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National Security and Intelligence Review Agency – PhD Recruitment Campaign

Our Agency is looking to recruit the most promising doctoral and post-doctoral students for 1-2 year term employment with NSIRA.  NSIRA believes that doctoral/post-doctoral students in your areas of research possess precisely the kind of skills and competencies we are looking for when seeking new research advisors.

As one of Canada’s leading Review agencies, successful staff at NSIRA have or develop specialties in areas closely related to national security programs, activities and policies, but they also possess the following skills and competencies:

• Ability to independently complete complex and sensitive research projects
• Knowledgeable in a range of research methodologies
• Exceptional abilities in analysis, synthesis and communications (written and oral)
• Ability to report out and advise decision-makers on the content/results of research projects

Although not an exhaustive list, NSIRA will look with interest at those in degree programs and specializations that complement the overall areas subject to the organization’s review mandate, including: fields related to national security, intelligence and defence, social science programs with research components, specialties in computer science, computer engineering, data science, information studies, and cybersecurity, research-intensive humanities (history, political science, etc.), the digital humanities, and interdisciplinary fields where research plays a major role.

Successful candidates will be renumerated at an EC-05 level, the pay scale of which can be found here in Appendix A: https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/agreements-conventions/view-visualiser-eng.aspx?id=4#tocxx325137. Please note that, in addition, employees at NSIRA will need to successfully obtain a Top Secret security clearance. To learn more about the requirements for Top Secret security status: https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/esc-src/personnel/information-eng.html.

We would encourage any interested candidates to submit to us three key documents by Friday, October 21. Any material submitted after this date will not be considered.

• An up-to-date CV
• A short written description of how the candidate’s knowledge of review and/or research principles, approaches and practices can be employed fulfilling NSIRA’s mandate (max. 750 words)
• A cover letter, which clearly explains how the candidate meets the following (essential qualifications)
  • Education: Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with an acceptable specialization in economics, sociology or statistics. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
  • Significant experience conducting original research
  • Experience working and liaising with stakeholders
  • Experience in oral communications, notably concerning the findings of research

The Public Service of Canada and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please do not hesitate to inform us. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Following the receipt of the required mandatory documents, applicants will be considered for a subsequent oral interview. Suitable academic and/or professional references may also be sought. Please note that while oral interviews may be carried out virtually as part of the process, current positions with NSIRA are available only to those located in the National Capital Region (NCR). Successful applicants from outside the NCR may be eligible for financial assistance to aid in the costs of relocation.

Applications should be sent to: External-Engagement-Externe@nsira-ossnr.gc.ca. Please allow up to 3 business days for a response.