Job Description

Practicum Student

Location: Toronto-661 University

Department: IPAC Physicians, Third Party Grants

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

The Role:

Audit and feedback (A&F) interventions are widely used to improve antibiotic prescribing in primary care and are a key strategy in antimicrobial stewardship. Randomized trials and systematic reviews have shown that A&F can reduce inappropriate prescribing; however, the magnitude of effect varies substantially across studies.

This variability likely reflects differences in how A&F interventions are designed and delivered. A set of predefined components for A&F has been proposed based on prior evidence and expert consensus, covering aspects such as feedback content, delivery, and targeting (1). Despite this, there is limited empirical evidence on which specific components are most strongly associated with intervention effectiveness.

Understanding the contribution of individual components is essential for optimizing A&F design and improving impact. A meta-epidemiological approach allows examination of whether the presence of specific components across trials is associated with variation in effect sizes.

This study aims to systematically synthesize evidence from trials of A&F interventions for antibiotic prescribing and to assess the association between predefined intervention components and observed outcomes. The student will join a team and take the lead for this study using systematic review methodology using an AI tool.

Please note:

• this position is only open to students who are currently enrolled in an academic program where the completion of a practicum placement is required.
• this position is only open to students currently residing in Ontario and attending a Canadian academic institution. Preference will be given to students enrolled in Ontario-based academic institutions.
• this is a paid placement.

Suggested placement start & end date: January to April 2027

Educational objectives:

1. Gain knowledge about AMR and interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing.
2. Gain knowledge in systematic review methodology including screening and extraction of study data.
3. Gain experience using an AI tool supporting systematic review work.
4. Gain experience performing data analysis and manuscript writing.

Proposed deliverables at the end of the placement:

· Participate in screening and extracting data.

· Support the analysis of data.

· Assist in drafting of a manuscript.

· Presentation of findings.

Required education and experience:

· Currently enrolled in an MPH program.

· Experience with systematic reviews and data analysis in R is an asset.

Duration: Student (Fixed Term), 3 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group: Individual Contributor

Compensation Range: $700.00 - $725.00

Posting Date: 10-2-2026

Closing Date: 10-17-2026

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.