Job Opportunity: Post-doctoral Researcher

Job opportunity: Post-doctoral Researcher

Location:

Remote

Term:

12 months, with possibility of extension

Start Date:

Flexible in 2025

FTE:

Full-time (1.0)

About Obesity Canada

Obesity Canada is the country’s only registered health charity dedicated exclusively to obesity. Since 2005, we’ve been leading efforts to transform how Canadians understand and address obesity as a chronic disease. Rooted in evidence and driven by purpose, we confront weight bias and stigma while championing respectful, people-first care in every aspect of our work.

The successful applicant will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team dedicated to shifting systems, policies, and perspectives.

Position overview

This post-doctoral position sits within Obesity Canada’s Research and Education portfolio and reports to the Director of Education and will receive research mentorship from the Scientific Director. It offers a unique opportunity to work to improve the lives of Canadians living with obesity through research, education, and advocacy. We are shifting the conversation, challenging stigma, and driving systems change. We’re a small but mighty team, growing strategically and always ready to tackle complex issues with collaboration, authenticity, and purpose.

The ideal candidate will bring research expertise aligned with Obesity Canada’s mission to advance evidence-informed, person-centred care. They will demonstrate scholarly achievement—such as graduate training awards, publications, knowledge mobilization, or community-engaged research—and show potential for independent inquiry, creative thinking, and contributions to collaborative research at the national and international level.

Opportunities & activities

This role offers a meaningful opportunity to lead and collaborate on research that informs real-world change. Whether developing new studies, translating evidence for decision-makers, or co-creating tools with communities, the postdoctoral fellow will help shape and mobilize knowledge that supports people living with obesity. The position is designed to strengthen both independent scholarship and applied, cross-sector collaboration.

Key activities and opportunities include:

Identifying and developing research proposals aligned with strategic priorities
Leading and contributing to peer-reviewed grant submissions aligned with Obesity Canada’s strategic priorities
Designing, leading, and supporting research projects, including literature reviews, data synthesis, and stakeholder engagement
Determining appropriate methodologies to collect and analyze data to answer research questions
Authoring peer-reviewed manuscripts, white papers, and policy briefs
Presenting findings to academic, policy, and public audiences
Supporting knowledge translation through the development of tools, resources, and frameworks
Contributing to the evaluation of programs and initiatives
Collaborating with partners across disciplines, sectors, and regions
Participating in professional development opportunities, including funding applications and mentorship

Eligibility and qualifications

The successful candidate will have completed a PhD in a relevant field. Candidates should demonstrate:

Research experience in health systems, public health, or population health Ideally experience in obesity care or related chronic diseases.
Familiarity with Canadian health policy and/or the Canadian Obesity Guidelines
Strong academic and plain-language writing skills including a strong publication record and experience with competitive grant writing
A collaborative spirit and ability to work across sectors and disciplines
Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in research and knowledge translation
Capacity to work independently and thrive in a remote environment

Compensation

The position includes a competitive salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Successful candidates will be eligible for extended benefits and a remote work stipend.

Application instructions

Interested applicants should email a cover letter (including your research interests) and CV to Nicole Pearce at nicole@obesitycanada.ca.

Priority review will be given to applications received by July 31, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applicants based in Canada.

Our commitment to equity

Obesity Canada is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples; Black and other racialized communities; LGBTQ2S+ communities; women; and people with disabilities, including those with lived experience of obesity.

We recognize and respect the intersectional experiences that shape health, and strive to ensure our workplace reflects the communities we serve.

Land acknowledgement

We recognize the enduring presence, cultures, and contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism, including systemic barriers to health equity. As we work to improve the lives of people living with obesity, we commit to listening, learning, and taking meaningful action to advance reconciliation, health justice, and culturally safe care for all.