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Become an ICES Scientist

ICES Scientists are independent researchers with a university academic appointment who have experience using ICES data to conduct health services research. ICES Scientists are appointed to the ICES Research Program which best fits their interests.

All initial ICES scientist appointments are probationary & contingent on

  • An Ontario university academic appointment at the level of assistant professor or higher. Adjunct appointments or other categories of appointment that do not allow for promotion or do not include research or research supervision will normally not be eligible.
  • At least two peer-reviewed publications with a lead role (primary or senior author) using data from ICES (or substantially similar data from another jurisdiction); this may include papers resulting from Third Party Research projects run through ICES Data & Analytic Services (DAS). Manuscripts accompanied by a journal letter of acceptance are permissible.
  • Funds to carry out the proposed independent program of research from sources such as grants, departmental funds or funds from a mentor or collaborator’s grant. Applicants need not hold a grant as principal investigator for ICES research at the time of their application for appointment.
  • For applicants who have previously held ICES student or trainee appointments, demonstrated ability to conduct ICES research in compliance with all relevant ICES policies and procedures and ability to engage with ICES staff as part of a project team.
  • Applicants who are employees of organizations that have policies regarding employee research or publication must ensure that these policies do not impinge on academic freedom to publish or otherwise interfere in the conduct of the applicant’s ICES research.
  • Absence of unmanageable conflicts of interest as determined by the ICES chief executive officer (CEO).

ICES scientist applications must include

  • A completed ICES Scientist Application Form.
  • A one-to-two-page outline of a) the applicant’s specific research plans for working with ICES data and staff during the first three years of appointment, including how the work will be funded and the ICES research program and site where the work will take place; and b) an outline of any projects already undertaken using ICES data and any associated publications.
  • A current curriculum vitae with all projects and publications using ICES data (if any) annotated.
  • A letter from the applicant’s nominated ICES mentor outlining the support that will be provided to the probationary appointee, which typically takes the form of advice and in-kind support from within the research program/site. The ICES mentor must be a full status ICES scientist who has completed their own probationary period.
  • If the applicant wishes to be appointed at an ICES site, a letter from the site director supporting the appointment.
  • A completed Conflict of Interest Declaration Form which requires review of the ICES Conflict of Interest Policy.

Additional valuable information

Individuals who have conflicts of interest that limit their ability to participate in research at ICES and/or pose a reputational risk to ICES, as determined by the CEO, will not normally be appointed as an ICES scientist.

ICES scientist appointment applications are reviewed by the Program Leaders’ Committee and decisions regarding appointments are made by the ICES CEO based on the recommendations of this committee. Exceptions to the appointment criteria may be granted by the ICES CEO on a case-by-case basis.

Upon fulfilling all requirements of the probationary appointment, an ICES scientist may progress to a full status ICES scientist appointment. Full status ICES scientists may serve as:

  • Primary ICES supervisor to ICES students, post-doctoral trainees, fellows and visiting scholars.
  • The ICES mentor for probationary ICES scientists.
  • The responsible ICES scientist on non-ICES researchers’ grants and projects using ICES data.

Individuals who are interested in becoming an ICES scientist are encouraged to discuss their plans with the program lead of the ICES research program that best aligns with their area of interest. To apply to become an ICES scientist, please send all required documents to the appropriate research program coordinator or facility administrator (for applicants to a specific ICES site).