Postdoctoral Research Fellow (two positions)
Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada
Date Posted: Thursday May 14, 2026
Closing Date: A review of applications will begin on June 30, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Position Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow (two positions)
Department/Unit: Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada
Location: North Bay, Ontario (In-Person)
Length of Contract: 2-Year Contract
Anticipated Start Date: Fall 2026
Position Summary:
Rare Dementia Support (RDS) Canada is a national multi-component support community for people affected by rare dementia (non-memory led, young onset, inherited) and a centre for rare dementia education and research delivered by a multidisciplinary team of practitioners, researchers, educators and individuals with lived experience. Led by Nipissing University (NU), Rare Dementia Support Canada’s goal is to offer information and advice, develop a support community of people with lived experience and dedicated practitioners, and engage in ongoing learning through education and research about what support works, when it works best, and how it impacts quality of life. RDS Canada works in collaboration with a growing international rare dementia support network in the UK, Japan and Australia.
This Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship will take place in an environment dedicated to research on lived experience and the co-creation of research areas that are of high priority for people affected by rare dementia. The research team aims to conduct research where new knowledge discoveries have real-world impact facilitated by engagement with lived experience and an alignment with RDS Canada’s strategic priorities.
Working closely with the Principal Lead, the candidate will be expected to both make an ambitious and independent contribution to high impact research, develop and maintain national and international relationships and collaborate with the existing team to support and advance the execution and delivery of active projects. Current projects examine rare dementia and approaches to rehabilitation, family resilience and models of support, late stages and end-of-life care, brain sight care and support pathways, health service use and expressions of living with dementia through art, culture and language.
Key Responsibilities:
Working collaboratively with RDS Canada team, including but not limited to:
- Support and manage research activities including funding proposals, designing protocols and intervention implementation and evaluation strategies.
- Support participant recruitment, data collection, engagement of non-academic partners, and organizing meetings.
- Grant development and submission – coordinating grant development activities amongst team members and national and international collaborators, with focused contributions to budget development, letters of support, submission processes, and ethics applications.
- Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including preparing datasets, using analytic software and reporting results.
- Prepare knowledge translation outputs, including writing academic and non-academic papers and presentations.
- Support and collaborate with research staff, support staff and student trainees.
- Grant development and submission – coordinating grant development activities amongst team members, with focused contributions to budget development, letters of support, submission processes, and ethics applications.
Qualifications:
A PhD in health sciences, cognitive and behavioural neuroscience, or a social science discipline, with no more than five years of postdoctoral experience (consideration will be given to candidates who have experienced career interruptions related to a documented leave of absence or formal clinical training). Demonstrated experience in project management, qualitative and mixed methods, data analysis, and manuscript writing/publications are required. Demonstrated skills in critical thinking, research development, communication and public outreach are required. Must be a demonstrated problem-solver who is able to work independently and within a team under time constraints. Knowledge of dementia including atypical and young onset dementia will be an asset. Commitment to reflective and diversity conscious research practices is also required.
Salary Range:
Annual salary range of $52,900 to $62,500 CAD plus 4% vacation pay, commensurate with experience.
Application:
Interested applicants should submit a single pdf application document to careers@nipissingu.ca. A review of applications will begin on June 30, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
A complete application includes:
- Cover letter (maximum two pages) that outlines your interest in the position with an emphasis on why you are a strong candidate and how your research aligns with RDS Canada.
- A detailed curriculum vitae including scholarly publications and funding.
- A research statement (maximum two pages) outlining your proposed independent research agenda and activities, including strategies for knowledge mobilization and innovation, as well as your anticipated contributions to advancing excellence at RDS Canada.
- Names and contact details of three referees. Referees will only be contacted at the interview stage of the process.
- A statement indicating your eligibility to work in Canada.
Nipissing University does not use artificial intelligence or automated tools in the recruitment and selection process.
Nipissing University is committed to employment equity and strongly encourages applications, which may include self-identification in a covering letter from Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ and racialized minorities.
Nipissing University must gather information from applicants to determine eligibility to work in Canada. Please include a statement in your application to identify whether you are a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or are otherwise legally eligible to work in Canada.
Nipissing University will provide accommodation to ensure barrier-free employment in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can request accommodation at any stage of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at access@nipissingu.ca.
