Postdoctoral Scholars, Information and Security, Canadian Network on Information and Security (CANIS)

Position Description

Area:                   Information and Security            

Duration:            1-year full-time appointment with possibility of 1-year renewal    

Start date:          July 2021, negotiable

Salary:               50,000 $CAD (plus Plan C Health Insurance benefits and a Research Allowance)

The University of Calgary is accepting applications for two (2) Postdoctoral Scholars in the areas of information and security. The positions will support the Canadian Network on Information and Security (CANIS), a multidisciplinary effort led by University of Calgary researchers based at the School of Public Policy (SPP), the Centre for Military, Security and Strategic Studies (CMSS), the Faculty of Law and the Schulich School of Engineering.

CANIS examines the impact of the domestic and international information environments (IE) on Canadian national defence and security. A primary objective of CANIS is to draw novel conclusions about the information environments and its use as an operational domain. The greater reach and influence of digitization of our society and the potential for information activities and threats by various entities at home and abroad highlight a national defence and security vulnerability. CANIS will identify best practices from domestic and international actors, and how they apply to Canada’s specific IE and societal composition. Our goals are: (1) explore the complex IE from multidisciplinary angles; (2) produce novel insights, and support/expand/improve information security in Canada; (3) foster research and network initiatives from emerging scholars to deepen knowledge and understanding of information and security.

The CANIS network examines the impact of the domestic and international information (IE) environments on Canadian national defence and security through four nodes: political/military, cognitive/behavioural, technological, and legal/ethical. CANIS is designed as a hub at the intersection between information and society and seeks to increase collaboration between the technological, policy, legal, behavioural, and political/military challenges associated with the IE. A strong focus of the network is to provide a transdisciplinary bridge between evolving technological environment of digital tools, and the social/political/legal/defence environments.

Job Description:

Postdocs will be provided with significant time to work on their own related, independent research projects, and will have access to the co-directors and node leads for advice and guidance. Resources will be available for conference travel and a research stipend is also provided. The successful applicant will be expected to contribute to CANIS’ goals and advancing their own research.

Postdocs will be provided a workspace at the CMSS on main campus or at the SPP on the downtown campus, depending on their disciplinary specialization.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will:

• be a researcher in residence, under the mentorship of the network co-leads
• pursue team-based research activities as part of the CANIS team
• lead and/or assist in the drafting of grant applications
• assist with conference programming and manuscript submissions
• assist in development of events and activities that relate to the research project(s)
• publish research findings in well-regarded journals in your area of expertise
• present research findings at scholarly conferences and other professional meetings

Qualifications:

We expect candidates to be working in the area of information and security. Eligible applicants will have recently completed a PhD in either political science, software engineering, computer science, public policy, psychology, sociology, law, or a related field. An interest or expertise in Canadian defence and security issues is an asset.

To be considered for this position you:

• must have been awarded a recent PhD* in either political science, software engineering, computer science, economics, public policy, psychology, law, or a related field.
• possess a promising record of scholarship in the area of information and/or security.
• possess excellent communication skills with the proven ability to work co-operatively in a research team.
• have previous research experience, preferably in a team setting.

* Please review the Postdoc Eligibility Guidelines for more information prior to applying for this position.

Application details: 

Please email your application to Dr. Jean-Christophe Boucher at [email protected] to apply on or before September 3, 2021.

Please submit your application as a single PDF file with the subject line: Postdoctoral application – [Your name].

All applications must include:

• a cover letter with a research statement and a clear description of your research interests related to information and security;
• one research paper (preferably published);
• current curriculum vitae (CV);
• official or unofficial copy of diploma(s) / university certificate(s); and
• contact information including email addresses for two (2) references to support the application.

This position is located in Calgary, Alberta. The successful candidate is expected to relocate if necessary to begin work as soon as possible. The position will remain open until filled.

Postdocs who are not Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents of Canada are advised to visit Information for International Postdoctoral Scholars for more information.

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted further. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada, although others are encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

The terms and conditions of employment are covered under the UCalgary and PDAC Collective Agreement. To find out more about postdoctoral scholar program at the University of Calgary visit our Postdocs website.  

To learn more about postdoctoral scholar opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Postdoc Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta

Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders – in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from the strongest economy in the nation and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour’s drive from the Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.