysis, and/or media analysis is needed. Proven interests in subjects related to vaccine
policy, social and behavioural change, trust, public health, or pandemic planning are an asset.
SALARY, BENEFITS AND EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
The salary for this position is $60,000 to $75,000 CAD plus benefits depending on the qualifications and
experience of the chosen candidates. The Postdoctoral/Research Fellows will be appointed for a three-
year period, with the potential for renewal if additional BRC funding is secured. The start date is flexible
but no later than 1 March 2025. The positions are full-time (37 hours per week) and based on-site at the
BRC Secretariat on the SFU Burnaby campus. There is flexibility to work from home for up to two days
per week.
The Research Fellows will have significant independence in undertaking priority research, training and
knowledge mobilization activities that directly advance the objectives of the BRC. There will be ample
opportunities to contribute to knowledge mobilization activities that engage directly with scientists,
different levels of government in Canada, industry, health care practitioners, and diverse communities
across Canada.
HOW TO APPLY
Please email your application to BRC Project Manager Kris Miljic (kris_miljic@sfu.ca) with the following
information:

• Cover letter

· explain why you are suited for this position
· describe your relevant disciplinary and subject matter expertise
· describe your relevant experience and skills that would advance the goals of the BRC
· names and contact information for two references (to be contacted by the BRC for short-listed
candidates only)

• Curriculum vitae
• URL links (if available online) or pdfs of two recent publications you have substantively contributed to

Given the focus of this project, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Review of applications will commence on 1 December 2024 and will continue until the positions are filled.
EMPLOYMENT EQUITY
Simon Fraser University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all
qualified persons, including visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and
LGTBQ-identified persons. Located on unceded Coast Salish Territory – the traditional territories of
the səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish) and
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, SFU is actively building an increasingly diverse and inclusive

Expected salary

$60000 – 75000 per year

Location

Canada

Job date

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 03:16:57 GMT

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