Research Assistant

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The Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy (CMTD) is an interdisciplinary research centre within the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University works at the intersection of rigorous research, technology policy, and democratic governance. What sets us apart is an end-to-end model — from large-scale data analysis to policy development to broad public engagement — that translates scholarship into democratic impact. Over five years, we have grown to a team of more than 25 and built an international reputation at the intersection of technology governance, information integrity, and participatory democracy.

CMTD integrates three complementary streams:

• Empirical Research — The Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO) uses large-scale data analysis to study the health of the digital public sphere. MEO has monitored the last three major Canadian federal elections and coordinates the Canadian Digital Media Research Network.

• Policy Engagement — CMTD produces evidence-based analysis and recommendations at the intersection of digital governance, information integrity, and democratic legitimacy and translates research into policy through sustained engagement with governments and democratic institutions. Its work spans platform regulation, AI governance, climate disinformation and the future of journalism. 

• Public Engagement — CMTD stays active in the public conversation through reports, policy memos, and strong media relations — serving as a trusted voice on digital governance, information integrity, journalism, and climate disinformation. We also work to translate these complex topics accessibly across social media, events and our newsletter. Through Paradigms, a McGill non-profit, CMTD produces podcasts, convenes citizens’ assemblies, and runs deliberative processes — including the GenZ AI forum, which brought together 100 young Canadians across four cities to develop policy recommendations on AI.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy (CMTD) is seeking applications for a fixed-term full-time Research Assistant to cover a maternity leave. The successful candidate will work with the research and policy teams on policy communications and knowledge mobilization of academic research reports. This role also assists in the strategic and operational management of CMTD's Public Engagement stream during the Associate Director's maternity leave. It is a cross-functional position requiring strong editorial instincts, established media relationships, and the ability to help guide the public engagement initiatives of a small team through a high-stakes program year — including the Québec 2026 election project and the Alberta referendum initiative.

The successful candidate will be expected to fulfil the following duties:

• Translate academic research to public-facing communications outputs

• Uphold and advance CMTD's strategic narrative across all communications, ensuring coherence across the organization's three streams (research, policy, public engagement)

• Manage and provide guidance on key outputs including the Annual Insight Report, newsletters and rapid-response communications

• Review all research and non academic outputs to ensure the tone and voice reflect CMTD’s institutional tone

• Collaborate with other team members on assigned tasks 

• Attend and participate in team meetings and other relevant events 

The successful applicant will have:

• Strong editorial skills: ability to write, edit, and guide others across a range of formats and audiences

• Experience working in or closely with policy, research, or advocacy organizations

• Proven ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment

• Proven experience providing guidance to senior leadership

• Excellent interpersonal skills and track record of maintaining trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders

• Strong writing and editorial skills: ability to produce, edit, and guide polished content across a range of formats and audiences, including newsletters, reports, rapid-response statements

• Effective communication skills (both written and verbal) 

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 

• Fully bilingual (French and English) 

• Ability to travel (in Canada) for events, if needed

Education and Experience:

At least 4+ years of similar experience. 

Scope: Maternity leave coverage — fixed term (July 13, 2026- April 30th, 2027

Salary: This is a full-time position (35 hours/week), the hourly rate will be determined based on experience and education

The following supporting documents are required: 

• A cover letter  

• Curriculum vitae 

• The names and contact information of two references 

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.

$34.6540 (Full time)Sherbrooke 680Associate Professor (Research)2026-07-132027-04-30

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.