Research Associate

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Hiring Unit: Department of Biology (Professor Andrew Gonzalez)

Position Summary:

Framework Development and Scientific Leadership

• Leads the refinement and operationalization of a conceptual and analytical framework linking circular economy strategies to biodiversity pressures, impacts, and outcomes.
• Contributes to the integration of ecological concepts (e.g., ecosystem structure, species populations, ecosystem function) with circular economy metrics (e.g., material flows, recycled content, avoided primary extraction).
• Supports the development of indicator pathways that connect circular economy actions to biodiversity-relevant pressures such as land-use change, pollution, and resource extraction.
• Ensures scientific rigor, transparency of assumptions, and alignment with international biodiversity frameworks (e.g., Essential Biodiversity Variables).

Coordination and Leadership of the Working Group

• Leads and coordinates an interdisciplinary working group composed of researchers, practitioners, and partner organizations.
• Plans, convenes, and facilitates working group meetings, workshops, and technical discussions.
• Guides collaborative processes to co-develop indicators, methodologies, and analytical tools.
• Synthesizes working group outputs into coherent technical documents, white papers, and methodological notes.

Case Study Design and Implementation

• Contributes to the selection, design, and scoping of priority territorial and sectoral case studies in Quebec.
• Leads or co-leads the application of the framework to selected case studies (e.g., construction materials, forestry, agri-food systems, mining and metals, or urban resource recovery).
• Coordinates data collection efforts, including literature review, compilation of existing datasets, and engagement with data holders.
• Oversees the development of analytical models, calculations, or scenario analyses required to quantify impacts and benefits for biodiversity

Data Analysis and Methodological Development

• Supports the identification, assessment, and use of relevant data sources (e.g., material flow data, land-use data, biodiversity datasets, environmental indicators).
• Contributes to the development of transparent and reproducible methods for estimating avoided pressures and biodiversity-related outcomes.
• Conducts sensitivity analyses and critically assess uncertainties, limitations, and potential rebound effects.

Knowledge Synthesis and Reporting

• Leads or co-authors scientific reports, technical documents, and synthesis products aimed at academic, policy, and practitioner audiences.
• Contributes to peer-reviewed publications arising from the project.
• Prepares clear summaries of methods and results suitable for decision-makers and non-academic stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization

• Engages with governmental agencies, industry partners, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure relevance and applicability of the framework and case studies.
• Supports the translation of research findings into policy-relevant insights and recommendations.
• Participates in knowledge mobilization activities such as workshops, briefings, and public presentations.

Project Management and Collaboration

• Supports overall project coordination, including timelines, deliverables, and reporting obligations.
• Works closely with the Principal Investigator and partner organizations to ensure alignment across project components.
• Mentors or collaborates with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, or research assistants contributing to the project.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in biodiversity science, environmental assessment, or sustainability-oriented research.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with experience handling interdisciplinary concepts and datasets.
• Proven ability to lead collaborative research activities and work effectively with diverse partners.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; working knowledge of French is a strong asset given the Quebec context.

Education/Experience:

• PhD in ecology, environmental science, sustainability science, industrial ecology, or a related field.
• Experience with indicator development, life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, or environmental modeling.
• Familiarity with Quebec or Canadian environmental policy contexts.
• Experience working at the interface of science, policy, and practice.

Location:  This position is located in Montreal, Quebec and the work for this position is expected to be performed in Quebec.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing.  The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # (4) qualifier on a scale of 0-4.

 

$33.96

35 (Full time)

Stewart Biology Bldg

Professor

2026-01-12

2027-03-31

2026-01-22

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