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IRPP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Support of Indigenous, Black, and Other Racialized Scholars

The Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP), since its inception in 1972, has worked in collaboration with academic researchers and other sectors to mobilize knowledge and ensure its visibility among policymakers. A key priority for the IRPP is fostering a more inclusive public policy dialogue in Canada. However, Indigenous, Black, and other racialized scholars are still underrepresented in tenured academic positions and research funding.

To address this gap, the IRPP has launched the IRPP Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, aimed at junior scholars who identify as Indigenous, Black, or from another racialized group and are passionate about advancing public policy. The fellowship's goal is to support the career advancement of emerging scholars and provide them with opportunities to contribute to influential academic, governmental, and policy roles.

Fellowship Details

The fellowship offers one full-time postdoctoral research position starting in 2025, lasting for two years. During the fellowship, the selected researcher will undertake original research related to Canadian public policy, aligned with one of the IRPP’s ongoing research programs:

  1. Empowering Canada’s Workforce – Addressing challenges such as the low-carbon transition, trade wars, and demographic shifts.

  2. Building New Foundations for Economic Growth – Focusing on policies that ensure long-term prosperity amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

  3. Toward a More Equitable Canada – Developing policies aimed at improving outcomes by addressing barriers like affordability and accessibility.

Fellows will collaborate closely with the IRPP’s research team, contributing to at least one IRPP Study and one Policy Options op-ed. They will also engage in webinars and other events, while submitting interim and final reports throughout their fellowship.

Benefits and Stipend

The fellowship includes a stipend of $70,000 per year, along with an additional research allowance of up to $5,000 per year for travel, equipment, software, and data acquisition. Fellows will also benefit from mentorship, editorial and communications support, and access to an extensive network of experts and government contacts. They will be based at IRPP’s Montreal office and have the opportunity to participate in regular research team meetings.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Identify as Indigenous, Black, or a member of another racialized group.

  • Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

  • Reside in Canada for the entire duration of the fellowship.

  • Hold a completed PhD in a field relevant to social science and public policy (e.g., economics, sociology, political science, geography, public policy). PhD candidates are also eligible but must complete their degree before the fellowship starts.

  • Apply within five years of completing their PhD.

  • Have a history of conference presentations or research publications showing a sustained interest in Canadian public policy and expertise in the proposed research topic.

  • Possess an academic or policy-focused career plan aligned with the fellowship’s goals.

  • Not hold a permanent faculty position, nor a position leading to permanent faculty status.

  • Have arrangements for affiliation with a recognized Canadian university and an academic co-supervisor. Exceptional candidates without this arrangement can still apply, with their appointment dependent on IRPP’s ability to match them with a suitable Canadian university for co-hosting.

Required Documents

To apply, candidates are required to submit the following documents:

  • A comprehensive proposal for a 24-month research project that aligns with one of the IRPP’s research programs. The proposal should clearly define the:

    • Research question and motivation

    • Contribution to the selected research program

    • Methodology

    • Impact on Canadian public policy

    • Relevance to the applicant’s previous research

    • Detailed research plan, including key milestones, timelines, and publication goals

    • Hardware, software, and data requirements needed to complete the project

  • A cover letter that outlines how the applicant meets the fellowship’s requirements and explains how the fellowship will support their professional objectives and contribute to advancing Canadian public policy.

  • A CV highlighting relevant academic and professional qualifications, including publications, working papers, and evidence of active involvement in academic and public research activities (e.g., conference presentations, workshops, seminars, webinars).

  • Proof of eligibility, showing that the applicant identifies as Indigenous, Black, or a member of another racialized group, as specified in the Identity Declaration instructions.

  • A detailed career plan that clearly connects to Canadian public policy research.

  • A letter of support from a representative at the host institution or a faculty member, expressing their interest in the research topic and willingness to co-supervise the applicant. If a letter of support cannot be obtained, the applicant must provide a list of potential academic advisers and proof of attempts to secure such letters.

  • Copies of the PhD certificate and academic transcripts. Applicants who have not yet completed their PhD at the time of application must provide a letter from their academic supervisor confirming they will obtain their doctoral degree by December 31, 2025.

  • Three recommendation letters that must be submitted separately by referees, directly to the IRPP.

Submission instructions:

  • All required documents, excluding the recommendation letters, must be submitted as a single PDF file, with the file name including “Postdoctoral Fellowship Application” and the applicant’s full name.
  • Applications should be sent to the selection committee at postdoc@irpp.org, with the subject line: “Postdoctoral Fellowship Application” and the applicant’s full name.
  • Recommendation letters must be sent by referees in PDF format directly to postdoc@irpp.org, with the subject line and file name stating “Postdoctoral Fellowship Letter” and the applicant’s full name.
  • Application reviews will begin on a rolling basis starting May 15, 2025, but will close on June 30, 2025. The preferred start date for the fellowship is in September 2025.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply

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