POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP IN HEALTH ECONOMICS AND POLICY
Position Description:
The postdoctoral position is part of a recently funded Canadian Institutes for Health Research
(CIHR) research on public health financing and structural transformation (more information
here). The postdoctoral fellow will work under the supervision of Associate Professor Mehdi
Ammi, and will principally contribute to the investigation of the preferences of public health
policymakers at the provincial/territorial and local levels across the country. This investigation
will take the form of a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to understand policymakers’
preferences for changes to governance, organization and financing of public health, and their
equity implications, as well as a complementary qualitative investigation with a selected group
of respondents. The postdoctoral position is thus an opportunity for recent PhD graduates to
sharpen their analytical skills and advance their research agendas in health economics, health
policy and related fields, while developing strong networks in the public health and health
policy communities in Canada. The position will be contributing to a timely and relevant
research on how to best organize public health systems, when these systems must face heavy
stress tests from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The postdoctoral position is for one year. We offer a competitive package worth $59,900 per
year, that includes a 70% subsidy for health and dental benefits as well as a $52,000 gross
salary.
The expected starting date is September 1, 2020. The position will be located at the School of
Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University in Ottawa. The successful candidate
will be expected to be mostly present in Ottawa as to facilitate timely progress on the project
and ensure his/her integration with the School and with Carleton. However, we recognize that
this is an unprecedented period and promising candidates who are unsure of their ability to
relocate in Ottawa in a short-time frame are encouraged to apply and discuss their situation
on a case-by-case basis.
Qualifications:
Required: PhD in a relevant discipline by July 1, 2020 or soon thereafter, but the PhD cannot have been granted before 2017 and PhD requirements must be completed before the position can start.
Relevant disciplines include economics, public policy, health policy, public health, biostatistics
and epidemiology. However, other disciplines may be considered on a case-by-case basis,
provided sufficient quantitative training and experience (e.g., medicine) or evidence of interest
in health-related research (e.g., statistics). Given the focus of the postdoctoral fellowship,
priority will be given to candidates with experience in discrete choice experiments.
Proficiency with a general statistical package (e.g., STATA) is required.
English proficiency, as well as an ability to work independently and excellent communication
skills (written and oral), are required.
Desirable: Experience with specialized software to design DCEs (e.g., Ngene) and analyze DCEs (e.g.,NLOGIT) is an asset, but not mandatory.
French language is an asset given the target population of the DCE are located across Canada,
but not mandatory.
Application Instructions:
Applications should include a one-page cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in and
fit for the position, as well as a curriculum vitae and one research paper (published or working
paper) to serve as writing sample. Please indicate in your application if you are a Canadian
citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
Applicants should send the name of two academic references as part of their applications, but
only short-listed candidates will be asked to arrange to have two confidential letters of
reference sent electronically directly to Associate Professor Ammi.
The application materials should be sent electronically as a single PDF document to: Associate
Professor Mehdi Ammi, School of Public Policy and Administration, mehdi.ammi@carleton.ca, with “Application to the postdoctoral fellowship in health economics and policy” in the subject of the email. Queries on the position shall also be directed to Dr. Ammi by email.
All materials should be submitted by July 1, 2020, when the review of applications will begin,
but applications will continue to be accepted after this initial deadline and until the position is
filled.
About the Academic Unit:
The School is a recognized center of academic excellence in public policy and management. It
is the largest and oldest school of its kind in Canada and is well known internationally, offering
a PhD Public Policy, Master of Public Policy and Administration, Master of Philanthropy and
Nonprofit Leadership, a joint MA in Sustainable Energy Policy, the graduate Diploma in
Public Policy and Program Evaluation, and the graduate Diploma in Indigenous Policy and
Administration. The School’s multidisciplinary faculty members are engaged in diverse
research and teaching initiatives and are regularly called upon for their expertise by
government departments, NGOs and international agencies. More information on the School
at www.carleton.ca/sppa.
About Carleton University:
Carleton University is a dynamic and innovative research and teaching institution with a
national and international reputation as a leader in collaborative teaching and learning, research
and governance. To learn more about our university and the City of Ottawa, please visit
www.carleton.ca/provost.
Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of
excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute
to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women; visible
minorities; First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of
any sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression. Carleton understands that career
paths vary. Legitimate career interruptions will in no way prejudice the assessment process and
their impact will be taken into careful consideration.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be
contacted. If contacted for an interview, please inform us should accommodation be required,
and arrangements will be made in a timely manner. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.