Forest stewardship for climate, nature, communities

Job Title: Senior Research Associate
Job Type: Full-time Contract (Part-time 50%+ options available)
Salary: $80,000 - $105,000 (based on years of experience and skillset)
Organization: Forest Futures Canada
Location: Remote Canada (preferably in Ottawa, Ontario)
Also hiring: Research Associate

We’re hiring smart policy thinkers to build a greener, stronger forest economy.

About Us

Forest Futures is a new national environment-economy initiative at the University of Ottawa, directed by Dr. Stewart Elgie, and in partnership with Smart Prosperity Institute. Our mission is to build a next generation approach to forest conservation and management – one that advances climate and biodiversity goals, strengthens the forest sector, builds fire resilience, and supports sustainable Indigenous and forest-based communities.

We combine world-class research and powerful partnerships with NGOs, industry, government and Indigenous leaders across Canada. Our work focuses on:

• Smart policies, incentives and finance tools, to grow investment in forest conservation and sustainability
• Innovative approaches to forest conservation, management and governance

We generate smart solutions for a stronger, greener, better forest future, for all Canadians.

Role Overview

Working closely with the Director and our network of experts, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering our research and outreach agenda on priority issues, such as carbon and biodiversity offsets, policies (forestry, conservation, climate), economic instruments, natural capital accounting, conservation finance, etc.

You will initiate and lead research projects, supervise junior researchers, collaborate with leading experts, and engage with partners and policy-makers to inform innovative policies and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, conduct, and produce high-quality, policy-relevant research, independently or in teams of scholars and practitioners.
• Identify and incubate research projects that advance the organization’s mission.
• Manage research projects and teams to deliver timely, quality outputs.
• Supervise junior researchers and graduate students.
• Produce research papers, policy reports, and other knowledge products for broader audiences.
• Communicate research findings, and policy and practice implications, to decision-makers and diverse audiences.

What You Bring

The ideal candidate brings:

• A passion to sustain Canada’s forests, biodiversity and communities.
• At least 6 years experience doing excellent, policy-relevant research.
• A Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field (policy, economics, law, environment/resource studies).
• Excellent research skills, ideally quantitative and qualitative.
• Experience leading research projects and supervising junior researchers.
• Ability to work in inter-disciplinary teams, and with expert practitioners.
• Good writing and communication skills, for academic and general audiences.
• Interest and ability to do research that shapes innovative policies and practices.
• Expertise relevant to the organization’s priority areas (see above).
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset but not essential.

What We Offer

• Flexible hybrid work model that supports well-being and productivity.
• Meaningful, mission-driven work to build a greener, stronger forest economy.
• Competitive salary range of $80,000 - $105,000, based on skills and experience.
• Comprehensive University of Ottawa benefits package.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and C.V. online (preferred method), OR by email to bcecato@smartprosperity.ca , with the subject line “Positions – Senior Research Associate”

Applications will be reviewed starting December 15, 2025, and accepted until the position is filled.

Persons from Indigenous or other equity-deserving groups, as well as individuals with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require an accommodation for any aspects of the recruitment and selection process, please contact Emma.macgillivray@humanihr.com

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