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Position summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join a multidisciplinary research team investigating the risk of adverse Zika Virus (ZIKV) related outcomes. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to innovative, policy-relevant research at the intersection of statistics, infectious diseases epidemiology, and global health.

Appointment Details

The successful applicant will be registered at McGill University, working under the supervision of Dr. Mabel Carabali Assistant Professor, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and academic supervision of Dr. Paul Gustafson (UBC), with an initial one-year appointment and potential for renewal.  This Postdoctoral fellow position is part of the CIHR funded  Zika virus (ZIKV) Individual Participant Data (IPD) Meta-analyses (MA) Phase II and the analysis of Surveillance based IPD data” (ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S) research project.

Start date: January 15, 2026 - End date: January 14, 2027

Salary: The annual salary is $70,000 CAD.

Location: McGill College 2001, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Project Overview:

Background: The ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S is a collaborative research initiative with the WHO, the ZIKV-IPD MA consortium, and the University of British Columbia among others. Assessing the risk of congenital malformations, fetal loss, child mortality and developmental issues due to ZIKV infection is challenging due to data scarcity, lack of appropriate ZIKV-exposure ascertainment, and limited accuracy in the attribution of such health outcomes to ZIKV infection. To address these challenges, our project leverages data from 54 studies (22 countries) participating in the ZIKV-IPD Consortium, a WHO led collective initiative to conduct IPD meta-analyses to assess risk of ZIKV exposure during pregnancy or at birth. Our project, the ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S, includes data harmonization, empirical estimation of adverse Zika outcomes while addressing measurement biases. We aim at generating evidence to inform public policy, healthcare providers and pregnant individuals, improving prevention during imminent future outbreaks.

Given that between- and within-study assessment of the risk of adverse ZIKV-related outcomes in IPD-MAs is limited by heterogeneity in study design, selection, and differential ascertainment or lack of standardization in definitions across studies. Especially among those studies launched amidst the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) because study (enrollment criteria and follow-up duration) and laboratory protocols changed rapidly over time, as knowledge of ZIKV evolved. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Carabali, Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Harlan Campbell (UBC) and Dr. Ronaldo Silva (WHO) developing a plan to address measurement error in the ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S study in accordance with the protocol. We expect their contribution on two main products: i) the theoretical development, and ii) empirical application of procedures to correct for the measurement error and underreporting in IPD-MA.

Qualifications/ Requirements

A statistician/ biostatistician with expertise/interest in Bayesian methods for addressing measurement error.

Ideally PhD within the last 5 years.

Advanced level experience with R, desired knowledge of Nimble, Overleaf.

Excellent communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Excellent time-management skills and attention to detail.

Works well independently as well as with a team.

Proficient in English (written and oral).

Ability to provide guidance and to work alongside other research assistants and established academic leaders.

Work Plans

The work plan for the study is based on the steps needed to create statistical models to identify and address measurement error in the IPD-MA, using simulated and existing data according to the goal (theoretical vs empirical application).

Interface with subject matter experts (clinicians, laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, etc.) to identify and discuss the role and likely importance of the multiple sources of measurement error that will affect ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S analysis. Use simulated datasets in concert with feedback from relevant experts, to develop and evaluate Bayesian approaches for simultaneously accounting for multiple sources of uncertainty

Main Responsibilities:

Prepare and revise statistical analysis plans for the ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S study

Engage with the consortium members to update and revise statistical analysis plans accordingly

Prepare and present reports to working groups and the ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S study members

Prepare and submit scientific manuscripts, posters and presentations for the ZIKV-IPD-MA-2S study accordingly

Attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary

Learn new skills and contribute to other projects

How to Apply

Applications must include:

a cover letter (maximum two pages) that includes a description of current research, future plans for research, and interest in the position; a curriculum vitae with the date their PhD was conferred and a publication list; (Applicants who do not have a completed Ph.D. at the time of application must include a letter from their Department Chair (or supervisor) specifying the date of their dissertation defense). one sample of scholarly writing (a published article or unpublished paper or chapter); and  the names of three referees to provide letters upon request.

Review of Applications will begin in January 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicant must have plans to receive their degree by July 2026 at the latest.

* Please note: Candidates’ eligibility to hold a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship expires 5 years after the date on which their PhD was awarded, regardless of when they are hired.  Be sure to refer to the following link for further information on eligibility criteria: http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/postdocs/fellows/registration/eligibility.

** Any offer to non-Canadian citizens/non-permanent residents is contingent on the candidate obtaining a work permit after an offer has been made and a letter of invitation sent, see: http://www.mcgill.ca/gps/postdocs/international/workpermit

*** Note for non-Canadian Citizen/non-permanent resident applicants, if you plan to make an Open Spousal Work Permit on your work permit, please note this in your cover letter. This information is required to due to Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada regulation changes. 

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Annual Salary:

$70,000.00

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Location:

McGill College 2001

Supervisor:

Assistant Professor

Position Start Date:

2026-01-15

Position End Date:

2027-01-14

Deadline to Apply:

2026-05-31

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.