Job Description

Position Profile: Policy and Research Intern

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Reports to: Executive Advisor, Strategic Policy and Programs

Profile date: November 2025

Duration: 6-months (full-time)

About the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) changes lives by bringing people and knowledge together to reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs on society. We partner with organizations and diverse communities to improve the wellness of people living in Canada. A non-governmental organization with a national focus, CCSA envisions a healthier Canadian society where evidence transforms approaches to substance use.

About the Ontario Brain Institute

The Ontario Brain Institute drives discovery and innovation to improve brain health and strengthen Ontario's life sciences sector. By connecting researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and people with lived experience, OBI fosters collaboration that transforms research into real-world solutions. A not-for-profit organization, OBI provides internship programs that equip postgraduates with leadership and management experience beyond the lab and is a funding partner for this internship opportunity.

Acknowledgement

CCSA acknowledges that First Nations, Inuit and Metis people are the holders of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge. We respect the power of the Indigenous ways of knowing and of Traditional Indigenous Knowledge, and we commit to learning about and incorporating this knowledge into our work with proper guidance.

About the Position

The Policy and Research Intern will work in collaboration with the Ontario Brain Institute and CCSA's research and policy teams. The intern will help establish a national network for Canada's brain economy and will work with the network to identify opportunities for policy action, partnerships, and innovation in this emerging sector. This six-month internship is designed not only to contribute to research, analysis, and policy development but also to give the successful candidate meaningful exposure to research management, product development, governance, and administration. The position is well-suited for someone who wants to bridge advanced academic training with real-world policy, strategy, and innovation experience.


The internship offers direct experience in policy development, strategy, and innovation, exposure to governance, research management, and partnerships, opportunities to present work to leaders and partners in the brain economy space, and mentorship and career development in applied policy and innovation.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Research and Evidence Gathering

Conduct literature reviews and jurisdictional scans on policies and practices shaping the brain economy. Identify and assess Canadian and international models of community action and innovation. Identify and gather indicators and data / statistics to support the Canadian brain story including productivity, workplace, health, economic and social impacts. Identify, gather and analyze relevant data and evidence relating to scientific (neurological and brain health), economic (lost productivity, workplace losses), social (health, substance use) narratives to support the Canadian brain story. Prepare evidence review of brain economy trends, opportunities, and best practices. #

Policy and Framework Development

Draft evidence-based policy options and strategic recommendations in line with Government of Canada priorities. Contribute to the design of a practical Community Action Framework that supports collaboration with Canadian partners. Prepare a set of actionable, evidence-based options to guide decision-makers in advancing the Brain Economy. Develop briefing materials to support discussions between the CCSA and partners towards developing a Draft Community Action Framework on the Brain Economy. #

Mapping and Engagement of Key Collaborators and Partners

Identify and profile Canadian partners and collaborators across government, academia, private sector, non-profit, Indigenous, and community-based organizations. Support engagement strategies and prepare briefing materials. #

Writing and Knowledge Translation

Develop reports, briefing notes, and presentations tailored to decision-makers, funders, and community audiences. #

Innovation and Professional Exposure

Participate in activities that provide insight into product development, business development, governance, finance, and research management.

Qualifications

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Must have graduated within the last three years, ideally from a research-based Master's or PhD program in neuroscience or a related field. Strong analytical, research, and writing skills with the ability to move from evidence to actionable insights. Interest in public policy, innovation, and systems change. Familiarity with Canadian policy and stakeholder environments is an asset. Excellent organizational and communication skills, and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

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Work involves periods of focused research, writing, and analysis, with occasional time-sensitive deadlines Tasks may require shifting attention between multiple projects, partners, and priorities in a dynamic learning environment Frequent collaboration and communication with internal colleagues and project partners; occasional interaction with external stakeholders and experts Supportive environment that encourages learning, mentorship, and exposure to various aspects of policy, research, and innovation work Work performed in an office setup or from home (hybrid/remote as applicable) No lifting or physical work required

CCSA Values

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CCSA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. As an organization, we are committed to ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Metis people and all equity-deserving groups are fully represented, including women, people of colour, people with disabilities and people who members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.


CCSA is dedicated to learning from and supporting people with lived and living experience of substance use health. We encourage people with lived and living experience of substance use to apply to join the CCSA team.


CCSA promotes the rights of all people with disabilities as outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and its related Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation. CCSA will make appropriate accommodations on request. Please inform CCSA in advance of a request for accommodation during the recruitment process by emailing hiring@ccsa.ca.

How to Apply

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If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resume. Located in Ottawa, CCSA works within a flex-hybrid model. The successful candidate must be willing to be onsite to attend in-person activities as required. We thank all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.


No agencies please.