Date Posted: 03/09/2023
Req ID:30193
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Citizen Lab
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Description: DESCRIPTION:
The Citizen Lab at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto invites applications for a Senior Research Associate. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2023.
The Citizen Lab (https://citizenlab.ca/) is an interdisciplinary laboratory that explores the intersection of information and communications technology (ICT), global security, and human rights. The research of the Citizen Lab focuses on documenting information controls (e.g. Internet censorship and surveillance) that impact the openness and security of the Internet and that pose threats to human rights. The Senior Research Associate will report to the Citizen Lab Director.
The Senior Research Associate will develop research projects across a range of topics including but not limited to legal and policy analysis of existing and proposed legislation on national security, technology, data protection, and transparency and accountability mechanisms relevant to the relationship between corporations and state agencies regarding personal data and other surveillance activities.
This position requires legal training and professional experience in order to: develop the Citizen Lab\xe2\x80\x99s research priorities on issues involving complex regulatory law and policy reform; to conduct legal analysis of tabled legislation and regulations; to oversee and develop submissions to legislative and governmental bodies on tabled legislation; and to identify horizon issues emanating from the development of the law through the courts when developing Citizen Lab\xe2\x80\x99s research priorities.
The Senior Research Associate will lead a team of research contractors, research assistants, interns and external partners to design and implement research methods (including data collection and analysis) and a knowledge translation strategy for publishing and presenting findings. Supervision responsibilities include implementing project timelines and milestones; reviewing student and staff progress towards goals, reports and other publication outputs; providing research mentorship; and supporting the evaluation process for staff supervised by the senior research associate.
In addition to overall research planning and team management, duties include conducting primary research, collecting and analysing data, producing written reports, presenting research at public forums, and contributing to grant reporting and conference planning. The Senior Research Associate will also participate in the research planning process for the Citizen Lab and the setting of major research goals.
Applicants should apply online at the link below and include a covering letter, curriculum vitae and three reference names with their contact addresses and phone numbers. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to Celine Bauwens at celine.bauwens@utoronto.ca.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education \xe2\x80\x93 Must have an advanced degree in Law, such as Ph.D. in Law or a Juris Doctor (JD) from a recognized University.
Experience \xe2\x80\x93

• Minimum 5 years of professional legal experience focused on privacy policies and regulations, surveillance, and the use of digital tools in enforcement and criminal investigations. Minimum 5 years of experience in research and project management. Demonstrated publication record in legal and policy analysis at the intersection of law and technology focused on human rights.
• Applied professional legal experience preferred in the area of criminal justice, law enforcement, national security processes, and/or a similar field, in order to assist in the development of cogent recommendations on law and policy reform at the intersection of law and technology in these fields.
• Experience preferred in the area of impact litigation or the analysis of developments of the law through the courts and through legislation to identify horizon issues and research priorities.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or experience in human rights law preferred.
• Experience or familiarity with the interpretation and application of legislative instruments enabling public access to information.
• Experience with media and government relations.

Skills \xe2\x80\x93

• Excellent research and analysis skills as well as strong oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methods and literature in relevant fields.
• Superior problem solving and analytical ability. Demonstrated ability to communicate complex research methods and technical issues to individuals from a range of research and technical backgrounds.
• Ability to analyze and develop policy recommendations in respect of complex regulatory and legislative frameworks.

Other \xe2\x80\x93

• Demonstrated ability to provide mentorship and act as a responsible supervisor for junior researchers and students.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to organizational priorities and able to meet multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Shows initiative, good judgement and tact.
• Detail-oriented and accurate.
• Willingness and ability to learn new techniques on the job and keep up to date in the field.

Closing Date: 03/17/2023,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R02 - Sr. Research Associates $55,325 - $96,635 - $112,308 (open)
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching