McGill University (Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center)
Dr. Marilyn N. Ahun is a mixed-methods researcher whose work examines the mechanisms through which the early childhood environment influences child development and mental health. Based at McGill University (Department of Medicine) and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC; Child Health and Human Development Program), she conducts qualitative, quantitative, and intervention studies in Canada, Ghana, Liberia, and Malawi. Dr. Ahun is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to lead the development of a multi-component parenting and mental health intervention in Ghana.
Project Summary: The primary aims of the project are to (1) determine the active ingredients of a multi-component parenting and mental health intervention to improve children’s socioemotional development in Ghana and (2) examine the impact of this intervention on children’s developmental outcomes, parenting practices, and parental mental health. Following the Adapted Behavioural Intervention Development and Testing Framework (Ahun & Bacon 2024 Nat Hum Behav), the project will consist of developing a multi-component intervention curriculum based on existing parenting and mental health interventions that have previously been tested in Ghana (Phase I: define/refine) and using a pre-post pilot study to test the multi-component intervention’s reach, feasibility, acceptability, and impact on child and caregiver outcomes in peri-urban communities along Ghana’s coast (Phase II: proof-of-concept/pilot).
Position Summary: The individual selected for this position will work with Dr. Ahun and Dr. Simon Bacon (Concordia University, Montréal Behavioural Medicine Centre) to develop and test the multi-component intervention. The postdoctoral fellow will work on a variety of research-related aspects of the project including:
- Planning, setup, and running of project activities;
- Review of existing intervention curricula and mapping of core intervention components;
- Development of multi-component intervention;
- Oversight of pilot implementation (will include travel to Ghana);
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis;
- Manuscript preparation; and
- Engagement in knowledge mobilization
Minimum Required Qualifications:
- PhD in a related discipline (e.g., Public Health (Epidemiology, Health Promotion, Global Health, etc.), Psychology, Medicine, Mental Health) completed in the past 3 years
- Demonstrated research productivity (peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations)
- Demonstrated experience conducting research in at least one of the following areas:
- Intervention and program implementation
- Behaviour change interventions
- Qualitative data collection and analysis
- Community-based research
- Demonstrated ability in the following:
- Oral and written communication skills in English
- Interpersonal skills
- Capacity to work autonomously and collaboratively
- Project coordination
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Experience in cultural adaptation of health-related interventions and programs
- Experience conducting research or working in Ghana (or elsewhere in West Africa)
- Openness to learn new methods and techniques
Start date, Duration, Stipend, and Location:
Funding for this position is tied to the RI-MUHC’s Canada’s Best Program. The expected start date is Fall 2026, pending the results of the funding application.
The position is full time for at least one year and is renewable for a maximum fellowship duration of 3 years. The funding package consists of a $CA 70,000/year stipend and $CA 30,000 in dedicated funds over the full term for supplies, core facilities, conferences, and specialized training. The position also includes training and mentorship by Drs. Ahun and Bacon, as well as access to professional development opportunities delivered through the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training and partner training hubs across McGill University and the RI-MUHC.
The successful candidate will be registered at McGill University.
How to Apply:
- Review application details for the Canada’s Best Program
- Send the following documents to Dr. Ahun (marilyn.ahun@mcgill.ca) by 6th July with “Canada’s Best Postdoc Fellowship” in the subject line:
- A complete curriculum vitae, including a full publication list (with hyperlinks where possible)
- A one-page letter of motivation and statement of research accomplishments and future research goals.
- 2-3 research publications that best demonstrate your fit for the position
The selected candidate will then be invited to prepare an application to the Canada’s Best Program ahead of the 31st July deadline
Closing Date: 07/06/2026
Contact: