Funding: Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

ONCAT offers a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to early career researchers wishing to establish a research program focusing on transfer and articulation in Ontario.
 

Fellowship Candidate

Researchers with a demonstrated background in transfer research are highly preferred. However, those with broader backgrounds in postsecondary student mobility and/or labour market outcomes are also encouraged to apply. Prospective candidates without the requisite background in transfer or higher education research may be considered if they possess exceptional quantitative research skills and experience and an established publication record in an adjacent area (e.g., K-12 education).

The Postdoctoral Fellows will be expected to take up the fellowship at one of Ontario’s publicly assisted postsecondary institutions and under the supervision of a tenured faculty member with recognized expertise in higher education. Though ONCAT will cover the salary of the Fellow, the host institution will be required to provide access to office space, library, and other resources as an in-kind contribution. Please note, you can submit your fellowship application without a supervisor or host institution secured. These will be required before a fellowship can be approved.

 

ONCAT Research Fellows Will

  • Produce an approved research project that will both advance current knowledge of transfer in Ontario and complement ONCAT’s existing research plan. 
  • Have the opportunity to participate in research-related events hosted by ONCAT (e.g., conferences, seminars, etc.). There may also be opportunity to participate in relevant conferences and/or training identified by the fellow. 

Required Qualifications

  • Recently completed PhD (completed by the start of the award date) within the social sciences, ideally with a focus on Ontario higher education. 
  • Expertise using qualitative or quantitative research methods: 
    • If qualitative, expert knowledge of QSR NVIVO or comparable software, and experience conducting large N qualitative studies (40+ interviews). 
    • If quantitative, experience with common statistical packages (e.g., Stata/R) and statistical methods beyond standard regression modelling (e.g., PSM, instrumental variables, etc.).
  • Strong conceptual and empirical understanding of the social determinants of educational success. 
  • Excellent analytical and writing skills. 

Desirable Qualifications

  • Fluency in French 
  • Established or growing publication record 
  • Experience with policy-relevant research 

Fellowship Terms

ONCAT Postdoctoral Fellowship awards are valued at $50,000 per year plus administrative costs to the host institution, for terms up to 2 years, and are tenable at Ontario postsecondary research institutions.

How to Apply

  • If you would like to discuss the fellowship, Nick Hanson, Director of Research, Data and Funding, nhanson@oncat.ca and copy Inna Yeranosyan,Grants and Projects Specialist, at iyeranosyan@oncat.ca.

Apply

Submission Requirements

In your application, you will be asked to provide the following: 

  • An academic C.V. outlining your full publication record. 
  • A letter of support from your PhD supervisor.
  • If you have secured a host institution and supervisor, please include: 
    • A letter of support from the proposed supervisor at the host institution. 
    • A letter of support from an institutional representative at the host institution (e.g., department head) outlining the in-kind supports to be offered to you. 
    • Note: In the absence of a host institution and supervisor, ONCAT will accept completed applications, and potentially match you with someone in our networks. 
  • An outline of a proposed project to be carried out through the fellowship.