The Aging in Data (AiD) project is a multi-year international research initiative based at Concordia University’s ACT Lab. AiD brings together researchers from twelve countries, community organisations, students, and collaborators to examine how datafication and digital surveillance are reshaping the experience of aging. AiD conducted and completed an ambitious cross-national study on surveillance and aging spanning seven countries, multiple languages, and thousands of participants. This project produced a rich dataset documenting how older adults mitigate surveillance practices by government, corporations and other social actors. Following this project, we would like to undertake a qualitative inquiry that explores why and how these experiences take shape in everyday life.

The Horizon Postdoctoral Fellow will be involved in the next phase of our research surveillance from inception to publication. Working collaboratively with the AiD research team in multiple countries they will:

• Steer the development of the qualitative research framework, including conceptual, and methodological orientations.
• Coordinate group meetings, fieldwork and comparative data collection, analysis and knowledge mobilization among partners internationally.
• Conduct interviews and focus groups with older adults.
• Analyze and synthesize qualitative findings in dialogue with the existing quantitative results.
• Contribute to publications, workshops, and policy briefs that bring qualitative insight to bear on the global conversation about surveillance and aging.
• Support related projects within Aging in Data, including work on data harms and AI.

The fellow will work under Dr. Kim Sawchuk, (Communication Studies) and Dr. Shannon Hebblethwaite (Applied Human Sciences) and join an active and supportive research environment within the ACT Lab and the international AiD project, participating in ongoing meetings, public events, and collaborative outputs.

• Term: Two years, full-time
• Salary: CAD $70,000 per year
• Location: Montreal, Canada (on-site participation expected)

The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD in Communication and Media Studies, Sociology, Gerontology, Age Studies, Science and Technology Studies, Anthropology or a related field (completed within the past five years from an institution other than Concordia University).
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative research (e.g., interviews, focus groups, ethnography, participatory methods).
• Interest or experience in areas such as surveillance studies, digital technologies, aging, data justice, STS or HCI.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with evidence of peer-reviewed or equivalent publications.

Proficiency in English; knowledge of French or other languages relevant to this project is considered an asset.

Deadline to receive the applications: January 5, 2026.

The Postdoctoral Fellow must start their appointment at the latest on June 1, 2026.

• All documents must be submitted to Constance Lafontaine
• Please include the reference number with your application

• One to three (1-3) page research statement demonstrating fit with the program described above 
• Current curriculum vitae demonstrating research excellence and a capacity for leadership in the domain (maximum 5 pages)
• Two letters of reference from academic supervisors or current employers to be sent via e-mail directly to Constance Lafontaine

Concordia University is a vibrant research and teaching environment, with state-of-the-art research facilities and many research centers. Concordia is located in Montreal, Canada, a diverse and creative city, often ranked as offering one of the best quality of living experiences in North America.

Concordia University is committed to Employment Equity and encourages applications from women, Aboriginal Peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.