Call for Members: Ontario Public Health Emergencies Science Advisory Committee (OPHESAC)

OPHESAC is currently recruiting exceptional candidates to join the external advisory committee in the following roles:

• Health Risk Communication Expert
• Climate Change and Health Expert

OPHESAC meets at least twice a year and will meet more frequently during acute public health emergencies and to respond to urgent requests for scientific advice.

Health Risk Communication Expert Position Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• PhD in behavioural science, health communication, health psychology OR a professional designation (e.g., MD, RN) with a master’s degree in a relevant discipline and a proven track-record of research.
• Minimum of five years of experience in emergency risk communication (excluding graduate-level training). Experience providing risk communication expertise for public health emergencies is an asset.
• Up to date with new and emerging research and best practices in risk communication.
• Appointment with a research institute or post-secondary institution (e.g., university) in Ontario with a proven record of research (applicable to researchers/academics only).
• Recognized as a credible expert in risk communication or behavioural science by peers.
• Be able and willing to comply with PHO’s Conflict of Interest Rules and confidentiality requirements.

Climate Change and Health Expert Position Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following requirements:

• PhD in environmental science, environmental management, geography with a focus on environment and climate change or a professional designation (e.g., MD, RN, DVM) with a master’s degree in a relevant discipline and a proven track-record of research.
• Minimum of five years of work experience providing analysis and expert advice on the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change (excluding graduate-level training). Experience developing health risk assessments, mitigation strategies, and health system adaptation plans is an asset.
• Up to date with new and emerging research at the intersection of climate change and health.
• Appointment with a research institute or post-secondary institution (e.g., university) in Ontario with a proven record of research (applicable to researchers/academics only).
• Recognized as a credible expert in the field of climate change and health among peers.
• Be able and willing to comply with PHO’s Conflict of Interest Rules and confidentiality requirements.

How to apply:
Interested candidates should send their expression of interest with a CV and complete contact details to secretariat@oahpp.ca by June 27.

Public Health Ontario’s goal is to create a diverse, inclusive space that reflects the communities we serve and their lived experiences and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires this posting in an alternative format may email a request to secretariat@oahpp.ca.

About Ontario Public Health Emergencies Science Advisory Committee
The Ontario Public Health Emergencies Science Advisory Committee (OPHESAC) is a multi-disciplinary group of experts that provides Public Health Ontario with scientific and technical advice related to public health emergencies. The Committee’s scope of work includes preparing for, mitigating, responding to, and recovering from all-hazards public health emergencies, focusing on situations that present imminent health threats and have the potential for significant impacts on morbidity and mortality.