Research Scholar (RS) - Southeast Asia

Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A not-for-profit organization is seeking a Research Scholar focusing on Southeast Asia. The role requires research contributions on various topics including technology and trade. Ideal candidates will have an M.A. in relevant fields and excellent communication skills. This position offers a grant allowance of $44,400 for a 12-month term, with opportunities for relocation support.

Qualifications

• Be a recent graduate or nearing completion of a degree.
• Completed post-secondary studies at a Canadian university or be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research on Southeast Asia covering various topics.
• Develop skills in policy research, writing, and analysis.
• Assist in organizing events and program coordination tasks.

Skills

Interest in researching contemporary Southeast Asian politics

Excellent written communication skills

Strong teamwork and collaborative skills

Education

M.A. in Political Science or equivalent

Job description

Hours: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Location: Vancouver (with some exceptions)
Start date: January 2026

Application deadline: December 7, 2025

About the Position

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Canada’s relations with Asia. We are accepting applications for a Research Scholar (RS) with a regional focus on Southeast Asia.

The Research Scholar will join APF Canada’s research team and work directly with a Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research and programming mainly on Southeast Asia—covering topics such as technology, security, trade, and domestic politics in the region—as well as to research and activities related to the Arctic or space;
• Develop their skills in policy research, writing, and analysis;
• Assist in organizing events, dialogues, and other program coordination tasks.

Qualifications

• Interest and experience in researching contemporary Southeast Asian politics;
• M.A. (or equivalent) in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field (exceptional candidates with a B.A. or equivalent will also be considered);
• Excellent written communication skills;
• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills, ability to adapt, innovate, and work in a fast‑paced environment.

Eligibility

• Be recent (less than two years) graduates of their degree program or nearing completion of their degree.
• Have completed their post‑secondary studies at a Canadian university or be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who completed their graduate studies either in Canada or overseas. (Priority is given to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.) International students may be considered should they qualify, provided they hold a valid work permit for the duration of the scholarship term to establish their legal status in Canada.

Grant Amount

The Research Scholar’s grant allowance will be $44,400.00 for the 12‑month duration of the term, disbursed quarterly. Research Scholars needing to relocate from outside of B.C. may be eligible for a one‑time payment of an additional $1,000. (Note: The Research Scholarship opportunity is not considered regular employment; remuneration is provided through a grant.)

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit the following documents MERGED in ONE single PDF file.

• Résumé.
• Cover letter detailing the applicant’s fit with the fellowship requirements and why they are interested in this opportunity.
• Sample of applicant’s written work of no more than 10 pages in English (a URL link to a sample is also acceptable).
• Name, title, and contact information (email and phone number) for two academic or professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is short‑listed for the role.
• Optional: A copy of the applicant’s university transcript(s) (scanned or electronic).

The application deadline is Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT). Please ensure your application is complete prior to submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications are considered on a rolling basis; please submit your application once it is prepared.

Please add [e-mail] to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.

For questions, please contact Hema Nadarajah, at [e-mail].

Guidelines on the Fair Use of AI

At the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, we recognize that AI is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, and we see its potential to enhance innovation, streamline processes, save time, and ultimately amplify our mission. All applications are reviewed by a human. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, language, national or Indigenous origin, family or marital status, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio‑economic status.

We acknowledge the use of AI as a tool to support creativity throughout your job search when used for such things as polishing resumés or cover letters. However, should your application progress to the interview phase, please ensure that any AI tools are turned off during interviews. Otherwise, we will not be able to assess your ability to showcase original ideas or get a true sense of your skills and passion for joining the Foundation.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but due to the anticipated high volume of applications, we will only be able to reach out to those who best meet the qualifications and requirements for the position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Thank you for your understanding.

Furthermore, submitting your application in response to our call for application is deemed to be consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of assessing your suitability for the grant program. APF Canada respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.