Research Associate - Limited Term

Date Posted: 07/09/2025
Req ID: 44161
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Centre of Industrial Relations & Human Resources
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

ABOUT THE CENTRE:

Since 1965, the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources (CIRHR) has brought together professors from many different disciplines and departments at the University of Toronto to teach and conduct research on all aspects of the workplace and employment relationships. The CIRHR faculty reflect the depth, breadth, and diversity of our university. The CIRHR is located in a historic home with administrative and faculty offices, an on-site Library, student computer facilities, study space and a classroom.

ABOUT THE RESEARCH: 

The CIRHR at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Research Associate (Limited Term) for an 18 months term (with a possibility of renewal) appointment. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2025.

The Research Associate supports a multi-year initiative titled “Transforming Workplace Systems to Build Sustainable Capacity for Inclusion of Diverse Youth,” funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). This research aims to advance disability-inclusive employment practices in the construction and manufacturing sectors by supporting cross-sectoral partnership development, co-design, and systems-level innovation. The Research Associate will contribute to the initiative’s qualitative and mixed-methods research streams, focusing on co-design and implementation evaluation across multiple community and industry partners.

The Research Associate is expected to independently carry out research projects under the oversight of the Principal Investigators (Professor Emile Tompa and Professor Rafael Gomez). This includes managing data collection and analysis, preparing reports, developing peer-reviewed publications, supporting knowledge mobilization activities, and contributing to planning and coordination across research components. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team and play a key role in ensuring rigour and relevance in the project’s outputs.

Applicants must apply online at the link below and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and three reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Professor Emile Tompa at etompa@iwh.on.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We strongly encourage persons with lived experience who have the relevant qualifications to apply. Accommodations can be provided upon request.

MINIUM QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Education & Certification: A PhD in a relevant field such as Industrial Relations, Public Policy, Disability studies, Sociology, Health Policy, or a related social sciences discipline.

Certification or training in project management is an asset.

Experience: A minimum of six years of progressive research experience, with demonstrated ability to lead and execute research independently in applied, policy, or systems-level settings, with specific experience in the following:

• Demonstrated research experience in disability inclusion, employment systems, or cross-sectoral workforce initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience conducting mixed-methods research, including co-design and stakeholder engagement methodologies.

Skills: The following skills are required for the position:

• Strong quantitative analytic skills; field research experience; qualitative data analytic skills; partnered, co-design skills, workplace-based intervention research
• Advancing skills in research design, analysis, and report writing, inclusive of manuscript drafting
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Excellent writing skills for both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder teams.
• Familiarity with accessibility, equity, and systems change frameworks is an asset.
• Experience preparing and remediating digital documents (e.g., PDFs, Word, PowerPoint) to ensure full compliance with accessibility standards such as AODA or WCAG is an asset.
• Additional skills required include project management, leadership and interpersonal skills to assist in the guidance and implementation of the research project that is comprised of a multi-disciplinary and international team of scholars.

OTHER RELEVANT DETAILS 

Appointment Type:          1.5 year term, with possibility of renewal

Anticipated Start Date:    August 1, 2025

Travel:                             Some travel may be required for fieldwork and partner engagement

Closing Date: 07/18/2025,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $52,574 - $98,576
Job Category: Faculty - Contractually Limited Term Appointment