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Research Assistant (Junior Fellow)

Department: National Institute on Ageing (NIA)
Position supervisor: Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, Director of Financial Security Research, NIA and Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy
Contract length: Monday, May 11, 2026 to Friday, August 7, 2026
Hours of work per week: 35
Position type: Research Assistant (Junior Fellow)
Rate of pay: $19.22 per hour

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on X, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the program/department/team

National Institute on Ageing
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) improves the lives of older adults and the systems that support them by conducting research, convening stakeholders, sharing information, shifting attitudes and advancing policy solutions and practice innovations. Our vision is a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported, and better prepared to age with confidence.

Entente Education Canada
Entente is a bilingual trusted voice on healthy active living in the retirement journey that delivers world-class programs, social engagement and political advocacy. Their vision is a healthy, active future for every member of the education retiree community in Canada. With more than 80,000 members across Canada, Entente is an influential advocate and the largest national provider of non-profit group health insurance for education retirees. Entente members come from the broader education community. They work in or are retired from the early years, school boards, private schools, post-secondary institutions or any other capacity in education.

The opportunity

The National Institute on Ageing (NIA), in partnership with Entente Education Canada, is currently accepting applications for its annual Junior Fellow Program. This unique program will provide two student researchers with the opportunity to participate in a substantive and impactful program of research, policy development and/or advocacy, under the supervision of NIA staff, which will contribute to improving the lives of older adults in Canada today and for generations to come.

The challenges and opportunities posed by Canada’s ageing population require significant advancements in public policy, including areas as diverse and varied as income security, ageing in the right place, healthy ageing and social inclusion. Canadian undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at an accredited university, who are eligible to work in Canada and passionate about ageing research and public policy, are encouraged to apply. Applications from any discipline will be considered. The program will run from Monday, May 11, 2026 to Friday, August 7, 2026, with 35 hours per week. Join us and help make a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence.

Job Responsibilities

Junior Fellows will actively collaborate on a program of research, policy development and advocacy related to successful and healthy ageing in Canada, which will make a substantive contribution to the field.

The responsibilities of Junior Fellows may include

  1. Conducting literature reviews, jurisdictional and environmental scans.
  2. Supporting and contributing to the drafting of research reports, briefing notes, discussion.
  3. papers, policy submissions and a variety of policy relevant communications products.
  4. Collecting organizing and analyzing qualitative and/or quantitative data Tracking and monitoring developments in ageing policy across Canada.
  5. Preparing research ethics applications, interview questions and/or discussion guides, materials for submission to granting agencies and foundations.
  6. Recruiting and/or interviewing research participants, key stakeholders and external experts.
  7. Preparing materials for, attend, and transcribe notes from interviews, meetings, consultations, workshops, and engagement sessions.
  8. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned depending on the individual requirements of the research project.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications/requirements

  • Academic and/or work experience related to ageing, including but not limited to health, wellness and social determinants of health, ageism, social isolation, elder abuse, age-friendly environments, emergency preparedness, pension reform, income security and adequacy and retirement planning
  • Experience with MS Office Suite or specialized software or datasets, if required by the scope of the research project Required skills & demonstrated knowledge

Required skills & demonstrated knowledge

  • Strong research and data analysis skills
  • Strong writing and communications skills
  • Knowledge of project and time management methods
  • Computer skills
  • Highly collaborative
  • Previous experience as a Research Assistant is an asset.

Working environment

  • While our offices are in Toronto, this is a remote position. The candidate can be located anywhere in Canada provided they are currently enrolled as a full-time student at a Canadian university.
  • Working remotely with some access to office space at Toronto Metropolitan University is also an option.

How to apply

Please email your application to info.nia@torontomu.ca. Applications should be submitted in PDF or Word formats. In the subject line please indicate: “2026 Junior Fellow”. Please submit your resume, cover letter, and your most recent transcript.We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only candidates who are invited to an interview will be contacted. The deadline to apply is April 3, 2026.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.