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Postdoctoral Fellowship: Development of an AI-driven behavioural e-health intervention

Project summary:

The Montreal Behavioural Medicine Centre (MBMC, https://mbmc-cmcm.ca) 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 postdoctoral fellow 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.

Minimum Required Qualifications

  • PhD in a related discipline (e.g., Psychology, Physiology, Kinesiology/Exercise Science, Medicine, Computer Science, Software Engineering)
  • Demonstrated research productivity (peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations)
  • Demonstrated 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)
  • Demonstrated ability in the following:
    • Oral and written communication skills in English
    • Interpersonal skills
    • Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively
    • Project coordination

Preference will be given to candidates with:

  • Experience in cultural adaptation of health-related interventions and programs
  • Experience using integrated end user engagement strategies
  • Openness to learn new methods and techniques
  • Ability to communicate (orally) in French and/or Spanish

Provincial, national and international candidates are encouraged to apply

Start date, Duration, Stipend, and Location

The start date is immediate but flexible; funding has already been received.

The position is full time for at least one year and is renewable. Of note, most postdoctoral fellows at the MBMC complete 2-4 years. The funding package consists of a stipend (consistent with FRQS funding levels) plus conference / training funding.

The successful candidate will be registered at Concordia University (www.concordia.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
  • 2-3 research publications that best demonstrate your fit for the position

How to apply:

  • The complete application package must be emailed to: apply@mbmc-cmcm.ca. Please include “Ehealth Intervention Fellowship” 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 November 29, 2024, 5pm ET. However, please note that we will review applications as they are received.