Research Associate in Canada and EU Relations

Non-Resident (Remote) · Fellowship · Part-time (~5 hrs/week) · 6 months, renewable

About the role

Tessera Research Collective is an independent, non-partisan research organization, incorporated as a federal not-for-profit under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act, operating as an international network focused on global affairs and international security, with a strong emphasis on human security. Originating at the University of Toronto, Tessera formalized its cross-institutional and international structure in 2024. The collective is guided by the belief that large-scale political developments are best understood through close attention to local dynamics and grounded fieldwork.

We are seeking Research Associates to strengthen our analysis of Canada–EU political, security, economic, and institutional relations. Research Associates joining now will also play a key role in helping establish a new think tank building on the collective's work, planned for launch this Fall. Candidates based in the Netherlands and Belgium — a hub for European business, defence, and policy expertise — are especially welcome, though this isn't a requirement. We also welcome applicants affiliated with universities that lead in political science and legal studies, such as KU Leuven, Ghent, Amsterdam, Leiden, Utrecht, and Maastricht universities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct focused research on Canada–EU cooperation across security and defence, trade, critical minerals, technology, and the broader transatlantic agenda
• Conduct literature reviews, monitor policy developments and official communications, and collect and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data
• Contribute approximately one published, bylined piece per month (policy brief, analysis, or op-ed)
• Draft research briefs, reports, and policy-oriented publications
• Collaborate with other members of the collective on joint projects; contribute to the design and launch of the new think tank initiative
• Attend a weekly one-hour team meeting
• Assist with grant proposals and engage with stakeholders and academic partners as needed

What we're looking for

• 3+ years of professional experience in international relations, foreign policy, security/defence, trade, or a related field, or graduate-level study (completed or in progress) in political science, international relations, European studies, or a closely related discipline
• Strong research and analytical skills, with demonstrated interest in Canada–EU or transatlantic affairs
• Excellent policy-oriented writing in English; proficiency in French and/or another European language is an asset
• Ability to work independently in a remote, part-time setting and meet deadlines
• Experience engaging with academic, policy, or civil society communities, including familiarity with human security or international security debates

What the fellowship offers

• A formal affiliation as Research Associate and opportunities to collaborate with other researchers in our international network
• Published, bylined work promoted across our channels, and circulated to our network of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
• Editorial collaboration and co-authorship opportunities
• Invitations to Tessera events (e.g., Work in Progress series) and training sessions
• Formal mentorship by senior faculty and experts in the field
• A written reference on successful completion of your term
• The opportunity to help shape a new think tank

This is a volunteer fellowship; no employment relationship is created.

How to apply

Submit your CV and a one-page cover letter as a single PDF via LinkedIn, outlining your relevant background and your interest in Canada–EU relations. If your goals for the fellowship differ from what's outlined here, we're happy to discuss during the interview. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Questions? Message us on LinkedIn.

— Tessera Research Collective

www.tesserainstitute.ca