University of Calgary Jobs: Research Associate – New North America Initiative

The University of Calgary is hiring a Research Associate, New North America Initiative in the School of Public Policy. The current employer page lists Job ID 38380, a full-time limited-term appointment expected to last approximately one year.

The position is based at the Downtown Campus and the application deadline is August 30, 2026. The University careers page is live and displays an Apply Now action.

The role is designed for a junior research professional who can combine policy research with the organizational work required to keep a research initiative moving. The position reports to the Director, International Policy.

Opportunity Overview

The New North America Initiative focuses on policy issues affecting Canada and its continental relationships. The Research Associate supports both research production and the administrative or outreach work needed to deliver the initiative’s projects.

The employer provides a general time split of roughly 75% research and administration and 25% outreach, although priorities can change as projects develop.

Available Position

• Position: Research Associate, New North America Initiative
• Employer: University of Calgary
• School: School of Public Policy
• Job ID: 38380
• Location: Downtown Campus, Calgary
• Appointment: Full-Time Limited Term, approximately 1 year
• Application Deadline: August 30, 2026

Key Responsibilities

The associate organizes research workflow and helps manage contracts, travel, event logistics, deliverables and the administrative processes associated with a university policy initiative.

Research work includes fact checking, preparing briefing documents, background reports, research papers and presentations and taking responsibility for assigned research topics.

The position also helps maintain relationships with partners, stakeholders and the advisory council and keeps work moving against deadlines.

Outreach responsibilities include gathering information, tracking North American trade and political developments and helping the team maintain relationships with external stakeholders.

Who Can Apply?

The University asks for at least two years of professional experience in a university research or administrative environment, the public or private sector, an elected office or a comparable setting.

Strong organization and attention to detail are important because the role manages several parallel research and administrative workflows.

Experience with research initiatives or university processes is an asset, as is experience in government, business or a political office.

Research, AI and Policy Skills

Strong writing is required, and editing experience is an asset. Applicants should have a baseline understanding of current North American trade, economic and political issues.

Knowledge of global trade, Asia or China is useful, as are quantitative-research capabilities and Spanish language skills.

The posting places unusual emphasis on AI competence. Candidates should be able to use AI tools productively while maintaining research quality, fact checking and appropriate judgment.

Application Deadline

Applications are due August 30, 2026. Because the direct University job page currently shows Apply Now, candidates should submit through that page before the deadline.

How to Apply

Use the Apply Now action on the University of Calgary’s official job page for Job ID 38380. Tailor your application around policy research, writing, North American trade issues, stakeholder support and the organizational work required to deliver research projects.

Tips for Applicants

Show research outputs

Mention briefing notes, reports, papers, presentations or policy analyses you produced and who used them.

Demonstrate reliable fact checking

Give examples of how you verified claims, handled conflicting information or maintained source quality.

Use AI examples responsibly

If you use AI for research or workflow support, explain how you validate outputs and protect accuracy rather than presenting AI as a replacement for research judgment.

Final Notes

This University of Calgary Research Associate position is current on the employer’s own careers site, displays Apply Now and closes August 30, 2026.