Postdoctoral Associate - Sault Ste. Marie, Canada - Algoma University

Description

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

Job Title: Postdoctoral Associate

Position Status: Limited Term, Full-Time (September, September 2025) Non-Union

Department: DeScide Research Lab

Supervision Received: Dr. Ahmed Aziz, Assistant Professor of Economics

Supervision Exercised: Student Research Assistants

Location: Sault Ste. Marie or Brampton, ON

Number of Positions: 1

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS:

A. Planning, organizing, and overseeing research projects 100%

TOTAL 100%

The newly established DeScide Research Lab aims to cultivate a dynamic hub for research in

the realms of Decision Sciences, Data Analytics, and Empirical analysis. The lab's scope

extends across these fields, recognizing their interrelation in enabling data-driven analysis

and decision-making. Applications can include various topics and fields, which can span from

refining business strategies to optimizing operations & logistics to analyzing diverse

population data to shaping and evaluating economic, healthcare, and financial policies that

drive societal progress. We are looking for excellent researchers with expertise in econometrics or causal inference, preferably with a focus on economics or other social science applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong computational and data science background and an interest in social science research related but not limited to labour, education, health, public expenditure, and personal finance. Excellent candidates with other specialties or backgrounds related to the lab's work will also be considered.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Planning, organizing, and overseeing research projects (100%)

• Planning, organizing, and overseeing research projects; including identifying promising research areas, securing all necessary data and software for conducting research programming, and writing research papers.
• Training and managing student research assistants.
• Contributing to website content through writing about research work to engage advanced students, funders, and partner audiences.
• Managing relationships with external academic and non-academic partners and selecting suitable partners and projects for collaboration.
• Contributing to funding applications, data use agreements and IRB approvals.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Physical Effort: Minimal

Work activities require minimal periods of physical effort, requiring a variety of muscle movements with requirements for speed and coordination.

Physical Environment: Minimal

Minimal exposure to unpleasant/disagreeable conditions.

Sensory Attention: Considerable

Work requires a frequent need to concentrate on a variety of sensory inputs for a lengthy duration requiring diligence and attention. Considerable balance of competing priorities, and extreme attention to detail, are required.

Mental Stress: Considerable

High-paced and deadline-driven environment, with frequent distractions and interruptions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Individuals with a PhD (completed by the start of employment) in economics, data science, statistics, quantitative social science fields or a cognate discipline are encouraged to apply.
• Preference will be given to candidates with expertise and experience in advanced econometric techniques, causal inference, large data sets, statistical software (R, Python, and STATA are used regularly), and natural language processing/text mining.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Salary:

$60,000, which includes benefits and a $1500 stipend to assist postdoctoral scholar with presenting their work at scientific meetings or participating in workshops or courses.

To apply, please submit a cover letter (explaining your motivation for applying to this program and special interest area if applicable), curriculum vitae including the names and contact information of three (3) referees, and a one-page research statement that summarizes current research interests, past accomplishments, and future research goals (combined PDF), to Dr. Ahmed Aziz (Email: ). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be considered from July 15, 2024, until the position is filled.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our community and is an equal-opportunity employer. The university invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.