Health Clinician Scientist

The Department of Psychology and the Research Institute at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) are accepting applications for a permanent full-time Neuropsychologist/Health Clinician Scientist position to: (a) assess and diagnose cognitive, behavioural, and socio-emotional problems associated with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) (.50 FTE) and (b) establish a productive research program focused on predicting and ameliorating neuropsychological manifestations of neurogenetic disorders (.50 FTE).

Clinical Activities (.50 FTE)

This position will support the recently developed NF1 Neuropsychology Clinic, located within the Department of Psychology. Duties will align with the NF1 Neuropsychology Clinic mission of improving outcomes in children with neurogenetic disorders through comprehensive scientific evaluation, timely diagnosis, and improved coordination of interventions across the appropriate specialty services. It is expected this position will be an appointment faculty member in the Neurosciences & Mental Health program at the SickKids Research Institute, contributing to our world-class research community.  By enabling excellence, innovation, understanding, and hope, the SickKids Department of Psychology is a respected leader in Precision Child Health, that strives to advance equitable and inclusive care, research, and education. The SickKids Department of Psychology supports the generation of new knowledge and evidence, educates the next generation of specialized Psychologists, and effectively helps address the complex developmental, medical, and psychosocial needs of patients being treated for primary medical and psychiatric conditions at SickKids. The SickKids Research Institute is Canada’s largest, hospital-based child health research institute. Our commitment is to improve the health of children, here in Canada and in the global community.

Research Activities (.50 FTE)

The successful candidate will also engage in an original, competitive, and independently funded research program of international caliber that will seek to understand the bio-psychological underpinnings of clinical symptoms, neuropsychological function, and behaviour across children and youth with neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorders, including NF1. The research focus should be related to several areas that are relevant to the Precision Child Health Strategy advancing personalized care for patients with neurodevelopmental or rare neurogenetic conditions and could include research in diagnosis or treatment innovation, applying a range of methodologies such as neuropsychological and/ or neuroimaging approaches.

The successful candidate will be appointed within the Associate-Scientist Track stream in the Research Institute with a performance-based opportunity to seek reclassification to an Associate Scientist appointment at the end of the Associate Scientist-track 4-year term.  They will be expected to qualify for an academic cross-appointment in an appropriate department at the University of Toronto enabling: (a) direct supervision of students, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates; and (b) work with students/post-docs to prepare scientific manuscripts, grant applications, and/or drafts of patent applications.  Synergy with the Developmental Assessment of Genetically Susceptible Youth (DAGSY) Clinic and the academic program of the successful candidate will be fostered considering the common focus on clinical research in neurodevelopmental/neurogenetic disorders.

Here’s What You’ll Get To Do:

·       Design and implement coordinated and timely consultations and screening, targeted and comprehensive assessments to relate current cognitive, academic, and social-emotional functioning to a child’s medical and neurodevelopmental history and treatments.

·       Write reports with recommendations.

·       Provide feedback to families and clinic teams.

·       Provide specialized intervention and standardized follow-up for patients within a rigorous Precision Child Health approach

·       Provide consultation to school teams, rehabilitation providers, and other health and educational professionals.

·       Complement and extend the health care team’s ability to meet the psychosocial needs of the child and family.

·       Work collaboratively as a member of the health care team.

·       Actively engage in clinical research being conducted, program development and quality initiatives.   

·       Integrate research and practice.

·       Clinical triage and waitlist monitoring and management.

·       Supervise clinical trainees.

Here’s What You’ll Need

·       Ph.D. in Clinical or Neuropsychology from a CPA or APA accredited program or equivalent.

·       Post-doctoral training in Neuropsychology. Preference will be given to candidates who are Board Certified or Board eligible through the American Board of Professional Psychology ABPP-CN.

·       Registration/eligible for registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, with Neuropsychology with children/adolescents as a declared area of competency.

·       Training in the scientist/clinician model of care.

·       Excellent problem-solving, time management, written, and oral communication skills.

·       Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.

·       Proficiency in psychological assessment and diagnosis of children age 4-18, with developmental and medical conditions.

·       Proficiency with interviewing and educating families.

·       Evidence-based care and practice.

·       Initiative and passion to integrate research and clinical practice.

·       The applicant must have significant research experience (i.e., at least 2 years postdoctoral)

·       A record of outstanding scientific accomplishment and innovation related to developmental neuropsychology and neurodevelopmental/neurogenetic disorders.

·       Applicants are expected to demonstrate evidence of successful research funding (peer-reviewed grants, fellowships, etc.), publications in leading journals, presentations at significant conferences, and increasing leadership experience in a research team.

·       Applicants should have a strong track record of productivity and innovation in research focused on neuropsychological outcomes of neurodevelopmental and neurogenetic disorders.

·       Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion objectives.

The Hospital for Sick Children recognizes that scholars have varying career paths and that career interruptions due to personal circumstances can be part of an excellent academic record. Candidates are encouraged to explain any personal circumstances to allow for a fair assessment of their application.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is being offered along with support for relocation expenses.

The successful applicant’s research program will be housed at the SickKids Research Institute in the state-of-the-art Peter Gilgan Centre for Research & Learning (686 Bay Street, Toronto, Canada), located in the Discovery District in the heart of downtown Toronto.  SickKids is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto: Canada’s largest and top-ranked university, and our researchers benefit from the extensive research facilities at the University of Toronto and other affiliated institutions. The position offers a unique environment for medical science discoveries, with nine teaching and research hospitals in close proximity. The position offers the opportunity to conduct research, teach, and live in one of the most vibrant, safe and diverse cities of the world.

Application Process
Interested applicants should: (a)  apply via the careers website at SickKids AND  (b) email a single PDF file to Dr. Elizabeth Dettmer, interim Director for Psychology and  Dr. Donald Mabbott, Program Head Neurosciences & Mental Health Research Program at nmh.search@sickkids.ca,  including the following: cover letter, curriculum vitae, description of past and current clinical work, description of past research, research plan [3-5 pages], Equity Diversity and Inclusion Statement, copies of three representative publications.  Three reference letters are required and can be sent to directly to nmh.search@sickkids.ca. The search will close on November 30th, 2024. The search committee will interview applicants beginning in December of 2024 until the position is filled, with a potential start date in the next academic calendar year (2025/2026).