Research Associate & Program Coordinator
Science Diplomacy and International Partnerships

 

 

About the Chair

The Science Diplomacy Research Chair, funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), Polytechnique Montréal, and international partners, aims to develop practical, science-informed tools to support governments, communities, and society in making informed decisions for a more sustainable and resilient future.

It aims to address the major challenges of extreme environments, with a core focus on the Arctic and Northern regions (North Circumpolar Regions), and Outer Space and Celestial Bodies. It includes climate change, permafrost thaw, energy transition, space technologies, and lunar exploration, through an integrated and transdisciplinary approach that bridges Indigenous knowledge, engineering, law, and technological innovation. Hosted at Polytechnique Montréal and developed in partnership with the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), Université Paris-Saclay, and the Science Diplomacy Center (Boston), the Chair forms the core of an emerging Global Hub for Arctic and Space Cooperation.

This inclusive and collaborative initiative will actively engage Indigenous communities and international partners to co-create knowledge and shape actionable solutions to critical issues such as:

• energy transition and infrastructure resilience in northern regions;
• permafrost thaw and carbon feedback processes;
• afforestation and nature-based carbon solutions;
• responsible resource extraction and utilization on Earth and in Space;
• equitable access to water and environmental protection;
• sustainability across interconnected Earth-Space systems (e.g., Earth observation, space debris); and
• lunar exploration and sustainable in-space presence.

A key pillar of the Chair is training the next generation of scholars, researchers, and professionals through fellowships, summer schools, an open digital platform, and an innovative Lab-to-Policy program that connects research with decision-making.

Position Summary

We are seeking an exceptional Research Associate and Program Coordinator to serve as the operational and intellectual hub of the Chair.

The successful candidate will bridge research, policy, and diplomacy, coordinating international projects, supporting high-level partnerships, and translating science and engineering knowledge into actionable policy. This position is ideal for someone with a strong understanding of Arctic or Space governance, technology and innovation systems, and science diplomacy, who thrives at the intersection of research, policy, and strategic coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Policy Analysis

• Conduct interdisciplinary research on science and technology diplomacy in Arctic and Space contexts;
• Draft and edit high-quality policy briefs, reports, and publications for government and international stakeholders;
• Support academic writing, grant applications, and knowledge-mobilization outputs;
• Track global trends in science diplomacy, sustainable infrastructure, and technology governance.

Program Coordination

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Chair, including research planning, deliverables, and reporting;
• Coordinate activities with Polytechnique Montréal’s partner institutions (UNU-INWEH, Paris-Saclay, Science Diplomacy Center, and others);
• Organize international workshops, conferences, and training events.
• Manage communications, visibility, and outreach (web, newsletters, media).

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with UN agencies, government departments, NGOs, and academic partners;
• Facilitate collaboration with northern and Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond;
• Represent the Chair in international meetings and forums;
• Contribute to strategic planning, impact assessment, and future funding development.

Qualifications

Education

• PhD (preferred) or Master’s degree in a relevant discipline: Science and Technology Policy, International Relations, Environmental or Civil Engineering, Arctic or Space Studies, or a related field.

Experience

• Strong record in research and policy development, ideally related to the Arctic, Space, or sustainable development;
• Demonstrated experience with multilateral institutions, government, or NGOs;
• Proven ability to manage partnerships and coordinate interdisciplinary or international projects;
• Understanding of engineering and technology innovation systems is a major asset;
• Excellent communication and writing skills in both French and English.

Desirable Assets

• Familiarity with UN frameworks, Arctic Council, space ecosystem, or Canadian northern policy making;
• Knowledge of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and knowledge mobilization frameworks;
• Experience organizing international events or training programs;
• Experience working with Indigenous communities.

How to Apply

Send the following as a single PDF to science_diplomacy_chair@polymtl.ca with the subject line:

“Research Associate - Science Diplomacy Chair”

• A cover letter describing your motivation and relevant experience
• A CV
• Names and contact information of three references

Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.