Posting Date: May 26, 2025

Closing Date: June 15, 2025

Salary Range: $95,000–$115,000 depending on qualifications and experience 

Location: Anywhere in Canada

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Mitigation, the Research Lead is responsible for leading major Institute research projects including overseeing the work of senior research associates and research associates on the Mitigation team. With oversight and guidance from the Director, they will lead scoping, research and analysis, and writing for major projects and reports and will represent the research team in Institute engagement and communication activities. The Research Lead is accountable for maintaining regular contact with the Director to ensure that key project scoping, methodological and content production decisions are consistent with the strategic priorities of the Research Team and the Institute. 

The Research Lead will join the Mitigation team at the Institute. Our mitigation research explores policies — whether at provincial/territorial, Indigenous, or federal orders of government — that can help Canada achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reductions milestones on the way to achieving net zero by 2050. Our research assesses trade-offs of alternative policy options in reducing emissions, including the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and distributional implications. We consider all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country and provide policy advice rooted in analysis and evidence.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree in Economics, Environmental, Sustainability or Climate Change Studies, Resource Management, Public Policy, Social Sciences or other relevant field of study if combined with relevant policy research experience

• Significant experience (e.g., 5+ years) leading and managing complex research projects, preferably within a policy-oriented environment

• Strong quantitative research skills, including understanding of energy-economy modeling and interpreting results of modeling analysis

• Strong project management skills, including overseeing contracts with external consultants and managing project timelines, budgets and resources effectively

• Strong understanding of current climate policies (especially provincial and federal) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear and compelling language for diverse audiences

• Experience presenting research findings to public audiences, policymakers, and stakeholders

• Public speaking experience, willingness and ability to act as a public-facing spokesperson for the Institute

• Bilingual (French and English) fluency is an asset

• Established network of contacts within the climate policy community in Canada is an asset

• Experience in mentoring and supervising junior researchers is an asset

• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada to be considered

What we Offer

• A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel

• The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country

• A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup 

• Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end

• Up to 5 days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices  

• The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe

• Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports

• An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year

• Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences

The Canadian Climate Institute is committed to advancing justice and equity in our organization, our work, and our hiring practices. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, LGBTQIA2S+ and persons with disabilities, and are working to create an inclusive culture that supports collective growth, learning/unlearning and meaningful work. We value diverse perspectives and will consider relevant life experience alongside professional qualifications when reviewing applications.