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 at ICES. His 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.

Responsibilities and Opportunities:

• 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.

Essential Qualifications:

• 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 and collaboratively.
• Interest in pursuing a full-time academic research career and contributing to trainee supervision.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit a single PDF document including all of the following:

• Cover letter outlining reasons for applying and fit with the fellowship.
• Full curriculum vitae, including publications.
• Brief statement of previous research experience, research interests, and career goals (maximum 1 page).
• Contact information for three referees.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate this in your cover letter.

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is strongly committed to inclusion and diversity within its community and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: visible minorities, all religions and ethnicities, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.