Community-based Researcher – Chemicals, Toxins and Environmental Health

Organisation: SUTE (as identified in the supplied vacancy)
Position: Researcher
Time Commitment: 35 hours per week
Pay: $30 per hour
Contract Duration: 17 weeks
Contract Period: November 23, 2026 – March 26, 2027
Work Arrangement: Primarily virtual and asynchronous
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
Interview Period: Week of November 16, 2026
Expected Start Date: November 23, 2026
Application Link: Submit an application

About the Opportunity

SUTE is seeking a qualified researcher to investigate the health risks associated with exposure to chemicals and toxins and help develop accessible educational resources for the Canadian public.

The successful candidate will contribute to research and knowledge mobilization activities covering chemical exposure, environmental health impacts, risk mitigation, and Canada's Chemicals Management Plan.

The position is particularly focused on communicating evidence-based information in accessible language and addressing the experiences of communities disproportionately affected by environmental health risks. These include Indigenous and racialized communities, immigrants and newcomers, migrant workers, women, pregnant people, children, and young people.

The researcher will produce literature reviews, public information booklets, brochures, educational content, and research materials to support video scripts, blog articles, and social media communications.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research and Development of Public Information Materials

• Research chemical and toxin exposure issues affecting communities across Canada.

• Develop an extensive, accessible, evidence-informed informational booklet written in language suitable for the general public.

• Examine the health impacts of chemical and toxin exposure, particularly among communities experiencing disproportionate environmental health risks.

• Explain federal policy pathways available to address these issues.

• Include an overview of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan and relevant environmental health regulations.

• Ensure research materials are properly cited and supported by credible evidence.

2. Educational Content and Knowledge Mobilization

• Conduct in-depth research using peer-reviewed publications and grey literature.

• Prepare research and written content for online educational articles.

• Develop copy for infographics and social media communications.

• Research and contribute information for short-form educational video scripts.

• Translate complex scientific and policy information into clear, accessible public-facing materials.

3. Community Engagement and Educational Resources

• Support the development of presentations for community audiences.

• Prepare educational and interactive materials for participatory research sessions.

• Help develop resources for engagement with diverse community members and healthcare practitioners across Canada.

• Contribute to the communication of research findings in ways that are understandable and useful to different audiences.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have a PhD or Master's degree in a relevant discipline, such as environmental studies, public health, or another related field.

The organisation particularly values candidates with community-based research experience or a specialisation in addressing environmental health impacts affecting one or more of the following groups:

• Indigenous communities.

• Racialized communities.

• Immigrants and newcomers, including migrant workers.

• Women and pregnant people.

• Children and young people.

Knowledge and Technical Skills

Candidates should demonstrate:

• A strong understanding of Canadian federal environmental and health policies.

• Familiarity with environmental policy and government decision-making processes.

• Knowledge of Canada's Chemicals Management Plan.

• Understanding of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA).

• Strong research, writing, and communication abilities.

• Effective time management and the ability to work across different time zones.

• Technological proficiency and the ability to work in a primarily virtual environment.

Applicants must have their own computer and reliable internet connection. The organisation uses Slack and Google Drive as its main communication and collaboration platforms.

English proficiency is required. Additional language skills are an asset.

Additional consideration: All lived, academic, and professional backgrounds are welcome. Traditional, ancestral, and cultural ways of knowing are also recognised as valuable assets.

Employment Arrangement and Compensation

This is a full-time-equivalent, short-term contract requiring 35 hours per week.

The estimated gross compensation over the full 17-week period is $17,850, assuming 35 paid hours every week for all 17 weeks.

Application Requirements

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload the following documents:

1. CV: A maximum of five pages, highlighting qualifications and relevant professional or academic experience.

2. Cover letter: A maximum of one page explaining how the applicant meets the specific requirements of the position.

3. Research publication or written work: One example solely or primarily authored by the applicant that demonstrates research and writing ability. Acceptable examples include peer-reviewed journal articles, theses, research proposals, policy briefs, and other comparable materials. The work does not need to have been published and may be a work in progress. Applicants must acknowledge any use of AI.

4. Optional knowledge mobilization samples: Examples of previous outputs, such as infographics, blog posts, or other public-facing educational materials.

Applicants who prefer an alternative application format or require accommodations are encouraged to contact the organisation.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the official online application form by November 13, 2026.

Apply for the Researcher Position

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed during the week of November 16, 2026. The successful applicant is expected to begin work on November 23, 2026.

Important Application Advice

Applicants are expected to research the organisation's values, approach, and core focus areas before submitting their applications. Generic application materials that do not demonstrate alignment with the organisation's work will not progress to the second stage.

Candidates should review the organisation's background materials and previous work on the right to a healthy environment before preparing their applications.