Senior Research Advisor, EDI

[THE POSITION IS ON-SITE]

About Volt-Age at Concordia University
Concordia University is advancing towards a resilient, decarbonized society through Volt-age research program, an initiative emphasizing innovative technologies for sustainable solutions. We invite you to contribute to this mission and help shape the future of energy.

Position Overview 

As the Senior Research Advisor, EDI you will lead the integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of the Volt-Age research program by providing evidence-based strategic direction, supporting inclusive research design and research practice, and fostering meaningful engagement and trust-based relationships with equity-deserving communities. You will advise on EDI-related training and funding to ensure alignment with CFREF and Tri-Agency requirements and oversee EDI reporting. This position will report to the Director of Engagement, Living Labs, and EDI – Volt-Age. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the development and implementation of inclusive research frameworks and workflows aligned with CFREF EDI expectations, embedding intersectional inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-oppression principles across strategic planning, research streams, and operations. 
• Support researchers, research personnel, administration staff, and leadership in meeting or exceeding Tri-Agency equity and accountability standards by offering guidance, resources, and one-on-one engagement.
• Support engagement with Indigenous partners by compiling and sharing best practices, connecting researchers and research trainees to relevant resources, facilitating learning opportunities, and following guidance from leaders in the Volt-Age governance. 
• Mentor junior EDI staff. 
• Oversee CFREF EDI reporting and internal assessments of EDI activities. Monitor outputs such as publications and patents by members of the Volt-Age community (researchers, research trainees, administration) for EDI compliance. 
• Contribute to the development of institutional knowledge through collaboration on outputs that document and evaluate EDI progress. 
• Provide direct support to researchers in integrating Volt-Age EDI principles into inclusive research and innovation projects from co-creation to implementation to knowledge mobilization, drawing on best practices and up-to-date knowledge. 
• Support the development and facilitation of EDI training initiatives (e.g., GBA+, unconscious bias, inclusive leadership), organize learning opportunities, and mentor staff, researchers, and research trainees.  
• Coordinate and track EDI-related budgeting, planning, deliverables, and milestones, including guidance on the equitable allocation of research funding and resources. 
• Advise on EDI data collection, capacity-building initiatives, and other topics as needed. 
• Stay current on national and international EDI best practices through active participation in workshops, events, and knowledge-sharing communities. 
• Perform other duties in support of the unit as requested. 

Qualifications:  

• Ph.D. in a Social Science discipline (e.g., Sociology, Anthropology, Cultural Studies) with research expertise on topics related to EDI, immigration, gender, minority rights, or accessibility. 
• Strong proficiency in English and French (oral and written). Fluency in English and French considered an asset. 
• Proven experience working within large-scale government-funded academic research programs (e.g., CFREF, SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR). 
• Advanced knowledge and application of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, including ethnography, survey design, and statistical/data analysis. 
• Demonstrated experience in report writing, research design, and knowledge mobilization. 
• Significant experience in project management, team leadership, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 
• A track record of engaging a broad range of equity-deserving communities in academic or applied research settings. 
• GBA+ and TCPS 2: CORE Certifications. 
• Deep understanding of working with Indigenous research methodologies and communities, or demonstrated familiarity with guiding principles such as Two-Eyed Seeing and Nothing About Us Without Us. 
• Experience working with Indigenous Clean Energy initiatives considered an asset. 

How to apply 

Please send your CV and cover letter to jennifer.garard@concordia.ca by June 17, 2025. 

Territorial Acknowledgement 

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.  

Employment Equity  

Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a diversity survey. This information is voluntary and any information collected for this purpose is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources employees. Results will be aggregated and used to help Concordia achieve its goal to see all members of our community not only reflected, but welcomed, included and supported in their efforts to contribute to all areas of university life. 

Accessibility 

Concordia desires to increase diversity among its community members and we strive to make our recruitment processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants. If you are contacted for an interview and anticipate needing accommodations during the process, please contact jennifer.garard@concordia.ca to this effect. 

Immigration Status  

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens.