PhD: Using behavioural science to prepare Canada and the rest of the world for future health emergencies: the iCARE Platform
Project summary
ICARE is an international data collection, analysis, synthesis, and mobilisation platform capable of rapidly generating and translating the best behavioural science evidence and tools to strengthen Canada’s and other countries pandemic and health emergency response strategies (https://icare.mbmc-cmcm.ca/). The iCARE Platform focuses on: 1) improving public acceptance and adherence to prevention behaviours; 2) reducing policy inequalities and impacts; and 3) understanding trust dynamics and risk communication to combat mis/disinformation. It works with local and international governments, policy-makers, and the public to be better prepared to face the next health emergency.
Position summary
The individual who is selected for this position will be expected to help the study PIs, Drs. Kim Lavoie and Simon Bacon, with the international coordination of the study and to focus on data analysis from the study. They will also have the opportunity to work with the international investigative team on a variety of study-related aspects including:
- Quantitative methods and analyses;
- Epidemiological analyses;
- Participating in collaborator and knowledge user engagement activities;
- Development and dissemination of policy briefs;
- Knowledge translation and reporting.
Required Qualifications
- A Master’s degree in a related discipline (e.g., Psychology, Physiology, Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Medicine, Public Health) if applying to Concordia or a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology if applying to Université du Québec à Montréal;
- Demonstrated experience conducting research in at least one of the following areas:
- Longitudinal cohort studies
- Advanced statistical models
- Population-level behaviour change
- Pandemic or health emergency related research
- Policy development
- Demonstrated research productivity (e.g., conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, master’s thesis, honours thesis);
- Effective oral and written communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience with advanced statistical methods and ability to work with a variety of analytic software;
- Experience with student mentoring and supervision;
- Openness to learn new methods and techniques in an applied clinical setting;
- Ability to communicate (orally) in both English and French.
Provincial, national, and international candidates are encouraged to apply
Start date, Duration, Stipend, and Location
The PhD will start in September 2027 (though there is also the possibility of starting during the summer of 2027).
The funding package consists of a minimum 4-year stipend (consistent with Fonds de Recherche du Quebec funding levels) plus conference / training funding.
The successful candidate will be registered either at Concordia University in the Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Applied Physiology, or in the Department of Psychology (www.concordia.ca) or at Université du Québec à Montréal (www.uqam.ca) in the Department of Psychology; 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 and French at Université du Québec à Montréal.
How to apply
To apply, candidates must complete the online application form and upload the following documents:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including a 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, master’s 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, 5:00 p.m. 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.