Research Associate or Post-Doctoral Fellow Epidemiology/Pharmacoepidemiology/Biostatistics UBC

Research Associate or Post-Doctoral Fellow
Epidemiology/Pharmacoepidemiology/Biostatistics,
Department of Medicine (Division of Neurology),
University of British Columbia (UBC), Vancouver, Canada


Funding source: Various
Anticipated starting date: Spring / summer 2009
Location: Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, UBC, Vancouver, Canada.
Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications in accordance with the University of British Columbia guidelines.


An opportunity of a life-time

An exciting opportunity has arising for a suitably qualified candidate to join our research team at the University of British Columbia.

At the University of British Columbia, Canada, we house one of the largest longitudinal population-based MS databases in the world. The high prevalence rates of MS in BC (currently affecting an estimated 240 per 105) provides our British Columbia-wide MS (‘BCMS’) database (established in 1980 by Dr Don Paty) with a substantial pool of patients. The database currently holds over 7500 patients followed for over 25 years. Approximately 1500 MS patients are seen each year within the BC MS clinics.

The successful applicant will contribute to a new 4-year project entitled: ‘The BeAMS Study Long-term Benefits and Adverse Effects of Beta-interferon for Multiple Sclerosis.’
The successful applicant will utilise the BC-wide multiple sclerosis database and other provincial health and drug databases to establish the long-term effectiveness and risks of a widely accepted class of treatments for MS, with a long-term objective of encouraging and facilitating the emergence and monitoring of novel MS treatments. The successful candidate will become involved in one or more of the project themes: drug effectiveness, adverse event monitoring, medical services utilization and employment outcomes.

There is also considerable scope for the applicant to initiate new avenues of research within the field of MS, based on their previous training and research interests. The successful applicant will be involved with all aspects of epidemiological research from study design, grant writing, planning, ensuring integrity of data, data linkage, patient chart reviews, executing and interpreting statistical analyses, presentation of findings both verbally and in table/graph form, drafting and publication of scientific manuscripts.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated potential to excel in their field of research and will have excellent organizational ability, verbal and written communication skills. A track record of first-author publications in peer-review journals and previous experience with grant writing is required. Must be able to demonstrate ability to plan and complete work assignments independently. Knowledge of recent advances in pharmacological studies required; previous involvement in such studies an asset. Use of statistical software and Kaplan-Meier/time-dependent Cox proportional hazards model for survival analysis and propensity scores an asset. Knowledge of MS an asset. The successful candidate may supervise students and other research personnel.

Open to applicants holding a PhD in epidemiology/ pharmacoepidemiology/biostatistics or other equivalent qualifications or work experience in their field of research.

UBC Hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. However, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

The Lifestyle
Beautiful British Columbia is situated on the West Coast of Canada. Vancouver itself is nestled at the foot of the inspiring North Shore Mountains. The climate’s great and perfect for the outdoor enthusiast. You can ski at Whistler during the winter (and still play golf in Vancouver) and hike, bike and sail all summer. Swim in one of our outdoor pools before work or snowboard on the local mountains after work.

Please send a cover letter, PDF copies of three publications and CV, quoting the reference: BeAMSUBCMedicine to:

Dr. Helen Tremlett (tremlett@interchange.ubc.ca)
The position will remain open until filled. For further questions, please contact Dr Helen Tremlett.
web-site: http://www.ubcneurology.com/Staff%20Web%20Pages/Htremlett.htm