MPP Research Assistant - Competition Policy Podcast

McGill University; Montreal; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

McGill University is seeking one Research Assistant (MPP student) to support the planning and production of a podcast on competition policy. The RA will help shape the concept, themes, and interview formats, and will draft briefs and show notes for accessible, 15–20 minute conversations with researchers and thought leaders.

The role emphasizes independent work, strong English communication, and opportunities to contribute creatively to interviews and episode content.

Qualifications

• Must be a current MPP student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy.
• Strong oral and written English; French is an asset.
• Experience with interviewing, journalism, or public-facing communications is an asset.
• Excellent organization, initiative and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Help develop the podcast concept, episode themes, interview formats, and production schedule.
• Identify prospective guests, prepare background research, and draft interview briefs and questions.
• Coordinate outreach, scheduling, and logistics for guest interviews.
• Assist with interviews and lead selected interviews when appropriate.
• Review interview transcripts to identify key points; draft episode summaries and show notes.
• Ensure episodes are clear, engaging, and accessible to a non-specialist audience.

Skills

Strong English communication

French is an asset

Public policy interest

Interviewing/public-facing comms

Independent work

Education

MPP student at Max Bell School of Public Policy

Job description

## MPP Research Assistant - Competition Policy PodcastApply: Sherbrooke 680: Part time: Posted Today: JR0000082179**Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.****If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).****Applicants must be an MPP student at Max Bell School of Public Policy** **Job Title**: Research Assistant (1 position)**Location:** Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University**Supervisor:** Matthew Chiasson, J.W. McConnell Visiting Scholar**Start Date:** Late October 2026 (as soon as possible)**End Date**: April 30, 2027**Hours:** 2–4 hours per week**Rate:** $25.00/hour ## Project TitlePlanning for Competition (working title)## Position SummaryMatthew Chiasson, J.W. McConnell Visiting Scholar at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, is seeking one Research Assistant (RA) to help develop and produce a podcast exploring competition as a lens through which to understand contemporary public policy challenges. Tentatively titled “Planning for Competition,” the podcast would feature accessible, approximately 15–20 minute conversations with competition policy researchers and thought leaders. An initial component may involve interviews with members of the five previous Max Bell Policy Lab teams that worked on Competition Bureau-sponsored projects, highlighting their research, experiences, and what they learned about applying a competition lens to policy problems. The RA will have an opportunity to contribute creatively to the podcast’s format, research, and interviews.## Key Responsibilities* Help develop the podcast concept, episode themes, interview formats, and production schedule.* Identify prospective guests, prepare background research, and draft interview briefs and questions.* Coordinate outreach, scheduling, and logistics for guest interviews.* Assist with interviews and, where appropriate, take the lead in interviewing former Max Bell Policy Lab participants.* Review interview recordings or transcripts, as useful, to identify key points and compelling excerpts; audio editing and production are not required.* Draft episode summaries, show notes, and short promotional materials.* Help ensure episodes are clear, engaging, accurate, and accessible to a non-specialist audience.## Qualifications* Strong oral and written communication skills in English; French is an asset.* Interest in public policy, economics, competition, or communicating complex ideas to broad audiences; competition policy knowledge is an asset, not a requirement.* Comfort speaking with interview guests and willingness to lead selected interviews.* Excellent organization, initiative, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.* Experience with interviewing, journalism, or public-facing communications is an asset, not a requirement.* Must be a current MPP student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy. ## Application ProcessPlease submit a CV and brief statement of interest through McGill Workday by **October 21, 2026****Hourly Salary:**$25.00**Hours per Week:**4 (Part time)**Location:**Sherbrooke 680**Supervisor:**Professor**Position Start Date:**2026-10-26**Position End Date:**2027-04-30**Deadline to Apply:****This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.*****McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome 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 productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].***