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NIA Junior Fellow (Research Assistant)

Department: National Institute on Ageing
Contract Length: Monday October 7, 2024 – Friday June 6, 2025
Hours of work per week: 10 hours per week
Position type: Temporary 
Rate of pay: $20.49
Deadline to apply: Friday September 20, 2024

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link) , @TorontoMetHR (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the NIA

The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) improves the lives of older adults and the systems that support them by convening stakeholders, conducting research, advancing policy solutions and practice innovations, sharing information and shifting attitudes. Our vision is a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence.

About The LIFE Institute

The LIFE Institute is a leader in life-long learning, inspiring and fulfilling a community of adults 50+ through Continuing Education at Toronto Metropolitan University. The LIFE Institute enables adults aged 50+ to pursue their passion for life-long learning through a wide range of educational courses, activities and related opportunities to volunteer.

The Opportunity

The NIA, in partnership with The LIFE Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, is currently accepting applications for the 2024-25 NIA Junior Fellow Program. This unique program will provide three Toronto Metropolitan University students with the opportunity to participate in the NIA’s research, policy analysis, policy development, and advocacy, under the supervision of NIA staff, which will contribute to making life better for older adults in Canada.

The challenges and opportunities facing Canada’s ageing population require significant advancements in public policy, health care delivery and financial security including areas as diverse and varied as home care, access to appropriate vaccinations, transportation, affordable housing, pension reform, age-friendly communities and equity. NIA Junior Fellows will contribute to a variety of research, policy and advocacy projects that explore solutions to the most pressing issues related to ageing in Canada.

Current Toronto Metropolitan University students with an interest in ageing research and policy are encouraged to apply. Applications from any department or discipline will be considered.

The program will run from Monday October 7, 2024 – Friday June 6, 2025 with 10 hours per week.

Job Responsibilities

NIA Junior Fellows will actively contribute to the NIA’s research, policy analysis and development, and advocacy related to ageing in Canada.

The responsibilities of NIA Junior Fellows may include:

  1. Conducting literature reviews, jurisdictional and environmental scans
  2. Tracking and monitoring developments in ageing policy across Canada
  3. Collecting, organizing and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data
  4. Preparing research ethics applications, interview questions and/or discussion guides, materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations
  5. Recruiting and/or interviewing research participants, key stakeholders and external experts
  6. Prepare materials for, attend, and transcribe notes from interviews, meetings, consultations, workshops, and engagement sessions.
  7. Supporting and contributing to the drafting of research reports, briefing notes, discussion papers, policy submissions and a variety of policy relevant communications products
  8. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned depending on the individual requirements of the research project.

Job Qualifications

Minimum qualifications/requirements

  • Academic and/or work experience related to ageing, including but not limited to health, wellness and social determinants of health, ageism, social isolation, elder abuse, age-friendly environments, emergency preparedness, pension reform, income security and adequacy and retirement planning
  • Experience with MS Office Suite or specialized software or datasets, if required by the scope of the research project
  • Satisfactory academic progress in a program at Toronto Metropolitan University

Required skills & demonstrated knowledge

  • Research and data analysis skills
  • Strong writing and communications skills
  • Knowledge of project- and time-management methods
  • Computer skills
  • Highly collaborative

Working environment

  • While our offices are in Toronto, this is a remote position. The candidate can be located anywhere in Canada provided they are currently a full-time Toronto Metropolitan University student.
  • Working remotely is an option with some access to office space at Toronto Metropolitan University.

How to apply

Please email your application to info.nia@torontomu.ca. Applications should be submitted in PDF format. In the subject line, please indicate “NIA Junior Fellow Application”. 

Applications should include a cover letter explaining how your knowledge and skills match the qualifications described above, alongside a resume and most recent academic transcript.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only candidates who are invited to an interview will be contacted.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.