Research Assistant — Second Century Commission

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Job Title: Research Assistant (1 position)

Location: Max Bell School of Public Policy, McGill University

Supervisor: Siobhan Harty, Slater Family Visiting Scholar

Start Date: Late November 2026 (as soon as possible)

End Date: July 2027

Hours: 2–4 hours per week

Rate: $32.15/hour

Project Title

Second Century Commission

Position Summary

Siobhan Harty, Slater Family Visiting Scholar at the Max Bell School of Public Policy and Research Director for the Second Century Commission, is seeking one Research Assistant (RA) to support the work of the Commission. The Second Century Commission (Second Century Commission on Canada–US Relations) is a binational initiative focused on Canada–U.S. relations for the second century of formal diplomatic relations beginning in 2026. Under the leadership of co-chairs Lisa Raitt and Jane Harman, the binational Commission will bring together approximately twenty prominent Canadians and Americans to develop a forward-looking agenda for relations between the two countries. Commissioners include former Cabinet members, governors, provincial premiers, leading business executives, leaders in philanthropy, experts in AI and digital technology, defence and security leaders, among others. The Commission is led by the Max Bell School, the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and the Centre for International Governance Innovation. Following the first in-person meeting of Commissioners in Baltimore on October 21, the Commission will continue to meet over the next year to deliberate on policy recommendations and develop a report for policy makers in Canada and the United States. Commissioners are supported by expert research papers and other analysis and engagement activities. The RA will help organize the meetings of the Commissioners, support the Research Director to manage the production of research papers, conduct research to support the Commission as required and play an integral role in shaping the Youth Assembly. This position is an opportunity to be part of an initiative that demonstrates how public policy is influenced from outside government by leading voices.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize regularly scheduled meetings of the organizing team for the Commission, take meeting notes and track deliverables.

• Play a leading role on the Max Bell team that will organize the next in-person meeting of the Commission in Montreal (Spring 2027), including agenda, meeting products and logistics.

• Support management of research papers through fact-checking, citation management, and initial editing in line with a style guide.

• Maintain a monthly list of reading materials for the Commissioners.

• Conduct research as required to support the Commissioners, for public use on the Commission’s website and other outputs.

• Play a leading role in the development of a Youth Assembly that will run independently alongside the Commission and provide Commissioners with a youth perspective.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical research and writing skills in English; French is an asset.

• Highly organized, pays attention to details and is able to track deliverables.

• Interest in Canada-US relations and the major policy areas shaping the relationship.

• Comfortable researching contemporary and historical issues using a range of tools and sources.

• Careful attention to sourcing, nuance, accuracy, and competing interpretations.

• Ability to organize research systematically and work independently.

• Experience with academic databases, citation management, and responsible use of AI-supported research tools is an asset.

Application Process

Please submit a CV and brief statement of interest through McGill Workday by November 13, 2026 .

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary:

$32.15

Hours per Week:

8 (Part time)

Location:

Sherbrooke 680

Supervisor:

Professor

Position Start Date:

2026-11-16

Position End Date:

2027-07-09

Deadline to Apply:

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].