Job classification: Postdoctoral/Research Fellowship or NR position
Hours: Full-time (part-time possible)
Duration: One-year contract (with possible renewal)
Start date: Flexible (Spring or Fall 2022)
Salary range: $45,000-55,000, plus benefits (commensurate with position and experience)
Unit: University Research Chair in Technology and Society
Reports to: Dr Florian Martin-Bariteau
About the position
The University of Ottawa Research Chair in Technology and Society is seeking an engaged and enthusiastic research fellow/coordinator to support and collaborate with Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau and pursue a research program to make contributions to technology law, policy and ethics, with a focus on cybersecurity, cyberjustice and algorithmic systems.
The successful candidate will sharpen and develop a research agenda and make valuable contributions or assist in a variety of research areas (blockchains, artificial intelligence [AI], digital policies, intermediary liability, cyberjustice, cybersecurity, whistleblowers, …). They will work alongside leaders in academia, industry, and government. Research outputs (e.g. policy recommendations and framework proposals) will be disseminated through a series of publications, white papers and other knowledge mobilization activities, both within and outside the academy, and with public and private sector actors.
Performing all duties autonomously and proactively, the successful candidate will work both in French and English and have a coordination capacity for research projects and teams under Dr. Florian Martin-Bariteau’s leadership. They will support the management, progress evaluation, and knowledge dissemination related to the research projects and grants. From the administration of research projects to reporting and grant writing, they will act as a liaison between the leadership team and internal stakeholders, as well as with external stakeholders. They may be called to travel within Canada and abroad.
There will be opportunities to contribute to, or develop new ventures that complement and extend research lead as part of the AI + Society Initiative’s programs on regulation, inclusion, health or environment, as well as of the Autonomy through Cyberjustice Technologies, the Human-centric Cybersecurity Partnership.
Candidates without law degrees are eligible but should then have a strong background in public policy, either by education or experience. While international candidates are encouraged to apply, candidates should have an understanding of the complex multi-jurisdictional Canadian framework or be willing to learn about it early on.
Applicants interested in a postdoctoral fellowship position are encouraged to propose creative ideas for a postdoctoral fellowship, emphasizing how they plan to contribute to new knowledge within the domain of the regulation of AI and automation, and human-centric cybersecurity. We are particularly interested in proposals aligning the ongoing projects of the Chair, notably: AI and justice ; transparency and accountability in cybersecurity (whistleblowers, security researchers, …) ; regulation of distributed and/or autonomous algorithmic systems. In this case, the successful candidate will be registered as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Ottawa, and will enjoy all associated privileges.
Place of work and COVID-19: We are currently working in a hybrid model. While the University of Ottawa is planning to come back fully in person in Fall 2022, we understand each person’s circumstances are unique and will work with the selected candidate to explore the best working conditions for them, including remote by default.
About the Chair and its projects
The successful candidate will join the team of the University of Ottawa Research Chair in Technology and Society, and the dynamic research community of the Centre for Law, Technology and Society – Canada’s leading research group in technology law, ethics and policy – and the AI + Society Initiative at the University of Ottawa.
Beyond the University of Ottawa, the successful candidate will also join the dynamic teams of the Autonomy through Cyberjustice Technologies, the Human-centric Cybersecurity Partnership, and will collaborate with researchers across the Global Network of Internet and Society Research Centers.
While promising considerable advances, autonomous and quantum technologies present significant challenges for our societies. In light of these challenges, the University of Ottawa Research Chair in Technology and Society develops public policy proposals anchored in rigorous research, and deploys awareness and outreach activities with industry, public decision-makers and civil society. The Chair proposes a research program in technology law, ethics and policy around the security, regulation and governance of automated and quantum technologies, from an interdisciplinary perspective, and building on a global, multijural and multilingual network of experts.
The Chair promotes an inclusive research agenda with a specific focus on amplifying voices and research that does not perpetuate systems of injustice and oppression for affected communities. The research and conversations we aim to highlight focus on the inclusion of voices and perspectives of women, youth, seniors, Indigenous People, LGBTQIA2S+, racialized communities, people with disabilities, and linguistic minorities—and those at the intersection of these identities.
While being grounded in rigorous evidence-based academic research, most outreach (public lectures, training, tools, white papers, reports, etc.) will be developed with the general public in mind, and communicated in plain language for them to be able to take ownership of the tools and implement them to have a transformative impact within their communities, including in relation to policy reform.
More details about the chair and its project are available here.
Position Requirements
- Graduate degree in law or related field (e.g. public policy) with training in law or policy. (While not a strict requirement, a Ph.D. will be appreciated, and necessary to qualify for a postdoctoral fellowship.)
- Research experience, preferably in law and policy.
- English or French proficiency; and passive understanding of the other language.
Additionally, the following skills will be considered as assets:
- Bilingualism (English and French).
- Scholarship on the relevant topics.
- Experience with knowledge mobilization.
How to apply
Apply on our Application Portal
The application package should include:
- a cover letter (max 2 p.),
- a complete curriculum vitae,
- one or more writing samples (published or not; in French or in English).
- For postdoctoral or doctoral fellowships: Candidates interested in a postdoctoral fellowship must also include a 2 p. research proposal aligned with the Chair’s research program.
Please note that the cover letter should mention language proficiency, as well as research and advocacy experience, and the type of position seek (postdoctoral fellowship, research fellowship, research staff).
Please direct your questions to fmb@uOttawa.ca.
The selection committee will start to review applications on March 1st, 2022. Applications will be considered until a successful candidate is found.
We thank all applicants for their interest. While we are committed to ensuring the best possible experience for all applicants, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted. Please be advised that, due to changes in our funding, management, or organizational needs, we reserve the right to pause or stop a job competition at any stage in the process. Applicants will be notified in a timely manner.
The University of Ottawa is an equal opportunity employer. The University of Ottawa Centre for Law, Technology and Society is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities, as well as members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.
The cover letter should confirm the immigration status of the candidate. Please note that hired candidate that is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada will need to be able to travel to Canada to obtain their work permit, and social insurance number.
In keeping with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the University of Ottawa will provide accommodations upon request during the recruitment, selection and assessment process for candidates with a disability.