Senior Research Fellow

Position Title: Senior Research Fellow

Location: National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR), Carleton University, Ottawa, ON (Remote opportunities available)

Position Type: Volunteer / Mentorship / Fellowship

Duration:  Flexible, with a minimum commitment of 12-24 months recommended

About the Role

NC-CIPSeR is building a national research hub for Canada’s most pressing infrastructure protection, security and resilience challenges. We are inviting experienced professionals, academics, policy thinkers, and sector experts to apply for the role of Senior Research Fellow.

This is a formal volunteer appointment for high-level contributors who bring deep knowledge and leadership to key areas within CIP such as intelligence, national security, threat and risk assessment (TRA), threats, hazards, cybersecurity, AI and agentic workflows, governance & standards, climate resilience, civil readiness, and critical infrastructure interdependencies. Senior Research Fellows help shape NC-CIPSeR’s research agenda, mentor junior contributors, and represent the Centre in national or international dialogues.

This important roles involves the design and evolution of a forward-looking research strategy that positions NC-CIPSeR at the forefront of innovation in critical infrastructure protection. This includes identifying emerging trends, aligning with national priorities, and ensuring the research agenda attracts top talent, fosters meaningful partnerships, and strengthens the Centre’s ability to secure funding opportunities and long-term support.

This role is ideal for mid- to late-career professionals or researchers seeking to meaningfully contribute to public-interest research and capacity-building efforts.

Responsibilities:

• As a Senior Research Fellow, you may take on one or more of the following roles, based on your expertise and interests:
• Research Leadership
  • Lead or co-lead applied research projects within your area of specialization.
  • Contribute to the design and development of risk frameworks, analytical models, or strategic studies (e.g., Senate Study, Project CANVAS, Energy Sector Task Force).
• Mentorship & Capacity Building
  • Mentor junior researchers, volunteers, and co-op students, sharing frameworks, methodologies, and leadership insights.
  • Review and provide feedback on project outputs, journal submissions, or policy briefs.
• Knowledge Mobilization & Public Engagement
  • Author or co-author publications, briefing notes, infographics, or articles for Pulse & Praxis or NC-CIPSeR partners.
  • Participate in workshops, roundtables, and external speaking engagements as a representative of NC-CIPSeR.

• Strategic Input & Innovation
  • Provide strategic advice to the Executive Director and project leads on cross-cutting issues such as standards, governance, AI applications, or national resilience frameworks.
  • Collaborate with internal teams exploring new methodologies, digital tools, or knowledge-sharing platforms.

Areas of Ongoing Research

NC-CIPSeR is currently expanding work in the following domains. Experience in one or more is considered an asset:

• Intelligence & Information Sharing
• National Security
• Threat & Risk Assessment (HTRA, AHRA, ISO 31000, etc.)
• Cybersecurity, Insider Threats, and Bill C-26
• Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies
• AI, Agentic Workflow, and Digital Twins
• Civil Readiness, Public Trust, and Community Engagement
• Governance and National Resilience Strategy
• Arctic, Energy, and Remote Infrastructure Security
• Knowledge Translation and Risk Communication

Qualifications:

We are seeking candidates who bring a combination of subject matter expertise, strategic insight, and a commitment to public-interest research. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

Minimum Requirements
8+ years of professional experience or equivalent academic/research credentials in a relevant field (e.g., critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, risk assessment, emergency management, public policy, engineering, AI, resilience, etc.)

Proven ability to lead or significantly contribute to applied research projects with policy, operational, or academic impact

Demonstrated expertise in one or more areas of NC-CIPSeR’s work (e.g., TRA, HTRA, AI and agentic systems, digital twins, civil readiness, governance, threat profiling, interdependencies)

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage interdisciplinary audiences and translate technical work into actionable outputs

Experience mentoring junior researchers or project teams, and contributing to high-quality, collaborative work environments

A track record of publishing, speaking, or thought leadership in your area(s) of expertise

A strong commitment to NC-CIPSeR’s mission, values, and emphasis on meaningful work and relationships

Assets (Optional but Preferred)
Experience working with or advising government, regulators, standards bodies, or emergency management organizations

Familiarity with Canadian national security, infrastructure, or emergency frameworks, such as Bill C-26, Canada’s National Risk Profile, CSA standards, or ISO 31000

Experience with digital tools (e.g., GIS, AI/ML systems, data dashboards) or knowledge platforms (e.g., OJS, MediaWiki, GitHub)

Cross-sector experience bridging academia, industry, and government

Ability to represent NC-CIPSeR at conferences, workshops, or in multi-partner initiatives

Steps to the Application Process

Joining NC-CIPSeR is a structured and supportive process designed to set you up for success. From your initial application through to orientation and project assignment, each step is intentional—ensuring you understand our mission, meet foundational requirements, and are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully. Once completed, you’ll be matched with a mentor and begin your journey on a project that aligns with your skills and interests. This process helps us maintain a high standard of engagement, professionalism, and impact across everything we do.

• Application
• References check
• Privacy & Confidentiality, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy and Guidelines
• AODA training (online and free)
• Workplace training (online and free)
• Volunteer Agreement – tailored and signed (only after all other admin has been completed)
• Volunteer Orientation
• Mentor Assigned and Project Assigned

What You’ll Gain

• Recognition as a national thought leader in your area of expertise
• Designation as Senior Research Fellow with opportunities to publish and present
• Opportunities to co-develop tools, frameworks, and education initiatives with interdisciplinary teams
• Leadership visibility across Canada’s CI, EM, AI, and resilience ecosystems
• A meaningful platform to influence policy, knowledge, and practice in a way that strengthens Canada’s safety and resilience

To Apply

Please submit your application through our NC-CIPSeR Volunteer Application Portal. Be sure to select Senior Research Fellow as the position of interest when completing your application.  You’ll be asked to answer a few brief questions, upload your CV, provide reference details, and share why you’re interested in working with us. This helps us get to know you and understand how your skills and interests align with our mission.

See all of our NC-CIPSeR Opportunities.

About Carleton University

Located in Ottawa, Carleton is an innovative teaching and research institution with a tradition of leading change. Internationally recognized academics, staff, and researchers engage more than 31,000 students in over 100 programs of study. Carleton has long been known for promoting research excellence and connectedness and is involved in partnerships around the globe. With strong leadership, it enjoys a healthy financial position and our proximity to government and cultural institutions, media, and a thriving knowledge economy make Carleton and Ottawa a great place to work, learn, and live. Our picturesque campus is fully accessible and, along with award-winning student services, Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities has been heralded as the gold standard for disability support services in Canada. Learn more about our university and the city of Ottawa at https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/jobs/.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women and gender equity-seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation and/or expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin at https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu_file/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at http://carleton.ca/equity for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact us as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All positions are subject to budgetary approval.

Application Deadline:

We accept applications on a rolling basis to accommodate the availability of our volunteers.

This volunteer and mentorship opportunity not only allows you to contribute to vital national security efforts but also offers a platform to influence and shape the future leaders of critical infrastructure protection. Join us in our commitment to safeguarding Canada’s critical infrastructure.