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Our Housing For Health Project focuses on two housing developments and the surrounding neighbourhoods in Edmonton and Whitecourt Alberta. The proposed intervention is supported through a 60-month multi-sector partnership between the University of Alberta and an Alberta-based real estate developer. The intent is to improve the built environment of new residential developments targeted at aging populations that are more supportive of active living, healthy eating and social connection. The initiative is anticipated to benefit approximately 4,000 people living in and around the housing developments, including affordable housing residents living next to the Edmonton development.
We are looking for a Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF) to work on the following:
Undertake and oversee an evaluation research project measuring changes in healthy behaviour and social isolation of residents within and around two new housing developments that will be designed to promote healthy living and social interaction. This project will include surveys and direct measures of physical activity (i.e., accelerometers) to establish baseline physical activity, healthy eating and social support, as well as longitudinal changes over time. The PDFs responsibilities will include: the recruitment of participants, preparing ethics applications and reports, development and distribution of survey packages, communication with the investigators, trainees staff, developer site office staff, and participants, data processing and analysis, manuscript preparation, co-supervision of graduate students, and other dissemination activities, overseeing the planning and implementation of the environment audits at the two study sites in Edmonton and Whitecourt, and other duties as needed. The PDF may also assist in grant proposal writing.
The PDF will be required to have completed their PhD within the past 5-years in an area related to health science, public health, or equivalent, preferably with a focus on quantitative epidemiologic methods. Additional experience with built environment audits, primary data collection, and with grant writing, would be beneficial. Some experience with qualitative methods and/or GIS could also be helpful. The PDF should have strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to a variety of audiences. The applicant should enjoy working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
The PDF’s primary appointment will be at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, AB, Canada; however, the PDF is anticipated to travel to Whitecourt to undertake data collection and meetings as needed, and also to travel to University of Calgary, the location of one of the project collaborators.
The PDFs salary is $50,000/year plus benefits. We have funding to support one full-time PDF annually, renewable for up to 4-years. The PDF will be expected to apply for external fellowships (e.g. CIHR).
To Apply:
Forward your cover letter, CV, a relevant manuscript you have written as lead author, and names and contact information of three referees, to:
Dr. Karen Lee MD, MHSc FRCPC
Associate Professor, Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine
University of Alberta
5-30 University Terrace
8303-112 St.
Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4 Canada
kkl1@ualberta.ca
cc Jennifer Barton at jennifer.barton@ualberta.ca
T: 780 492-4148
Please ensure you provide information in your materials regarding whether you are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, or your other Citizenship status.
Closing date:
Position open until filled.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.