PhD Opportunity: Implementation Science & Drone‑Based Medication Delivery
PhD Opportunity: Implementation Science & Drone‑Based Medication Delivery
The Implementation Science & Isolated Communities (ISIC) Lab at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join the Drone Transport Initiative.
The Drone Transport Initiative (
Home – The Drone Transport Initiative | Drone Transport Initiative) is a collaborative partnership that brings together communities, health authorities, healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners to transform how medical supplies are delivered to rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across British Columbia (BC). Co‑led by the UBC Faculty of Medicine, Stellat’en First Nation, the Village of Fraser Lake, and several health system partners, the initiative aims to advance equitable access to care. As part of this work, the team will evaluate the impact of implementing virtual pharmacy care combined with drone‑based medication delivery in Northern BC.
Position details:
• Supervisors:
o Dr. Femke Hoekstra
o Dr. Anurag Singh
•
Lab: Implementation Science & Isolated Communities (ISIC) Lab (
Home | Implementation Science & Isolated Communities Lab)
•
Institution: The University of British Columbia (UBC)
•
Program: Experimental Medicine
•
Stipend: $40,000 per year for four years, tuition fees are not covered
•
Start Dates: September 2026 or January 2027
Canadian citizens/permanent residents or individuals with valid authorization to study in Canada are preferred.
About the Research Project
Improving Health Care Access in Rural, Remote, and Indigenous Communities Through Virtual Pharmacist Care and Drone Delivery
People living in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities often experience substantial barriers to accessing medications, including long travel distances, high personal costs, and limited local pharmacy services. These barriers can result in delayed or missed treatments and poorer health outcomes.
This PhD project will investigate the real-world implementation of an innovative health service model that integrates virtual pharmacist care with drone‑based medication delivery to improve timely, safe, and culturally grounded access to medications. The innovation in this project sits at the intersection of service delivery redesign, emerging technology, and implementation science applied in underserved contexts. Using an implementation science lens, the student will study:
• Perceptions and experiences of health care providers and staff before and after implementation
• Barriers and facilitators to implementation
• Strategies to optimize workflows and support scale‑up and sustainability
This innovate work will be conducted in partnership with participating communities, an interdisciplinary team of researchers, and various health system partners, and guided by the Rural Coordination Center of BC’s Partnership Pentagram Plus model (Our Story - RCCbc)
Ideal Candidate Profile
Applicants should demonstrate:
• Background in health services research, public health, rural health, or a related field
• Coursework or experience in implementation science and/or knowledge mobilization
• Experience or a strong interest in community‑based research and working within interdisciplinary, multi‑partner teams
• A commitment to travel and working with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities
• Strong communication, organizational, and collaborative skills
How to Express Interest
Interested candidates are invited to contact Dr. Femke Hoekstra with:
• A brief statement of interest
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Description of relevant research or professional experience
• Copies of academic transcripts
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Contact