MSc: Development of an AI-driven behavioural e-health intervention
Project summary:
The Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), has developed an e-health behaviour change program, called EVO+, that aims to improve behavioural risk factors associated with the development of non-communicable chronic diseases.
EVO+ is a structured 12-week program that is built around key behaviour change theories and frameworks and focuses on developing skills in individuals that can be applied to enhance long-term behaviour change. In addition, the EVO+ includes members who are working on novel machine and deep learning techniques (i.e., artificial intelligence), and aspects of user experience to enhance the tailoring and personalisation of the program to individuals.
Though the core of the program is adaptable to any behaviour, the current working version is focused on improving physical activity and dietary behaviours. There are ongoing EVO+ studies that are exploring the adaptation, efficacy, and system implementation in both Canada and Colombia.
Position summary:
The individual who is selected for this position will be expected to work with the current study team, including PIs, Dr. Simon Bacon (Concordia University) and Dr. Kim Lavoie (UQAM) to continue to develop and test EVO+. The student will be able to work on a variety of research-related aspects of the project including:
- Planning, setup and running of project activities;
- Development of the intervention;
- Data capture and analysis;
- Development of machine and deep learning based algorithms;
- Expanding the user experience elements of the program;
- End user engagement activities; and
- Development of intervention implementation strategy.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree in a related applied clinical discipline (g., Psychology, Physiology, Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Medicine, Computer Science, Software Engineering)
- Demonstrated research productivity (e.g., conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, master’s thesis, honours thesis)
- Demonstrated ability in the following:
- Oral and written communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Prior experience conducting research in at least one of the following areas
- Intervention and program implementation
- E-health interventions
- Behaviour change interventions
- User-centered intervention development and testing
- Qualitative data capture and analysis (user experience methods, interviews, focus groups)
- Openness to learn new methods and techniques in an applied clinical setting
- Good oral communication skills in both English and French
Provincial, national and international candidates are encouraged to apply
Start date, Duration, Stipend, and Location
The MSc will start in September 2025 (though there is also the possibility of starting during the summer of 2025); funding has already been received.
The funding package consists of a 2-year stipend (consistent with Fonds de Recherche du Quebec funding levels) plus conference / training funding. For out of province and international candidates there are also tuition waivers potentially available.
The successful candidate will be registered at Concordia University in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology (www.concordia.ca); the actual work would be conducted at the CIUSSS-NIM, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montreal (https://rechercheciusssnim.ca/). Please note that the language of instruction at Concordia is English.
To apply, please forward the following:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including summary of GPA’s, a full publication list (including hyperlinks where possible) and email contact details for two referees
- A letter of motivation and statement of research accomplishments and future research goals
- At least one written example of a research focused output, e.g., research article, honours thesis, class-based research paper.
How to apply:
- The complete application package must be emailed to: apply@mbmc-cmcm.ca. Please include “EVO+ MSc” in the subject line.
- Queries about the application should be sent to Dr. Bacon (simon.bacon@concordia.ca).
- The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday November 29, 2024, 5 pm ET. Interviews will be conducted in December 2024 and January 2025. The successful candidate will need to apply to the University by the official application deadline.