Research Associate and Program Coordinator - International Science Diplomacy Research Chair for Arctic and Space Cooperation

Polytechnique Montréal

Research Associate and Program Coordinator - International Science Diplomacy Research Chair for Arctic and Space Cooperation

Reference: 25-RE-9-EN

Duration: Full-time. One-year contract, renewable up to 5 years (indicative).

Location : 2500 chemin de Polytechnique, Montréal, Québec

Start date: Early 2026 (flexible).

Deadline date : February 28, 2026

Polytechnique Montréal is an internationally recognized engineering university. Located in the heart of Montréal on Mount Royal, it is renowned for the high quality of the training offered at all levels, and for its multidisciplinary and multisectoral research, at the forefront of the local, national and international engineering.

Proud of its 150th years of history, Polytechnique now welcomes more than 10,000 students and relies on the expertise of nearly 1,600 staff members with diverse skills, including more than 300 professors.

Polytechnique has been certified Gold by the STARS organization. Polytechnique is known for its innovative approach, and its active role in technological, economic, and social development. It values the diversity of its employees and adheres to an equal employment opportunity program for women, visible and ethnic minorities, Indigenous people and those with disabilities. Having received the Parity Certification from Women in Governance, it offers excellent working conditions, focusing on work-life balance and the well-being of its employees.

ABOUT THE CHAIR

The Science Diplomacy for Arctic and Space Cooperation 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 (ex. : the moon). 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);
• 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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

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.

PROFILE AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

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

• Excellent communication and writing skills in both French and English;
• 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.

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.

CONTRACT DURATION

Start date: Early 2026 (flexible).

Full-time.

One-year contract, renewable up to 5 years (indicative).

APPLICATIONS

Send the following as a single PDF to chaire_diplomatie_scientifique@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.

Polytechnique is an equal-opportunity employer and as such invites women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible and ethno-cultural minorities and people with disabilities who meet the job requirements to apply. Upon request, Polytechnique Montréal will provide support measures for people with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and evaluation process.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. In accordance with immigration rules, priority will be given to Canadians and permanent residents.

For the French version : https://rita.cegid.cloud/go/695d32d490de83643cffd745/51fc022458b70066fae4a23a/fr

Please apply online at: https://rita.cegid.cloud/go/695d35e690de83643cffd78e/5fa00beb0bd944259156d6da/en

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