Research Associate
Supporting the Task Force on Affordability and Climate
The Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP), one of Canada’s most trusted and influential think tanks, is seeking a research associate for a one-year contract.
The IRPP is an independent organization that supports evidence-based policy-making and constructive dialogue. It fulfills its mission through a variety of activities, including high-quality, in-depth research publications, events, its digital magazine Policy Options and through the work of its Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation.
The IRPP research team produces rigorous, in-depth research on Canada’s toughest and most pressing policy challenges. We are seeking to hire a research associate to support work under our social policy research program, Toward a More Equitable Canada. The program focuses on addressing challenges related to the access and affordability of basic needs, as well as inequities in health care, labour markets and education. Understanding the interactions between affordability concerns and Canada’s net-zero transition is critical to ensuring that policy measures are mutually reinforcing.
Specifically, the research associate will support the Task Force on Affordability and Climate, an initiative launched by the Trottier Family Foundation and the McConnell Foundation, the purpose of which is to identify solutions that support both affordability and Canada’s net-zero transition.
Roles and responsibilities
Working closely with the research director of the program and vice president of research, the research associate will be responsible for:
- Identifying, organizing and synthesizing existing research relevant to the work of the Task Force;
- Undertaking research and data analysis to fill identified gaps;
- Contributing to the writing of background documents and publications, translating complex data and research insights into clear and concise findings for a policy and public audience;
- Assisting in the preparation and writing of op-eds, policy briefs and other material.
Required skills and experience
The ideal candidate will have:
- A graduate degree in public policy, economics or another relevant field;
- Experience in data analytics and policy research, with knowledge of Canadian public policy;
- Knowledge of affordability and climate policy issues;
- Proven ability to work at the intersection of academic and policy research;
- Strong quantitative research skills, with the ability to find, analyze and interpret relevant data, as well as present findings through charts, tables or other graphics in a compelling way;
- Proficiency in statistical analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, STATA or Python) and data-visualization tools (e.g., Tableau or Power BI);
- Strong writing and presentation skills in at least one official language;
- Ability to understand both French and English (written and oral).
Working at the IRPP
We offer a competitive salary, and a collegial work culture that is rooted in creativity, inclusivity and flexibility. We thrive on the exchange of ideas, both internally and with external partners.
The IRPP is a hybrid workplace based in downtown Montreal. Applicants should be based in Canada and be willing to travel to Montreal for in-person meetings as required.
The IRPP is committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse staff. We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black and other racialized persons; 2SLGBTQIA+ persons; and Canadians living with disabilities. Please let us know if you have accommodation requirements to facilitate participation in the selection process by reaching out to us at the email address below.
Candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.
How to apply
Please submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae and two writing samples by e-mail to smcintyre@nullirpp.org by 5 p.m. ET June 9, 2023.
The salary range is $60,000 to $65,000.
The position will be filled on a one-year contract basis.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We will contact those selected the week of June 19, 2023.