Practicum Student

Practicum Student - RSV Immunization Program EvaluationLocation: Toronto-661 UniversityDepartment: Immunization and Vaccine Preventable DiseasesThis posting is to fill a current vacancy.**The Role:**Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prevention has undergone significant changes in Ontario in recent years. RSV prevention (using palivizumab) has been funded for high-risk infants and young children since 2002 in Ontario. However, beginning in the 2024 – 2025 season, Ontario expanded the RSV prevention program to include all infants and high-risk children up to 24 months of age. This occurred in the context of the authorization of two new RSV immunization products, including the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab delivered directly to infants and the RSVpreF vaccine for maternal immunization for the passive protection of infants. In the fall of 2023, Ontario implemented a vaccine program for older adults initially targeting those ≥60 years old who live in long-term care homes (LTCH) and other high-risk populations. Following this, in the 2025 – 2026 respiratory season, eligibility was further expanded to include all individuals aged ≥75 years. Public Health Ontario (PHO) is leading a comprehensive RSV immunization program evaluation consisting of enhanced epidemiological analyses, a vaccine safety assessment, and a process evaluation of program implementation. While this student placement may contribute to any component of the RSV prevention program evaluation, the focus will be on the process evaluation component. PHO is conducting a process evaluation of the 2025 – 2026 RSV prevention program in both older adults and in infants and high-risk children that will consist of an online survey of immunization partners followed by focus group sessions. The evaluation aims to identify resources and procedures required to implement the immunization programs in public health units, LTCH and primary care practices across Ontario, describe the professional or organizational experience of implementing the immunization programs, characterize barriers and facilitators to program implementation, and identify opportunities for improvement for subsequent seasons. The successful student will support this process evaluation by working with an interdisciplinary team to collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data and to interpret and synthesize findings into relevant knowledge translation products. Suggested placement start date: May to August 2026 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.**Educational objectives****:*** Describe the strengths and limitations of different evaluation approaches of public health programs.* Apply skills in collecting, managing, and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data.* Demonstrate critical appraisal and presentation skills.* Practice professional competencies related to teamwork, communication, and ethical practice.**Proposed deliverables at the end of the placement:*** One or more presentations on project accomplishments.* One PHO journal club.* A final draft of one or more publicly facing knowledge translation products. This may include manuscripts for peer review, PHO knowledge products, conference posters / presentations, or similar.* A final draft of one or more scientific and technical documents. This may include documents for Ministry of Health partners, presentations to local public health units, a summary of consultation related to the project, or similar.**Required education and experience:*** Current MPH student on practicum.* Completed coursework in: + Biostatistics and introductory epidemiology + Qualitative and quantitative research methods + Public health program planning and evaluation* Assets: previous experience in evaluation and / or qualitative research and /or immunization programs.Duration: Student (Fixed Term), 3 month(s)Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per weekCompensation Group: Individual ContributorCompensation Range: $700.00 - $725.00Posting Date: 01-5-2026Closing Date: 01-20-2026**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.*We link public health practitioners, front-line health workers and researchers to the best scientific intelligence and knowledge from around the world. With our partners in government, public health and health care, we provide the scientific evidence and expert guidance that shapes policies and practices for a healthier Ontario. PHO has locations across Ontario, including 11 laboratory sites.We’re 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.For more information, visit .### Join Our Talent Pool
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