PhD Student (with a focus in biostatistics and/or epidemiologic methods)

The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization. Our mission is to conduct and mobilize research that supports policy-makers, employers and workers in creating healthy, safe and inclusive work environments.

IWH is currently seeking a PhD Student with a focus in biostatistics and/or epidemiologic methods to work on a research project titled “Correcting for participation bias in convenience samples using multiple reference samples.”

About the position

Assembling a representative study sample using probability sampling can be challenging due to high costs of data collection and low response rates. To overcome this problem, applied researchers increasingly adopt nonprobability (convenience) sampling strategies (e.g., recruiting through clinics, community centres, social media, membership lists, opt-in panels and crowdsourcing). While frameworks have been put forward to adjust convenience samples using a single representative sample, less is known about how performance improves, or not, when two reference samples with a greater variety of potential study variables are used.

The purpose of this research project is to develop methods to adjust convenience samples using two reference samples. We aim to study the statistical properties of the proposed methods and develop user-friendly software to implement them. The proposed research will create novel methods and tools to allow health researchers to obtain more accurate estimates from convenience samples.

As part of this project, we are looking for a PhD student to work under the supervision of the principal investigator, Dr. Victoria Landsman.

The successful applicant is expected to have experience in statistical methods, solid knowledge of R software, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

This is a part-time research position working up to 20 hours per week. The successful candidate will primarily work remotely but will need to be available for pre-scheduled in-person meetings at the request of the principal investigator. The project is supported by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research.

Education

Working toward a PhD in biostatistics or epidemiology.

Salary range

This is an hourly role at $35.00/hr plus 4% vacation pay.

Application details

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.   

If you are interested in this position, applicants must submit a cover letter, résumé and record of publications, all in a single PDF or Word file, to:

Derek Wills
Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services
400 University Avenue, Suite 1800
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S5
Email: careers@iwh.on.ca

IWH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values and promotes diversity. IWH encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S+ persons, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact Derek Wills, Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services, via e-mail at dwills@iwh.on.ca or by phone at 416-927-2027 ext. 2115 to communicate their accommodation needs.

We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted.

About IWH

IWH, guided by a Board of Directors and an international Scientific Advisory Committee, conducts and shares relevant, applicable and high-quality research to protect and improve the health, safety and wellbeing of working people, and to promote their full and inclusive work participation. IWH's research examines the inter-relationships between work and health from worker, workplace and system perspectives.

IWH supports an active knowledge transfer and exchange program, which implements interactive strategies to transfer research findings to key decision-makers. IWH also trains and mentors the next generation of work and health researchers.

IWH is committed to excellent working conditions, a cooperative team environment for its employees, and transparent, diverse and fair recruiting practices of staff and trainees.

IWH operates with the support of the Government of Ontario. For more information about our organization, visit our web site at www.iwh.on.ca.