Skip to Main Content
You are now in the main content area

Research Assistant – Highly Skilled Migration in Global Cities

Department: CERC in Migration and Integration

Supervisor: Jeremie Molho

Contract length: January 2025 - June 2026 (18 months)

Hours of work per week: 15 hours

Rate of pay: $35/hour

Location: Toronto, Canada  

Application deadline: November 20, 2024

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) 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.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

The team 

The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration program (CERC Migration) at Toronto Metropolitan University is one of Canada’s largest research programs dedicated to the study of migration. The CERC Migration team, comprising more than 30 researchers and operational staff, is producing innovative knowledge that explores migration and post-migration processes, taking an international comparative perspective and also focusing on the specific challenges facing Canada. The program manages a busy schedule of events, visiting experts and research launches. Its social media and website channels are critical for disseminating information to its large community of knowledge users, including academics, policy makers and leaders in civil society organizations.

The opportunity

The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration program (CERC Migration) aims to produce innovative and usable knowledge exploring the links between migration and post-migration processes, forced and voluntary mobility, internal and international migration, the role of countries of origin and transit as well as of non-state stakeholders at local, national and international level, in both migration management and migrant integration.

The CERC in Migration and Integration is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for the project "Highly Skilled Migrants in Global Cities: Exploring Complex Pathways, Motivations, and Experiences." The research investigates the pathways, motivations, and experiences of hypermobile skilled migrants across global cities. It analyzes how cities like Toronto, Paris, Istanbul, Doha, Singapore, and Hong Kong attract and retain talent, examines transnational mobility dynamics and constraints in sectors such as urban design, digital technology, and the creative economy, and explores the personal and professional impacts of hypermobility on career progression, family, and community ties.

More information about the project is available in the project brief below. The RA will work closely with the Principal Investigator and team members on desk research, qualitative interviews, focus groups, and digital storytelling. This role provides an opportunity to develop skills in research methods, project coordination and knowledge mobilization.

Examples of specific responsibilities for the RA include but are not limited to:

  • Carrying out desk research, including literature reviews.
  • Participating in data collection activities, including gathering professional data from online sources such as LinkedIn.
  • Recruiting study participants.
  • Conducting interviews and facilitating focus groups.
  • Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data using relevant tools and software.
  • Drafting reports, publications, and contributing to project documentation.
  • Creating data visualizations to communicate research findings to various stakeholders.
  • Assisting in the development of digital storytelling components, including creating interactive storymaps with participants.

Qualifications

  • Minimum Master’s degree in Geography, Sociology, Political Science, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated research skills—experience conducting qualitative interviews is essential.
  • Demonstrated knowledge in migration studies; familiarity with global cities and urban governance is considered an asset.
  • Experience with data analysis, particularly qualitative methods.
  • Ability to work autonomously, follow guidelines, collaborate effectively in a team, meet deadlines, and provide regular progress updates to supervisors.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, or GIS software) is an asset.
  • Located in Toronto, Ontario.

How to apply

Please send your application by e-mail to jeremie.molho@torontomu.ca with the subject line “Job Posting – CERC Research Assistant” by November 20, 2024. Applications must include the following:

  • A brief CV/resume (max 3 pages) highlighting relevant skills and experience
  • A cover letter describing your interest in the position
  • The names and contact information for two potential references
  • We thank all applicants; however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.