Job Opportunity - Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research Lead, Global Strategy Lab

JOB TITLE: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research Lead, Global Antimicrobial Resistance

SUPERVISOR: Susan Rogers Van Katwyk, Managing Director, AMR Programs

DEPARTMENT: Global Antimicrobial Resistance, Global Strategy Lab (www.globalstrategylab.org)

EMAIL: careers@globalstrategylab.org

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 31, 2022

CONTRACT LENGTH: 2 years with the possibility of extension POSITION OVERVIEW

Help build a team driving global policy action on antimicrobial resistance challenges.

THE PROBLEM

Drug-resistant infections are expected to threaten tens of millions of lives and pose major economic and development challenges over the next thirty years. Infections become drug-resistant when infection-causing microbes become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. Drug-resistance in microbes arises from the overuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, agriculture, and the environment. This antimicrobial resistance (AMR) means that these essential antimicrobial drugs are less effective, making infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat. Global projections suggest that AMR could derail the Sustainable Development Goals, driving an estimated 24 million people into extreme poverty and exacerbating global economic inequality. Coordinated national and global action is needed across human health, agriculture, and the environment to protect and sustain the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs. Thus far, however, there is little evidence or tailored insight as to what actions countries should pursue to prevent the spread of AMR, and the implementation of National Action Plans to reduce AMR has stalled in many countries. Governments lack the necessary support to explore the merits of different policy interventions that could safely reduce antimicrobial use in their context, such as legislation, taxation and economic incentives, public awareness campaigns, and regulation of professionals and businesses. As the threat continues to grow, it is increasingly important to have AMR policies and actions informed by the best available evidence and stakeholder insights.

THE ORGANIZATION

The Global Strategy Lab advises the world’s governments and organizations like the World Health Organization on how to design laws, policies and institutions that address transnational health threats and make the world a healthier place for everyone. In addition to being a world class research unit with a long track record of bridging the gap between research and global health action, we have a track record of using evidence to inform action. Building on our research and policy leadership in the field of antimicrobial resistance, The Global Strategy Lab has received substantial start-up funding to build a new think tank focused on bridging the gap between research and AMR action. The think tank will act as a new division of the Lab, one of Canada’s leading social science research labs. Our work focuses on three areas of public and global health research: global legal epidemiology, public health institutions, and global antimicrobial resistance. We are designated as the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Global Governance of Antimicrobial Resistance, and the secretariat for both the International Network on AMR Social Science, and the Global Health Law Consortium.

The think tank will draw on the Global Strategy Lab’s existing research programs, but with a mandate to undertake rapid and applied projects that leverage global science and insights to respond to urgent global

policy needs. This new mode of operation will further allow GSL to expand its policy impact. The think tank

will initially undertake three programs of work: 1) providing rapid advice to governments and civil society

organizations in response to requests for evidence on antimicrobial resistance policy, implementation, and

evaluation; 2) seeding actionable policy proposals from leading experts in the field and from related areas;

and 3) building capacity to support policy development and research around the world.

SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver wider social impact on a global scale and to build a new initiative

from the ground up. Reporting to the think tank’s Managing Director, the AMR Research Lead will lead the

design, oversight, and execution of AMR policy research projects and engage with global AMR researchers

and stakeholders.

The AMR Research Lead is an ideal position for someone with a strong methods background and expertise

in AMR policy, who is excited about building up a new initiative, and is driven to deliver for our knowledgeusers.

Specifically, the AMR Research Lead will:

Strategy

● Support the development and implementation of the think tank’s knowledge mobilization

strategy;

● Support the development of a horizon scanning strategy for systematically identifying new

evidence and policy priorities in AMR;

Policy Proposals Research

● Lead the research design, data collection, and analysis of AMR policy research projects;

● Manage several research projects with competing priorities, ensuring that projects are

adequately and appropriately planned (realistic, achievable, describing major activities and

milestones);

● Oversee the work of a small team of research fellows and interns;

Rapid Advice

● Provide methodological advice and support for rapid advisory projects;

Capacity Building

● Mentor interns as part of our capacity-building program that aims to develop and promote

AMR knowledge and policy analysis skills among early career policy leaders around the world;

Partnerships

● Coordinate a global network of AMR researchers and working groups addressing key AMR

policy issues; and

Knowledge Mobilization

● Lead the development of background materials and academic outputs for knowledge

mobilization purposes, including expert workshops, policy dialogues, and capacity-building

workshops.

WHAT YOU BRING

We are looking to hire a creative research leader who is enthusiastic about building our initiative to tackle big global health challenges. You should have experience managing international research projects and experience working in low- and middle-income countries on AMR research and policy issues related to human, animal, or environmental health.

Education and Experience

● A PhD related to health and public policy;

● Experience leading research projects related to antimicrobial resistance, ideally using a One Health approach;

● Significant experience designing, and conducting policy research projects;

● Experience leading a research team;

● Experience managing international research projects and collaborations;

● Experience working with international institutions (e.g., UN, WHO, World Bank etc.);

Knowledge

● Expertise in a core One Health area related to antimicrobial resistance (health policy, food policy, environmental policy, veterinary policy);

● Knowledge of global policy and governance challenges in a One Health area;

● Advanced knowledge of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research design, with strong data analysis and visualization skills;

● Excited about exploring and building interdisciplinary methodological approaches;

Skills and Attitudes

● High level of demonstrated leadership and strategic management skills - including project management, leadership and coaching of multi-disciplinary teams;

● Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and team-building skills;

● Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects;

● High level of judgment, tact, and diplomacy in interacting with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders; and

● Strong verbal communication skills and well-developed writing skills, with the ability to synthesise information conveying key points clearly and concisely;

● Excited about working with a global and diverse team of passionate and driven people, with sensitivity to language, culture, and remote working arrangements.

Desirable Experience (but not essential)

● Experience working in low-and-middle income countries or resource-limited settings;

● Experience providing advice to government.

COMPENSATION AND TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

The AMR Research Lead will be working remotely until in-person activities resume at the Global Strategy Lab. Annual salary will range from CAD$76,500 - $103,500, depending on the individual’s experience and education. The Lab’s commitment to pay equity necessitates that we will not be able to offer a salary outside of the range provided. We also provide extended health care and dental benefits. The successful candidate is expected to work approximately 40 hours per week; occasionally this role will require travel and evening and weekend work. The language of work is English. There is one position available.

The Global Strategy Lab is based at York University in Toronto and new team members will benefit from close ties to the Lab’s existing impact-driven research program and networks. We will be working remotely during COVID-19 and are open to flexible working arrangements in the future.

The Global Strategy Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that celebrates people in all their diversity and encourages a variety of perspectives. We recognize that different experiences and viewpoints are a source of strength in collaboration, and the driving force behind innovative, creative, equity-minded, and globally-oriented research. HOW TO APPLY

Please email the following as pdf attachments to careers@globalstrategylab.org using the subject line RL-2022-05:

1. In a single pdf file titled LastName_FirstName, a CV and cover letter. The cover letter should highlight your experience leading a research team, managing international research projects/collaborations, and/or working with global health institutions and governments;

2. A previous work sample highlighting your writing and research or policy skills on a topic related to AMR. Ideal work samples could include: an academic publication, a report you’ve written, or a policy brief; and

3. A completed copy of the work status declaration form linked here.

Applications will be accepted and considered until May 31, 2022. The candidates short-listed for an interview may be asked to complete a skills-based task as part of the interview process. We thank all applicants; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Global Strategy Lab welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process, please email careers@globalstrategylab.org.

NOTE: All employees will be required to abide by York University’s policies and guidelines, including their public health guidelines.

Please do not contact the Global Strategy Lab by phone; send all inquiries to

careers@globalstrategylab.org.