Scientific Associate II - University Health Network, Toronto

About the role

The Health Systems & Policy Research Collaborative Centre at the University Health Network (UHN) is seeking a highly motivated Scientific Associate II to contribute to health system transformation through health economics and health technology assessment. This administration and research opportunity offers qualified professionals a chance to engage in impactful scientific systems research within Toronto.

The Scientific Associate will lead and contribute to applied health systems research examining health outcomes, equity, and economic impact, implementation, scalability, and sustainability of health technologies, programs, services and models of care. Working under the direction of the Centre Chair, they will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and health systems partners to design and implement research projects and translate findings into evidence that supports health policy, practice and healthcare delivery.

The Health Systems and Policy Research Collaborative Centre was established to strengthen collaboration across high-priority health systems research areas and support teams in addressing complex health challenges. The Centre builds an inclusive research community across UHN and develops partnerships that translate research into evidence-informed policies and practices, advancing UHN's leadership and driving meaningful, lasting health system transformation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement scientific research projects in health economics and health technology assessment (HTA), and other key areas of health systems and policy research as needed.
• Leads evaluations of health programs, services and models of care, including assessments of implementation, outcomes, resource utilization, costs, scalability and sustainability.
• Apply advanced quantitative methods to analyze large health administrative, clinical, registry and other health datasets, including economic evaluations, costing studies and budget impact analyses.
• Develop and apply innovative methodological approaches to address complex questions in health economics research and HTA.
• Apply rigorous research principles related to study design, data management, quality assurance, statistical analysis, and interpretation of findings.
• Leads interpretation and dissemination of research findings through peer-reviewed publications, reports, policy briefs, presentations and knowledge translation activities.
• Leads collaboration with investigators, clinicians, trainees and health system partners to support research planning, project implementation, grant development and scientific dissemination.
• Provide scientific and methodological expertise to multidisciplinary research teams and maintain current knowledge of relevant scientific methods, principles and developments.
• Contribute to knowledge translation activities that support the use of research evidence in policy, practice and healthcare decision-making.

Skills and experience

• Ph.D. in health economics, health technology assessment, health services research, epidemiology, biostatistics, population health, or a related quantitative discipline.
• Minimum two years of relevant experience.
• Advanced expertise in health economics research methods, with demonstrated ability to design and conduct complex model-based economic evaluations, and understand emerging economic methods, e.g. equity-informative economic evaluation.
• Experience working with large, linked health administrative or registry datasets; familiarity with advanced methods for longitudinal data analysis and health services research, including resource utilization or costing studies, is an asset.
• Proficiency with quantitative analysis tools such as R, TreeAge, SAS, Stata, Python, or equivalent tools.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, with evidence of leading or first-author contributions.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present research to scientific, clinical, policy and health system audiences.
• High degree of initiative, strategic thinking, and professional independence.
• Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects with minimal direction.
• Client service orientation with demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and negotiation capabilities.
• Outstanding analytical and data management skills.
• Comfortable communicating with senior stakeholders and representing the Centre externally.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in research and partnerships.

Why join UHN

In addition to working alongside talented healthcare professionals, University Health Network offers comprehensive benefits, programs, and perks designed to support your career and well-being.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks including multiple corporate discounts on travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, and on-site gyms