Department of Geography, Geomatics, and Environment
University of Toronto, Mississauga
JOB POSTING – POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW
Area of Research: Young Adult Diabetes Prevention, Community-Engaged Research
Position Title: Postdoctoral Fellow
Position Summary: The Department of Geography, Geomatics, and Environment at the University of Toronto Mississauga invites applications for a Postdoctoral Fellowship focused on community-based participatory research (CBPR). This fellowship will involve applying mixed-methods research to explore food and recreation accessibility in Peel Region, targeting young adults aged 18–24.
The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing a project that combines geospatial analysis with qualitative research to align lived experiences of resource access with geospatially identified food and recreation deserts. Outputs from this research will inform policymakers and stakeholders in prioritizing health interventions for Type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention.
Description of Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop, implement, and analyze surveys and focus groups to gather data on lived experiences of young adults
- Synthesize quantitative and qualitative findings to identify gaps in food and recreation resource access
- Collaborate with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to co-design and validate research tools and outputs
- Develop a multi-modal web-based story map to communicate findings to stakeholders
- Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present research at conferences
- Mentor peer researchers and contribute to knowledge mobilization efforts
Required Qualifications:
- A Ph.D. in Geography, Public Health, Urban Studies, or a related field (completed within the last 5 years)
- Experience with community-based participatory research or mixed-methods research
- Strong background in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
- Proven ability to publish in high-impact academic journals
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
Other Preferred Qualifications/Assets
- Knowledge of public health issues related to Type 2 diabetes prevention.
- Familiarity with community engagement and co-design methodologies.
- Knowledge in geospatial analysis and GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS).
Application Instructions: All individuals interested in this position must submit the following documentation required for application by the closing date.
- A cover letter detailing their research interests, relevant experience, and fit for this position.
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Up to three representative publications.
- Contact information for three references.
Applications should be submitted as a single PDF to cue@utoronto.ca with the subject line: Postdoctoral Fellow Application – [Your Name].
Closing date: December 15, 2024.
Supervisor: Dr. Matthew Adams, University of Toronto Mississauga
Expected start date: January 2025
Salary: $65,000.00 annual salary
Term: This position is funded for one year
FTE: This is a full-time term position
The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow (pro-rated for those holding a partial appointment) recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and professional development and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.
Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement. This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.
The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
About the Project
This postdoctoral fellowship is part of a collaborative, community-engaged research initiative that examines the intersections between geospatial analyses of food and recreation deserts/swamps and the lived experiences of young adults in Peel Region. The project aims to identify underserved areas and co-develop actionable solutions for T2D prevention through diet and physical activity interventions.
A key deliverable will be the development of a GIS-based story map to inform policymakers and stakeholders about health equity and resource distribution.
Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact Dr. Matthew Adams at md.adams@utoronto.ca.