Post-Doctoral Fellow; SRI - Evaluative Clinical Sciences - Temporary

Overview

A postdoctoral fellowship is available with Dr. Rick Swartz at Sunnybrook Research Institute. Dr. Swartz is a stroke neurologist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, a clinician‑scientist in the Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine (Neurology) and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto, and an Adjunct Scientist  research program focuses on stroke, vascular cognitive impairment, and the development of clinically meaningful cognitive outcome measures in large‑scale randomized controlled trials.

This one‑year fellowship will focus on cognitive outcomes measurement in randomized controlled trials (MACE‑Cog). The successful candidate will contribute to the development, validation, and implementation of pragmatic cognitive outcome approaches that are rigorous, feasible, patient‑relevant, and scalable across trial settings. This work will draw on advanced statistical methods, mixed‑methods research (qualitative and quantitative), outcomes validation, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary investigators, trialists, and other knowledge users.

The position is affiliated with Sunnybrook Research Institute and the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto. The fellow will have opportunities to contribute to embedded cognitive outcome work within ongoing clinical trial programs, including AcT‑Cog and ROMA‑Cog, while developing an independent methodological and academic profile in trial outcomes research.

• In collaboration with Dr. Swartz and the broader research team, develop specific research questions, study protocols, and analytic plans aligned with MACE‑Cog and the broader research program.
• Plan and lead mixed‑methods studies examining the feasibility, acceptability, validity, reliability, responsiveness, and missingness of cognitive outcome measurement in randomized controlled trials.
• Conduct and support advanced statistical analyses of clinical trial and related observational data, including longitudinal outcomes and measurement‑focused analyses.
• Support data acquisition, data management, harmonization, and interpretation under the supervision and direction of the broader research team.
• Contribute to outcomes validation work, including evaluation of construct validity, criterion validity, and clinically meaningful change.
• Engage in knowledge translation activities by disseminating research findings to scientific, clinical, and patient‑oriented audiences, including conference presentations and seminars.
• Lead manuscript preparation and submission, including presentation of results in tables, figures, and other scholarly outputs.
• Contribute to grant development, team meetings, and mentorship or supervision of trainees and students where appropriate.
• Maintain clear knowledge and understanding of regulations and policies pertaining to research ethics, privacy, and confidentiality.

• PhD completed within the previous five years in a relevant discipline (e.g., epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, neuropsychology, health services research, rehabilitation science, clinical epidemiology, or a related field).
• Strong statistical expertise, with demonstrated experience in quantitative analysis and applied research methodology.
• Demonstrated experience in mixed‑methods or multi‑method research, including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Direct experience with outcomes measurement, psychometrics, and/or validation studies is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and manage research projects from protocol development through analysis and dissemination.
• Experience with cognitive assessment, vascular cognitive impairment, stroke, dementia, clinical trials, or related outcomes research is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with one or more statistical software packages such as R, SAS, Stata, or SPSS.
• Evidence of manuscript preparation and publication, with excellent academic writing and communication skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and project management skills, with the ability to work both independently…