RESCOPED: Senior Research Scholar, Southeast Asia

Hours: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Location: Vancouver (with some exceptions)

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening Canada's relations with Asia. We are accepting applications for a Senior Research Scholar (SRS) with a regional focus on Southeast Asia. The Senior Research Scholar will join APF Canada's research team and work directly with a Program Manager.

The successful candidate will:

• Contribute to and help shape policy-oriented research on Southeast Asia, with a strategic focus on regional dynamics including technology, security, trade, and domestic politics and their implications for Canada–Southeast Asia relations.


• Support and advance research initiatives aligned with APF Canada’s broader institutional priorities, where relevant.


• Co-author and support the development of high-quality publications for policy, academic, and public audiences, ensuring analytical rigour, relevance, and policy impact.


• Strengthen institutional research capacity through collaboration, peer review, and contributions to policy analysis, writing, and knowledge translation.


• Collaborate in the planning, coordination, and delivery of APF Canada events, dialogues, and stakeholder engagements.

The successful applicant has the following qualifications:

• A completed PhD in Political Science, International Relations, International Development, Sociology, Public Policy, Economics, or a related field (exceptional candidates with a M.A. or equivalent will also be considered);


• Substantial research experience across Southeast Asia, with the ability to situate country-specific experience within broader regional and comparative frameworks; 


• A strong demonstrated experience in Canada-Southeast Asia relations


• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, policy-relevant analysis;


• A demonstrated interest in pursuing a Canada-based policy, research, or academic career focused on Canada-Asia relations;


• Strong teamwork and collaborative skills, ability to adapt, innovate, and work in a fast-paced environment.

Eligibility

As this role has been re-scoped and reposted, candidates who applied in the previous round will not be considered for this posting.

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada for the duration of the scholarship term, and upon submission of an application.


• Be recent (less than two years) graduates of their degree program or nearing completion of their degree.


• Have completed their graduate studies either in Canada or overseas. International students may be considered, provided they hold a valid work permit covering the full term. 

Grant Amount

The Senior Research Scholar’s grant allowance will be $48,000.00 for the 12-month duration of the term, disbursed quarterly. The successful candidate needing to relocate from outside of British Columbia may be eligible for a one-time relocation subsidy of $1,000. (Note: This Research Scholarship opportunity is not considered regular employment; remuneration is provided through a grant.)

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit the following documents MERGED in ONE single PDF file. An incomplete application will not be considered.

• Résumé.


• Cover letter detailing the applicant's fit with the fellowship requirements and why they are interested in this opportunity.


• Sample of applicant’s written work of no more than 10 pages in English (a URL link to a sample is also acceptable).


• Name, title, and contact information (email and phone number) for two academic or professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is short-listed for the role.


• Optional: A copy of the applicant's university transcript(s) (scanned or electronic).

The application deadline is Sunday, February 22, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (PT).  Please ensure your application is complete before submission. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. 

Please add [email protected] to your contact list to ensure delivery of all correspondence from us.

For questions, please contact Hema Nadarajah, at [email protected]

Guidelines on the Fair Use of AI

At the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, we recognize that AI is becoming an integral part of our daily lives, and we see its potential to enhance innovation, streamline processes, save time, and ultimately amplify our mission. At the Foundation, all applications are reviewed by a human. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of age, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, language, national or Indigenous origin, family or marital status, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.

We acknowledge the use of  AI as a tool to support creativity throughout your job search when used for polishing resumés or cover letters. However, should your application progress to the interview phase, please ensure that AI tools are turned off during interviews. Otherwise, we will not be able to assess your ability to showcase original ideas or get a true sense of your skills and passion for joining the Foundation.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants, but due to the anticipated high volume of applications, we will only be able to reach out to those who best meet the qualifications and requirements for the position. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. 

Furthermore, submitting your application in response to our call for application is deemed to be consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of assessing your suitability for the grant program. APF Canada respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.