Research Associate (EU-Canada Relations)

- Non-Resident (Remote)
- Initial 3-month fellowship
- Potential paid project-based research thereafter
About the role
Tessera Institute for Global Affairs is an independent, non-partisan research institute based in Toronto and operating through an international, cross-institutional network of scholars and practitioners. We produce rigorous, policy-relevant research on international security, governance, and global affairs, grounded in regional expertise and close attention to local dynamics.
We are seeking Research Associates to strengthen our work on Canada–EU relations, including foreign policy, security and defence, trade, critical minerals, technology, and the wider transatlantic agenda.
Given its flexible, part-time structure, the fellowship is particularly suited to researchers and practitioners already affiliated with reputable academic, policy, research, governmental, or international organisations, while experienced independent candidates are equally welcome. Candidates based in Canada and Europe are particularly welcome, although the fellowship is fully remote.
Areas of contribution
Research Associates may contribute to:
* Research and analysis on Canada–EU and wider transatlantic affairs.
* Monitoring relevant policy developments, government strategies, and institutional initiatives.
* Literature and policy reviews and the synthesis of qualitative and quantitative evidence.
* Bylined policy briefs, analytical articles, commentaries, and op-eds.
* Collaborative research, peer review, research discussions, and workshops.
Time commitment: participation is flexible and varies according to individual availability and active research projects. As an indication, Tessera’s volunteer researchers typically contribute around 20 hours per month during periods of active participation, although there is no standing monthly workload or publication quota.
Associates may choose to participate in projects according to their expertise, interests, and availability.
Initial research contribution
Research Associates who wish to be considered for subsequent paid or externally funded project assignments are expected to complete one substantive written contribution during the first month of their fellowship, suitable for editorial consideration by Tessera. This may take the form of a policy brief, analytical article, commentary, or op-ed.
Completion of this contribution is required before an Associate can be considered for subsequent funded project opportunities, but does not in itself guarantee paid work.
What we are looking for
* At least three years of relevant professional, policy, or research experience and/or graduate-level study in international relations, political science, European studies, security studies, public policy, law, or a related field.
* Demonstrated expertise or sustained interest in Canada–EU or wider transatlantic affairs.
* Strong research, analytical, and policy-writing skills in English.
* Ability to work independently and produce clear, evidence-based analysis for specialist and broader policy audiences.
* Expertise in security and defence cooperation is a strong advantage, particularly in defence policy, NATO–EU relations, defence industrial cooperation, European security, procurement, resilience, or related areas.
* Relevant publications, policy experience, or practitioner experience are assets but not requirements.
* French and/or another European language is an asset.
Appointment structure
The initial appointment is a three-month volunteer fellowship as Research Associate, intended to facilitate substantive research collaboration and identify areas for longer-term cooperation.
As Tessera’s research portfolio develops, Associates may be considered for paid assignments on externally funded, commissioned, or institutional research projects where their expertise aligns with project requirements.
Any paid assignment would constitute a separate arrangement and would be governed by a written agreement specifying the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and compensation. Completion of the fellowship does not guarantee subsequent paid work.
What the fellowship offers
* Formal affiliation as Research Associate, Tessera Institute for Global Affairs.
* Opportunities to publish bylined research through Tessera’s platforms, subject to editorial review.
* Promotion of published work through Tessera’s professional networks.
* Collaboration and co-authorship opportunities across Tessera’s international research community.
* Participation in expert seminars, Work in Progress sessions, research workshops, and other Institute activities.
* Consideration for paid project-based assignments where expertise, performance, funding, and project requirements align.
* A professional reference following successful completion of the fellowship, where appropriate.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a one-page cover letter as a single PDF by email to admin@tesserainstitute.ca, briefly outlining your relevant background, principal areas of expertise, interest in Canada–EU relations, and the research themes to which you could contribute most effectively.
Candidates with expertise in security and defence cooperation are particularly encouraged to highlight this.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Tessera is committed to an inclusive selection process and will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants upon request in accordance with applicable human rights requirements.
Questions may be directed to admin@tesserainstitute.ca.

Work arrangement
No