Post-doctorate Fellow, Behavioral Insights

Introduction: Professor Dilip Soman at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to support his own research, as well as the mission of a recently funded Partnership Grant initiative entitled “Behaviourally Informed Organizations: Creating an Integrative Theory of Behavioural Change and Embedding it in Organizations”. This partnership will be housed at the Behavioural Economics in Action at Rotman [BEAR] research centre. More details on BEAR can be found at http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca/FacultyAndResearch/ResearchCentres/BEAR.

This partnership project aims to use rigorous research to a) develop an integrated framework for behaviour change by drawing on literature in behavioural economics, psychology, marketing and related disciplines; b) testing the framework in complex dynamic environments, namely financial inclusion, preventive health and wellness, and environment and sustainability, and c) identifying ways in which organizations can best harness behavioural insights. In addition to Professor Soman, the research team includes 20 additional researchers from universities in Canada, USA and Hong Kong; as well as 18 non-academic organizations. Further details are available at www.biorgpartnership.com.

This is a 1-year limited appointment position with opportunity to renew in the event of continued funding.

Areas of Research: Applied Behavioural Insights, largely in the areas of Risk Perception / Psychology of Risk and Meta-Science, as well as financial wellbeing, choice architecture ad behaviourally informed policy and organization.

Description of duties: The Postdoctoral Fellow will work under the supervision of Professor Dilip Soman, and the role will have two main responsibilities. First, the PostDoc will be expected to identify, develop, write up and submit manuscripts based on research projects related to the areas of research to be conducted in collaboration with Professor Soman, Professor Catherine Yeung and other faculty leads. Second, the PostDoc would be expected to contribute to the research translation mission of the partnership by preparing research briefs, conference summaries and data for infographics and other forms of communication. The position also includes contributing to the coordination of other research projects, general administration, and outreach of the partnership. The post-doc will be invited to participate in the broader research activities of the Rotman School including our research seminars and events.

Teaching is not a requirement for this position, but teaching opportunities may be available for additional compensation.  

Expected start date and term: The target start date for the position is 1 June 2021, or as early as possible thereafter.

FTE: The normal hours of work are 40 hours per week for a full-time postdoctoral fellow, recognizing that the needs of the employee’s research and training and the needs of the supervisor’s research program may require flexibility in the performance of the employee’s duties and hours of work.

Required qualifications: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Economics, Psychology, Judgment and Decision Making, or a closely related field by the time they start the Postdoctoral Fellowship. Publications and demonstrated interest within the research areas listed above, as well as prior experience in practitioner focused outputs will be considered an asset. Training in applied behavioural insights, field experiments, and a history of working in partnership with government, profit or not-for-profit organizations on research projects will be valued as well.  

Application instructions: Beginning 10 March, 2021, all qualified candidates are invited to submit the following application materials to RotmanBIOrg@rotman.utoronto.ca [Subject Line: Post-Doc 2021 Application]

• A full CV

• A sample of previously published work or working papers.

• A writing sample of a piece prepared for a practitioner audience (article, blog, or other), if available

• Names and contact information of at least two referees

An initial review of applications will occur on April 10, 2021. Qualified candidates should submit by this deadline to receive full consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Living in Toronto: Toronto is consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world. It is a highly multi-cultural environment both inside and outside the University community, and offers opportunities to enjoy music, food, and arts of the world. The city also boasts an extensive network of public parks and trails, including many along the edge of Lake Ontario, as well as an extensive public transportation network and world-class public services.

COVID-19: The University of Toronto is currently in a “remote work” mode, and will continue to do so till further notice. This might mean that a portion of the fellowship may be done online. We will return to our offices based on guidelines received from the University administration.

The annual salary will be CAD 64,000. Benefits include health insurance and paid vacation and sick leave. The PostDoc will also receive support for costs associated with research projects and attending conferences.

Employment as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Toronto is covered by the terms of the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 5 Collective Agreement.

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

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