Post Doctoral Opportunity at Dalhousie

The Mood, Anxiety and Addictions and Co-morbidity (MAAC) Lab, at Dalhousie University, invites applicants for a full-time Postdoctoral Fellow responsible for overseeing a multi-site feasibility trial, OpiVenture, testing the feasibility of adapted personality-targeted interventions for addressing polysubstance use among opioid-addicted clients undergoing opioid agonist therapy.

Position description:

The OpiVenture feasibility trial is searching for a Postdoctoral Fellow (PDF) to oversee, guide, and contribute to the success of OpiVenture, working closely with the Principal Investigator, Dr. Sherry Stewart (Dalhousie University), project collaborators and study sites in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec. The PDF will gain expertise in the adaptation of existing personality-targeted intervention manuals to a distinct population, namely clients with opioid use disorder receiving opioid-agonist treatment (OAT); training and supervision of delivery of facilitated CBT workshops; evaluation of the intervention and project management. Opportunities to apply for a Mitacs fellowship may be available. Depending on interest and qualifications, PDFs may have the opportunity to deliver guest lectures with the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University and to co-supervise student research.

Required skills and qualifications:

• Completion of all requirements for a PhD in clinical psychology or a closely related field
• Experience with development and/or delivery of evidence-based cognitive-behavioural interventions
• Knowledge and understanding of the research environment (Academic and other funding structures)
• Experience coordinating or managing large scientific projects.
• Knowledge in substance use intervention research and practice
• Clinical research experience (quantitative required and qualitative considered an asset)
• Proven ability to produce academic papers and conference presentations.
• Experience preparing and coordinating ethics approval for core and supporting sites.
• Ability to support the development of data collection protocols and tools; support and ensure standardised data collection, management, and analysis practices across all study site.
• Strong organizational and communications skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English (French language skills considered an asset)
• Ability to travel within Atlantic Canada and Quebec as required; and interest in travel to academic conferences.

Preferred skills and experiences:

• Clinical trials experience
• Knowledge and experience working with multidisciplinary translational research teams
• Experience in patient-oriented research and working with people with lived experience
• Flexibility for occasional travel and occasional work outside of business hours
• Registration or candidate registration with NSBEP is an asset but not a requirement.

Full-time: 2-year, potentially renewable contract. Extension subject to the candidate’s assessment and availability of funds.

The start date for the position is flexible (anytime between July – September 2023).

Salary: The salary offer will consider the candidate’s qualifications and experience. Benefits (subject to mandatory deductions from pension and health insurance contributions), health insurance, and annual leave will be based on the conditions for full-time positions held by grant-paid employees at Dalhousie University.

Position Main Location: Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia with consideration for other locations within Atlantic Canada.

Diversity Statement: Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons with a disability, racialized persons, including persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

Immigration requirements: In accordance with Canada immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Posting deadline: Friday, July 28^th, 2023 or until the role is filled. E-Mail CV and cover letter to Jennifer.swansburg@dal.ca

Apply at: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/14228