Researchers passionate about migration, labour market integration, qualitative research, and public policy now have an exciting opportunity to join one of Canada’s newest and most innovative research hubs. Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Qualitative Research and Knowledge Mobilization on Migration and Labour Market Integration in Canada.

Hosted by the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab within the Global Migration Institute, this two-year, full-time position offers an annual salary of CAD $65,000 plus benefits and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research that informs migration policy, labour market inclusion, and newcomer integration in Canada.

The successful candidate will work closely with internationally recognized migration scholars while collaborating with community organizations, employers, government stakeholders, and policymakers to produce evidence-based research that supports equitable workforce integration.

Applications are open now and must be submitted by 10 July 2026.

About the Toronto Metropolitan University Postdoctoral Fellowship

Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) is one of Canada’s leading innovation-focused universities, known for combining academic excellence with real-world impact. Through its commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, the university has built an environment where research directly contributes to solving pressing societal challenges.

This Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is based within the newly established Global Migration Institute, which officially launched in April 2026. The Institute serves as an international centre for research, policy engagement, and public dialogue on migration, labour mobility, integration, and emerging technologies.

The successful fellow will also work within the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab, an initiative dedicated to improving labour market outcomes for immigrants, international students, temporary residents, employers, and communities across Canada.

About the Global Migration Institute

The Global Migration Institute conducts interdisciplinary research on migration issues affecting Canada and the wider international community.

Its research priorities include:

Migration experiences and integration.
Labour migration.
Immigration policies.
Technology and Artificial Intelligence in migration.
Public narratives surrounding migration.
Migrant inclusion and social participation.
Policy innovation.
International migration governance.

The Institute brings together researchers, policymakers, employers, community organizations, and international partners to produce practical, evidence-based solutions for migration challenges.

About the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab

The BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab focuses on improving employment opportunities and workforce integration for newcomers in Canada.

Its research explores:

Labour migration.
Immigrant employment integration.
International students.
Temporary residents.
Skills recognition.
Inclusive workplace practices.
Employer engagement.
Digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence in recruitment and hiring.

Through collaborative research and knowledge mobilization, the Lab aims to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy implementation.

Position Overview

The successful Postdoctoral Research Fellow will contribute to multiple externally funded research projects focused on migration and labour market integration.

Working under the supervision of Professor Anna Triandafyllidou, Founding Director of the Global Migration Institute, and Dr. Marshia Akbar, Director of the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab, the fellow will collaborate with:

Researchers.
Graduate students.
Research assistants.
Community organizations.
Employers.
Government stakeholders.
Policy experts.

This role provides an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to build strong academic and policy experience while contributing to research with real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities

The successful fellow will undertake a wide range of research and knowledge mobilization activities, including:

Research Activities

Conduct qualitative research.
Perform comprehensive literature reviews.
Conduct semi-structured interviews.
Facilitate focus groups.
Lead stakeholder consultations.
Support participant recruitment.
Coordinate research participants.

Data Analysis

Analyze qualitative datasets.
Manage research data using NVivo.
Support mixed-methods research projects.
Conduct policy scans related to migration and labour market integration.

Knowledge Mobilization

The fellow will contribute to translating research into practical knowledge by:

Drafting research reports.
Writing academic papers.
Developing policy briefs.
Preparing presentations.
Producing knowledge mobilization resources.

Research Administration

Responsibilities also include:

Supporting research ethics applications.
Managing research documentation.
Coordinating workshops and webinars.
Organizing stakeholder meetings and roundtables.
Supporting conferences and public engagement events.
Assisting with project coordination.
Supporting grant development.

Stakeholder Engagement

The fellow will regularly engage with:

Academic collaborators.
Community organizations.
Employers.
Government agencies.
Policymakers.

The role also involves supporting social media communication and public-facing dissemination of research findings.

Professional Development Opportunities

Beyond research responsibilities, the successful fellow will gain access to numerous career development opportunities, including:

Academic mentorship.
Publication development.
Conference participation.
Policy engagement.
Collaborative interdisciplinary research.
Professional networking.
Knowledge mobilization experience.
Grant development exposure.

These experiences are designed to strengthen the fellow’s academic profile while preparing them for future research and leadership positions.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers an attractive compensation package that includes:

Annual salary of CAD $65,000.
Employee benefits.
Two-year contract.
Full-time employment (36.25 hours per week).
In-person work environment.
Opportunity to work with internationally recognized migration experts.

The fellowship begins in late September 2026.

Work Location

This is an in-person position based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Remote work is not available for this role.

Successful candidates are expected to relocate to Toronto and work on campus throughout the fellowship period.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD in one of the following disciplines or a closely related social science field:

Sociology.
Geography.
Migration Studies.
Public Policy.
Political Science.
Related disciplines with a strong research focus on migration and labour market integration.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants should demonstrate:

Strong qualitative research experience.
Experience conducting interviews and focus groups.
Knowledge of migration and labour migration.
Understanding of immigrant workforce integration.
Experience working on international student or migration issues.
Experience using NVivo or similar qualitative analysis software.
Excellent academic writing skills.
Publication experience.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams.
Experience conducting community-engaged or policy-oriented research.
Ability to manage multiple research projects simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are considered advantageous:

Knowledge mobilization experience.
Stakeholder engagement experience.
Research grant writing.
International research experience.
Fluency in languages other than English.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace.

The university particularly encourages applications from historically underrepresented groups, including:

First Nations.
Métis.
Inuit.
Indigenous Peoples of North America.
Racialized persons.
Persons with disabilities.
Women.
2SLGBTQ+ individuals.

While applications are welcomed from qualified candidates worldwide, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will receive priority consideration, in accordance with Canadian employment regulations.

Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following:

A Curriculum Vitae (2–4 pages).
A Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages).
One writing sample (journal article, dissertation chapter, policy brief, or research report).
A list of two potential referees.

The motivation letter should explain:

Research experience.
Relevant skills.
Academic achievements.
Suitability for the fellowship.
Interest in migration and labour market integration research.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted no later than 10 July 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to submit complete application packages well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues.

Fellowship Summary

Item	Details
Institution	Toronto Metropolitan University
Department	Global Migration Institute
Research Lab	BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab
Position	Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Country	Canada
Duration	2 Years
Salary	CAD $65,000 per year
Benefits	Included
Work Schedule	36.25 hours per week
Start Date	Late September 2026
Location	Toronto, Canada (In-person only)
Deadline	10 July 2026

Apply

Apply Here

Final Thoughts

The Toronto Metropolitan University Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers interested in migration, labour market integration, qualitative research, and public policy. With a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to influence migration policy and workforce integration strategies in Canada, this fellowship offers an ideal platform for advancing an academic and policy-focused career.

Researchers with strong qualitative research expertise and a passion for migration studies are encouraged to submit their applications before the 10 July 2026 deadline.

For more information, visit the official website

Discover more global fellowship opportunities on OFY, VISIT HERE

Postdoctoral Research Fellow @Toronto Metropolitan University