Description
Area: Emergency Medicine - Realist Evaluation of Frequent Emergency Department (ED) Visitors
Duration: 1 year (with possibility of extension)
Start Date: September 1, 2026 (negotiable)
Salary: Competitive, with health benefits
The Department of Emergency Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a Postdoctoral Scholar in Emergency Medicine, focused on a realist evaluation of frequent visitors to the Emergency Department.
Job Description:
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to join a collaborative research team focused on improving care for patients who frequently use the Emergency Department. This scholarship will focus on conducting a realist evaluation to understand the mechanisms driving frequent ED use and to identify more effective, patient-centered approaches to care for complex populations.
The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr. Catherine Patocka, Department head of Emergency Medicine and Dr. Jessalyn Holodinsky, Data scientist in the Department of Emergency Medicine and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, researchers, and health system partners. The scholar will conduct realist fieldwork with high-priority categories of frequent ED visitors identified through advanced data analytics and statistical modelling and nominal group technique. This work will contribute to ongoing initiatives aimed at optimizing care delivery and exploring alternative pathways to better meet patients¿ health needs and goals.
The scholar will primarily contribute to this high-priority project, while also having opportunities to collaborate on additional projects utilizing realist methods and to develop an independent program of research.
The position is housed within the Department of Emergency Medicine, providing access to a dynamic research environment, interdisciplinary mentorship, and strong institutional support.
This position offers competitive compensation and health benefits.
Key Responsibilities
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Conduct literature reviews and support development of research protocol
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Lead the development of initial program theory for priority groups of frequent ED users
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Prepare and submit ethics applications and related regulatory documentation
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Design and implement recruitment strategies within the emergency department
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Train and mentor research coordinators and staff involved in patient recruitment and data collection
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Conduct and analyze qualitative interviews (including realist-informed approaches)
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Refine program theory based on empirical findings
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Present research findings at academic and institutional meetings
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Contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts
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Apply for postdoctoral training awards
Qualifications:
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PhD in health services research, epidemiology, or a related field
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Experience with realist methods (e.g., realist reviews and/or realist evaluation)
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Experience conducting qualitative interviews (realist interviewing experience is an asset)
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Strong record of peer-reviewed publications and scholarly presentations
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Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team -
Experience in emergency medicine or health services research is an asset
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Experience with qualitative data analysis software (e.g., ATLAS.ti) is an asset
Application Details:
Interested applicants should submit the following:
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Curriculum vitae (CV)
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Statement of research interests and career goals (1¿2 pages)
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Names and contact information for three academic references
The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.
To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Postdoc Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders' in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.
With a growing urban Indigenous population of approximately 50,000 people, there are several Indigenous organizations and many events and ceremonies taking place in the city throughout the year.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
