Call for Applicants – PhD University of British Columbia

POSITION:               PhD Student    

VP/FACULTY:             Faculty of Medicine

DEPARTMENT:           Medicine – Neurology Division   

JOB SUMMARY

A PhD position is available immediately for a highly motivated graduate student to join a dynamic research team devoted to issues related to brain health, technology and patient experience. The position is based out of the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s and Women’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC. The successful individual will work closely with the Principal Investigator of the Neuroscience, Engagement and Smart Tech (NEST) Lab and other members of the Project Team to evaluate and co-develop technology to support brain health across the lifespan.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

Upwards: Directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Julie Robillard.

WORK PERFORMED

The responsibilities of this position will focus on the co-design, development and evaluation of technologies that support brain health. Examples of technologies under investigation in the NEST lab include eHealth resources, mobile applications, and social robotics. The project will include a focus on technology to support participation in brain health research.   

The successful candidate will:

1. Develop a set of research questions and a methodology plan and work with the PI and Steering Committee to implement the research program using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods.

2. Conduct data collection with a focus on the capture of stakeholder perspectives (e.g., members of the patient community, caregivers, health care providers).

3. Carry out analysis and interpretation of data to inform research, practice, and policy-making. 

4. Participate in laboratory meetings, seminars and journal clubs and other academic events.

5. Prepare peer-reviewed manuscripts, grant proposals, media resources and outreach materials, and attend conferences and present results as funding permits.

6. Provide supervision to other team members (e.g., undergraduate students).

7. Serve as the liaison between the research team and the project Steering Committee.

8. Engage with the activities of the research centres the NEST is affiliated with, including Neuroethics Canada, the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health.

8. Participate in other brain health and technology-related research as appropriate.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

Any procedure or data record as part of a research study must be accurate and must accurately reflect the work performed.  Studies may be jeopardized if not conducted according to ethical requirements as laid out by the University and by regulatory authorities.  Study files must be kept secured or patient confidentiality may be compromised.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Reports directly to the Principal Investigator.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

May have the opportunity to provide some supervision to other team members (e.g., undergraduate students).

QUALIFICATIONS

Interested individuals with a Masters Degree and excellent academic credential are encouraged to apply. A background in a relevant discipline, such as but not limited to neuroscience, public health, psychology, medical sociology, or social work is required. Applicants from technology fields (e.g., computer science, engineering) with an interest in health care applications are also encouraged to apply. Familiarity with programming (e.g., Python) and content management systems (e.g., WordPress) are assets.

CONTACT

Please submit a cover letter, a brief statement of your research interests and career goals, curriculum vitae, and the names of three referees willing to provide letters of reference by September 30, 2019. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.  All information should be sent electronically to:  jrobilla@mail.ubc.ca using the subject line “PhD Application”.