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.
The Role
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.
Primary 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