Researchers looking to advance their academic careers in Canada now have an excellent opportunity to join one of the country's leading research institutions. Toronto Metropolitan University has announced applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in Qualitative Research and Knowledge Mobilization on Migration and Labour Market Integration. The fellowship is hosted by the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab within the Global Migration Institute and offers an opportunity to contribute to policy-relevant research while working alongside experienced scholars.

The two-year fellowship provides an annual salary of CAD $65,000 plus comprehensive benefits. The successful candidate will work full-time on campus in Toronto, Canada, beginning in late September 2026. This position is ideal for recent PhD graduates with expertise in migration studies, sociology, geography, public policy, political science, or related social science disciplines.

For researchers interested in migration, labour market integration, qualitative research, and public policy, this fellowship provides valuable professional experience while supporting career development through research publications, conference presentations, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative projects.

About Toronto Metropolitan University

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is one of Canada's leading public universities, recognized for innovative research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Located in the heart of Toronto, the university provides an inclusive academic environment where research directly contributes to solving contemporary social, economic, and policy challenges.

The fellowship is hosted by the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab, part of the Global Migration Institute, which conducts research on immigration, workforce integration, labour markets, public policy, and newcomer experiences in Canada.

Researchers at the institute work closely with government agencies, employers, community organizations, and policymakers to generate practical evidence that improves labour market outcomes for immigrants and newcomers.

Fellowship Overview

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship offers much more than financial support. It provides opportunities to develop advanced research skills, build professional networks, and contribute to meaningful public policy discussions.

Competitive Annual Salary

Successful applicants receive an annual salary of CAD $65,000, allowing them to focus fully on their research activities.

Comprehensive Benefits

In addition to salary, fellows receive a benefits package that supports their well-being throughout the appointment.

Mentorship from Leading Researchers

Participants work closely with experienced faculty members who provide guidance on research design, publication strategies, grant development, and career progression.

Research Publications

The fellowship encourages researchers to publish in high-impact academic journals while presenting findings at national and international conferences.

Professional Networking

Researchers collaborate with academics, employers, policymakers, government agencies, and community organizations working in migration and workforce integration.

Knowledge Mobilization Experience

Participants develop valuable experience translating academic research into practical policy recommendations and community resources.

Professional Development

The fellowship supports activities such as research grant writing, stakeholder engagement, event coordination, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Why Choose This Fellowship?

Unlike many postdoctoral appointments that focus exclusively on academic research, this fellowship combines scholarly work with practical policy engagement.

Researchers contribute to projects that directly influence discussions on immigration, labour markets, workforce participation, and newcomer integration in Canada.

The opportunity to collaborate with policymakers, employers, and community organizations allows fellows to gain experience that is valuable both inside and outside academia.

Research Focus

The fellowship centers on Qualitative Research and Knowledge Mobilization on Migration and Labour Market Integration.

Research activities may include:

• Immigration policy analysis
• Labour market integration
• Workforce participation
• Newcomer settlement
• International student transitions
• Community engagement
• Knowledge mobilization
• Qualitative research methodologies
• Public policy development
• Stakeholder collaboration

The successful candidate will contribute to projects designed to improve employment outcomes and labour market inclusion for newcomers to Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following requirements before applying.

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold a PhD in one of the following fields or a closely related discipline:

• Sociology
• Geography
• Migration Studies
• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Related Social Science Disciplines

Research experience related to migration and labour market integration is strongly preferred.

Qualitative Research Skills

Applicants should demonstrate experience conducting:

• Qualitative interviews
• Focus groups
• Community-based research
• Case study research

Experience with qualitative research methodologies is essential.

Data Analysis Software

Candidates should have experience using qualitative analysis software such as NVivo.

Subject Knowledge

Applicants should demonstrate knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

• Migration
• Immigration
• Labour migration
• Workforce integration
• International students
• Immigrant settlement
• Canadian labour markets

Academic Writing

Strong academic writing skills are expected, including experience preparing journal articles, research reports, or policy publications.

Teamwork

Researchers should be comfortable working within interdisciplinary teams involving academics, community organizations, employers, and policymakers.

Communication Skills

Applicants should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong organizational and event coordination abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Although not mandatory, several additional qualifications can strengthen an application.

These include experience in:

• Knowledge mobilization
• Stakeholder engagement
• Research grant writing
• International research collaborations
• Community-engaged research
• Policy development
• Multilingual communication

Fluency in languages other than English may also be considered an advantage depending on the research projects.

Fields of Study

The fellowship welcomes applicants from several academic disciplines.

Eligible fields include:

• Sociology
• Geography
• Migration Studies
• Public Policy
• Political Science
• Social Sciences
• Related Interdisciplinary Fields

Researchers whose work focuses on migration, labour markets, social inclusion, or public policy are particularly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Fellow

The successful candidate will contribute to several research and engagement activities throughout the fellowship.

Responsibilities may include:

Conducting Qualitative Research

Designing and implementing interviews, focus groups, and qualitative research projects.

Data Analysis

Managing and analyzing qualitative data using NVivo and other research software.

Academic Publications

Preparing journal articles, research reports, conference papers, and policy briefs.

Knowledge Mobilization

Developing strategies that communicate research findings to policymakers, employers, and community organizations.

Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborating with research partners, immigrant-serving organizations, employers, and government representatives.

Event Coordination

Supporting workshops, seminars, conferences, and public engagement activities organized by the research lab.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare a complete application package before the deadline.

Step 1

Review the fellowship requirements and eligibility criteria carefully.

Step 2

Prepare all required application documents, including academic qualifications and supporting materials.

Step 3

Complete the official online application form provided by Toronto Metropolitan University.

Step 4

Upload all requested documents before the submission deadline.

Step 5

Submit the completed application no later than 10 July 2026.Applicants are encouraged to submit early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Application Deadline

The deadline for submitting applications is: 10 July 2026The fellowship is scheduled to begin in late September 2026.

Tips for a Strong Application

Competition for postdoctoral fellowships at leading Canadian universities can be highly competitive.

Applicants should consider the following recommendations.

Highlight Relevant Research

Demonstrate previous work related to migration, labour markets, qualitative research, or public policy.

Showcase Publications

Include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and policy reports that demonstrate research productivity.

Emphasize Community Engagement

Experience collaborating with community organizations or policymakers strengthens an application.

Demonstrate Technical Skills

Highlight experience using qualitative research software such as NVivo and other data management tools.

Tailor Your Application

Explain how your research interests align with the objectives of the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab.

Why Conduct Postdoctoral Research in Canada?

Canada continues to attract researchers from around the world due to its strong research funding, multicultural environment, and internationally respected universities.

Benefits include:

• High-quality research infrastructure
• International collaborations
• Diverse academic communities
• Strong government support for research
• Opportunities to influence public policy
• Excellent career prospects

Toronto, one of Canada's largest and most diverse cities, provides an outstanding setting for research on migration, employment, and social inclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this fellowship?

Applicants who hold a PhD in Sociology, Geography, Migration Studies, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related social science discipline may apply.

How much is the salary?

The fellowship offers an annual salary of CAD $65,000, plus benefits.

How long is the fellowship?

The appointment lasts two years.

Is the position remote?

No. The fellowship is fully in person and based in Toronto, Canada.

What software experience is required?

Experience using NVivo for qualitative data analysis is expected.

Is there an application fee?

No. There is no application fee.

When does the fellowship begin?

The successful candidate is expected to start in late September 2026.

What is the application deadline?

Applications must be submitted by 10 July 2026.

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