MPP Research Assistant - Competition Policy Podcast

McGill University; Sherbrooke; On-site; CAD 5,200 - 7,000; Part time

Job summary

McGill University in Sherbrooke is seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to help develop and produce a podcast exploring competition as a lens on public policy challenges. The RA will contribute to concept, research, and interviews for a 15–20 minute format, with opportunities to shape the interview approach and show content.

The position requires strong English communication, an interest in public policy, and the ability to work independently on assignments under supervision.

Qualifications

• Strong English oral and written communication; French is an asset.
• Interest in public policy, economics, competition, or communicating complex ideas to broad audiences.
• 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.
• Applicants must be an MPP student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy.

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; audio editing 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.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Public policy interest

Interviewing ability

Independent working

Public-facing communications

Education

MPP student at Max Bell School of Public Policy

Job description

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 Title: Planning for Competition (working title)

Position Summary

Matthew 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.

Applicants must be an MPP student at Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Job Details

• 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

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].

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