Academic Associate - Policy Research Lead

McGill University; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major university in Canada is seeking a highly skilled PhD-level Academic Associate for the role of Policy Research Lead. This full-time position involves leading a research team, developing policy strategies on digital governance, and managing project budgets. Ideal candidates should have expertise in tech policy, excellent communication skills, and a strong analytical background. The role offers the opportunity to engage with international policymakers and contribute to responsible digital policy development.

Qualifications

• Strong background in digital governance and policy.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to distill complex concepts into policy insights.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of researchers.
• Manage project budgets and resources.
• Develop a research strategy aligned with policy goals.

Skills

Digital governance

Research methods

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Knowledge mobilization

Education

PhD or Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Overview

The Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy at McGill University is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven PhD-level Academic Associate to join our team in a full-time role as our Policy Research Lead. In this role, you will be responsible for leading and mentoring a team of researchers, developing a forward-thinking research strategy, and managing project budgets to drive our policy engagement with international policymakers and stakeholders. The Policy Research Lead will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders to provide insights on the development of responsible digital policies.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital governance, research methods and ideally a grounding in AI and online safety policy. They will have a deep understanding of tech policy more broadly, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to translate complex concepts into policy insights and recommendations. Potential outputs include literature reviews, landscaping reports, comparative policy briefs, legislative design, and policy recommendations.

Responsibilities

• The successful applicant will: be an excellent communicator and writer, capable of distilling complex ideas into simple, accessible language for a range of stakeholders.
• Proven ability to conduct rigorous literature reviews, synthesize scholarly and policy research, and identify key trends in digital governance.
• Proven ability to manage project budgets and timelines, including resource allocation and financial reporting.
• Understanding of both Canadian and global policy landscapes around digital policy.
• Demonstrated talent for knowledge mobilization, including the ability to transform academic and technical concepts into accessible, plain-language content for non-specialist audiences.
• Experience in strategic planning, including the development of research agendas and the identification of new funding opportunities.

The successful application may:

• Be able to communicate effectively in French.

Duties

• Under the Direction of the Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy leadership, the successful candidate will be expected to fulfill the following duties:
• Manage and lead the Centre's policy research stream, including overseeing all stages of the research lifecycle from conceptualization to publication. This includes mentoring a team of research assistants and collaborators, managing their workload, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality research outputs on schedule and within budget.
• Co-develop and execute the strategic vision for the policy research stream, identifying new research opportunities and securing funding.
• Manage all project-related budgets, including resource allocation, financial tracking, and reporting.
• Coordinating with the Media Ecosystem Observatory to translate research into policy design.
• Developing new projects with stakeholder partners to inform Canadian and International policy.
• Providing timely policy consultations to legislative processes internationally.

Contract Details

• This position is a full-time contract position for 1 year with the possibility of renewal.

Salary

• The salary will be commensurate with experience and education level.

Education

• PhD (in-progress or completed preferred) or Master’s degree in Communication Studies, Media Studies, Environmental Studies, Economics, Public Policy, Sociology or cognate field.

Required documents

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• The names and contact information of two references

Equal Opportunity and Additional Information

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.