Student Research Assistant

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Job: MPP Student Research Assistant

Location: Max Bell School of Public Policy
Supervisor: Kyle Matthews, McConnell Professor of Practice
Start Date: January 12, 2026
End Date: April 30, 2026
Hours: 5-8 hours per week
Rate: $25.00/hour

Project Title

Countering Foreign Interference by Authoritarian States

Position Summary

Kyle Matthews, McConnell Professor of Practice at the Max Bell School of Public Policy, is seeking one Research Assistant (RA) to support a non-partisan research project examining foreign interference operations conducted by authoritarian states targeting G7 countries. The project is situated within the context of Canada’s recent leadership within the G7 and growing international concern regarding foreign interference, transnational repression, information manipulation, and authoritarian influence operations affecting democratic institutions. The research will culminate in a 20–25 page public-facing policy report intended for policymakers, security practitioners, civil society, and informed public audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct targeted research on foreign interference by authoritarian states, including political influence operations, information manipulation, economic coercion, diaspora intimidation, elite capture, and transnational repression.

• Analyze comparative case studies across Canada and other G7 countries.

• Help identify experts and assist in organizing interviews.

• Review scholarly literature, government and parliamentary reports, security assessments, and credible investigative journalism.

• Draft background memos, briefing notes, and annotated bibliographies.

• Contribute to drafting and revising sections of a 20–25 page non-partisan research report.

• Assist with fact-checking, citation management, copyediting, and formatting.

• Support dissemination activities, including policy briefings, stakeholder engagement, and preparation of presentation materials.

Qualifications

• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills in English; French is an asset.

• Background or strong interest in international security, foreign policy, intelligence and security studies, authoritarianism, or democratic resilience.

• Experience with academic and policy-oriented research methods.

• Familiarity with academic databases and responsible use of AI research tools.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• Must be a current MPP student at the Max Bell School of Public Policy.

Application Process

Please submit a CV and brief statement of interest through McGill Workday.

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.