MSc: Development of an AI-driven digital health behaviour change intervention
Project summary
The Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC), has developed a digital 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+ team 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 (Université du Québec à Montréal) 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
- 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, honours thesis)
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently 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
- Digital 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 2027 (though there is also the possibility of starting during the summer of 2027).
The funding package consists of a 2-year stipend (consistent with Fonds de Recherche du Quebec funding levels) plus conference / training funding.
The successful candidate will be registered at Concordia University in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology or in the Department of Psychology (www.concordia.ca); the actual work would be conducted at the Santé Québec Nord-de-l’Île-de Montréal – Universitaire, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal (https://rechercheciusssnim.ca/). Please note that the language of instruction at Concordia is English.
How to apply
To apply, candidates must complete the online application form and upload the following documents:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including summary of GPAs and a full publication list (including hyperlinks where possible)
- A letter of motivation and statement of research accomplishments and future research goals, which should be no longer than 2 pages.
- At least one written example of a research focused output, e.g., research article, honours thesis, class-based research paper.
Queries about the application should be sent to apply@mbmc-cmcm.ca.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday November 27, 2026, 5 pm ET. Interviews will be conducted in December 2026 and January 2027. The successful candidate will need to apply to the University by the official application deadline.