Research Lead, Clean Growth | Chargé-e de recherche, Croissance propre

Canadian Climate Institute

7d • Remote

About The Position

As Canada’s foremost climate policy research organization, the Canadian Climate Institute equips policy makers across the country to develop and adopt evidence-based solutions to complex climate and energy challenges. We drive results through in-depth research and analysis, innovative communications, and robust engagement with governments, industry leaders, Indigenous rights holders, and civil society. If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on transformational climate and energy policy in Canada. Learn about our latest work at climateinstitute.ca.

Reporting to the Director of Clean Growth, the Research Lead is responsible for leading research to advance evidence-based climate and clean growth policy in Canada. The successful candidate will lead research, analysis, and writing for priority research areas related to the global low-carbon transition. The Research Lead is accountable for maintaining regular contact with the Director to ensure that key scoping, methodological, and content production decisions are consistent with the team’s strategic priorities. The Research Lead is responsible for overseeing the work of their direct reports.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Economics, Environmental, Sustainability or Climate Change Studies, Resource Management, or other field of study if combined with relevant policy research experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to translate complex research findings into clear and compelling language for diverse audiences
• Experience supervising other researchers at the junior and/or mid-level
• Significant experience (e.g., 5+ years) leading and managing complex research projects, preferably within a policy-oriented environment
• Strong command of quantitative and qualitative research methods, with the judgment to identify weaknesses and uphold quality standards across a team's research output.
• Understanding of the current political and policy environment with respect to climate action, economic growth and business competitiveness
• Strong project management skills, including overseeing contracts with external consultants and managing project timelines, budgets and resources effectively
• Experience presenting research findings to public audiences, policymakers, and stakeholders
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada to be considered

Nice To Haves

• Professional fluency in English is required, with fluency in French considered a significant asset
• Established network of contacts within the financial, business and/or climate policy community in Canada
• Knowledge of Canadian electricity systems

Responsibilities

• Lead scoping, research and analysis, and writing for major projects and reports under the direction of the Director
• Manage up to two Senior Research Associates and/or Research Associates, overseeing their work, assisting with day-to-day prioritization and supporting their professional development
• Maintain high standards of quality across research design, data analysis, and findings — ensuring work is methodologically sound, accurate, and defensible.
• Maintain regular contact with the Director to ensure project scoping, methodological, and content decisions align with the Institute's strategic priorities
• Maintain up-to-date and in-depth expertise on major sectors of Canada’s economy, including but not limited to electricity, mining, buildings, heavy industry, and transportation
• Support the Director in coordinating with External Affairs colleagues
• Act as a primary point of contact for approved media outreach, effectively communicating the team's research insights and positioning the organization's work in the public conversation.
• Lead or participate in meetings, as appropriate, with external stakeholders

Benefits

• A flexible, full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with occasional travel
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country
• A virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup
• Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end
• Up to 5 days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices
• The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe
• Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports
• An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year
• Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level