Research Analyst (Epidemiologist)

University of Toronto • Toronto, ON

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Dalla Lana School of Public Health (DLSPH) at the University of Toronto, originating from a Rockefeller Foundation School of Hygiene, is Canada's largest public health school. It plays a critical role in public health, including the COVID-19 pandemic response, with significant research funding and partnerships globally. The Centre for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (CVPD), an interdisciplinary center hosted by DLSPH, aims to improve vaccine confidence and immunization programs through evidence-based information. The Research Analyst (Epidemiologist) will report to the Principal Investigator and apply analytic and programmatic expertise to global health projects focused on bacterial meningitis. This role primarily supports Ministries of Health in West Africa (Nigeria, Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Togo) to strengthen surveillance systems and data use. Key activities include conducting surveillance evaluations, leading vaccine effectiveness and impact studies, and collaborating with partners like WHO and CDC to deliver trainings and build capacity in data management and analysis. The incumbent will also support the development of protocols and standard operating procedures for case-based data collection, analysis, and reporting, assist with designing study tools, conducting statistical analyses, interpreting findings, and contributing to reports, publications, and presentations, while coordinating project activities and supporting knowledge translation. Experience with health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, Stelab), global research settings, and strong French and English communication skills are essential.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in epidemiology, public health, or related discipline or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of relevant experience with analysis and interpretation of quantitative health-related data
• Demonstrated experience conducting global health research, including travel and working with global health partners
• Professional proficiency in English and French languages (C1 minimum)
• Ability to travel to West Africa 2-4 times for periods of approximately 1 week.
• Broad knowledge about vaccines and vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Demonstrated technical skills conducting epidemiological, statistical modelling and analysis using R and STATA
• Experience with submitting Research Ethics Boards applications in Canada and in global health settings
• Experience writing reports for public dissemination and writing and submitting manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Experience working with health decision-makers in global health settings, such as: ministries of health, implementing partners, hospitals, regional health authorities or government
• Demonstrated experience with data management and resolving data issues.
• High proficiency with MS Office Suite such as Word, PowerPoint, and other software packages and programming languages currently used to collect, analyze and report data.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet competing deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including policy- and decision-makers
• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proactive and adaptable, with a strong commitment to research, continuous learning, confidentiality, and adherence to policies and procedures

Nice To Haves

• Experience working and or travelling in West Africa is highly desirable
• Experience working with international partners (e.g., WHO, CDC, GAVI) and supporting donor reporting (e.g., Gates Foundation, Wellcome) is highly desirable.
• Experience conducting time series analysis, logistic regression, and count models is highly desirable
• Experience conducting surveillance evaluations and programme evaluations is highly desirable
• Ability to train and build capacity of national and subnational teams in data use and interpretation is highly desirable
• Experience developing or refining standard operating procedures (SOPs), indicator definitions, and data-management protocols for consistent use across national and divisional levels is highly desirable.
• Experience working with surveillance data from health management information systems (e.g., DHIS2, Stelab, IDSR) is highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Analyzing detailed statistical information and developing program scripts to extract, clean, and analyze data, and present findings in clear, accessible formats for stakeholders
• Preparing statistical reports, summaries, and knowledge translation materials, and delivering presentations on research findings at conferences and other forums
• Developing, drafting, and editing training materials and standard operating procedures
• Preparing and submitting research protocols and documentation for Research Ethics Board (REB) approval
• Designing surveys, interviews, and other research tools to support program evaluation and data collection
• Fostering and maintaining strong relationships with project partners while tracking and monitoring research activities to ensure compliance with policies and procedures
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to plan and deliver seminars, workshops, and training sessions
• Organizing meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, materials preparation, and follow-up on action items

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level