Scientific Advisor (temporary, until March 26, 2027)

Status: Full time, temporary, until March 26, 2027

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, or Toronto, Ontario (hybrid)

Closing date: July 22, 2026

Salary range: $103,850 to $126,930 per year

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) is a pan-Canadian health organization. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization with offices in Ottawa and Toronto. Created and funded by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments, we drive better coordination, alignment, and public value within Canada’s drug, health technology, and health systems landscape. We provide health system leaders in Canada with independent evidence and advice, empowering them to make informed decisions about drugs, health technologies, and broader health system strategies and investments, and we collaborate with national and international partners to enhance our collective impact.

CDA-AMC was named 1 of the National Capital Region’s top employers for the third year in a row. This recognition celebrates our dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment that nurtures growth and innovation. It reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create an outstanding workplace where our employees thrive and feel valued.

Hybrid Work Arrangement

At CDA-AMC, employees participate in a hybrid workspace arrangement that allows for flexibility and enhanced work-life balance. We believe in the positive impact of in-person collaboration and the importance of team building. This position follows a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of 2 days onsite, though this requirement may vary based on business and operational needs.

Primary Focus

We are seeking to fill a current opening on our Science and Methods team. The Scientific Advisor contributes to CDA-AMC reports by applying appropriate methodologies, quality standards, policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure rigour and the timely output of high-quality reports. Scientific Advisors are also responsible for methodological development and advancement of evidence standards to ensure continued credibility of the work by CDA-AMC.

What do the daily responsibilities look like?

On any given day, the Scientific Advisor will:

• conduct and review clinical evidence appraisals and provide guidance in the interpretation of statistical analyses, ensuring the application of appropriate methodologies and quality standards
• provide leadership in the development, maintenance, and application of quantitative methods used to appraise clinical evidence and produce the CDA-AMC health technology assessment (HTA) reports, including:
• establish and align methods and quality standards with current best practices in other HTA agencies
• ensure evidence appraisal and reporting is conducted in accordance with applicable quantitative methods and quality standards
• provide subject matter expertise and guidance to CDA-AMC employees and develop and deliver technical and educational training when required
• liaise with experts, academia, external organizations or agencies (local, provincial, and national), representatives of the pharmaceutical industry, and CDA-AMC panels and committees to discuss, promote, and align CDA-AMC methods, approaches, and tools with current best practices to ensure scientific credibility and for continuous quality improvement
• assist with other Science and Methods functions as required, including but not limited to Real-World Evidence and Scientific Advice.

Is this the right role for you?

The Scientific Advisor will likely have:

• a graduate or postgraduate degree in a health-related discipline (e.g., , biostatistics, clinical epidemiology, pharmacy, public health, social sciences, psychology, statistics) or a related area of study with 2 to 5 years of relevant experience with quantitative research (clinical interventional research including patient-reported outcomes, observational studies, and real-world evidence) in a relevant health sector; additional related experience may serve as a suitable equivalent for completion of postsecondary education
• a broad knowledge and experience in quantitative research design and methodologies, including but not limited to study conduct, statistical analyses, and reporting
• experience with principles of evidence-based medicine and critical appraisal of evidence; knowledge of methods and standards for evidence appraisal and synthesis and understanding of areas for advancement
• a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in teams and build and sustain effective working relationships that foster an environment of trust and mutual respect
• proven strength in influencing and persuading others to support objectives and drive successful outcomes
• skills in setting priorities and delivering on commitments and managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively in high-pressure situations
• the ability to independently identify and implement creative solutions, contribute to the development and refinement of methodologies and advancement of methods, and to actively facilitate and advocate for ongoing change
• the ability to actively pursue opportunities to expand expertise, including staying current on relevant national and international HTA programs and evidence synthesis trends
• a demonstrated ability to adopt a forward-thinking approach, with the ability to foresee organizational goals and develop actionable plans to achieve long-term objectives
• a broad understanding of the health care systems in Canada and the role of HTA
• effective synthesis and analytical skills
• advanced oral and written communication skills.

What will set you apart?

The following qualifications may help you stand out:

• a graduate or postgraduate degree in statistics or biostatistics
• basic understanding of health economics and how clinical data are used in economic modelling
• fluency in French.

What’s in it for you?

At CDA-AMC, you will find:

• a team-focused, supportive, and inclusive work environment
• a competitive compensation package, including participation in a defined benefit pension plan with the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• a comprehensive benefits package for employees and dependents, including health, dental, life, and travel insurance; spending accounts to meet your health care and individual wellness needs; and an employee assistance program
• generous paid time off (including a minimum of 4 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave and life leave, a December holiday closure, your birthday as a paid day off, and other leave options)
• flexible hours and a hybrid work model that promotes work-life balance
• opportunities to work with and learn from highly specialized professionals
• personal growth through professional development opportunities, corporate training, and support for continuing education
• a friendly culture in which community engagement is supported and people’s efforts and important milestones are recognized
• the opportunity to make a difference for people living in Canada and effect positive change.

To apply for this position, visit the Careers section of our website. Your application must clearly identify how your skills and experience relate to the requirements of this role. You can also share a portfolio or work samples to showcase your skills and experience to give us a clearer understanding of what you can do. Applications for this opportunity may be used for future staffing vacancies. We thank you for your interest; however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Hiring Process

Our hiring process is designed to help us get to know you, and for you to get to know us. It includes introductory calls, a panel interview, and opportunities to showcase your skills. You’ll also have time to ask questions and explore how you can contribute to the team and organization.

All applications are reviewed by our talent acquisition professionals at CDA-AMC, with hiring decisions made collaboratively with hiring managers. We use an HR system to receive and process applications, along with automated screening questions and sorting tools to support the initial review. Artificial intelligence (AI) features may also be used to assist with interview preparation and candidate assessment. These tools are designed to support our team and do not replace human judgment. If you have any questions about how your data are used, please reach out to us at ***email_hidden***.

At CDA-AMC, our employees share a passion for building the future of the health systems in Canada. We recognize that our employees bring diverse strengths, experiences, and backgrounds. One of our collective strengths is our culture and our commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

CDA-AMC is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility. We highly encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Indigenous people, people of all places of origin and religions, people with disabilities, people who are neurodivergent, people who are racialized, women, and people from 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

We provide accommodations during all phases of the recruitment process. If you require any accommodations, please let the Talent Acquisition team know when they contact you. We will work with you to meet your needs.

Please note that, as a condition of employment, successful candidates will be required to complete a confidential pre-employment background check, including criminal, employment, and education verifications.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada.