Position Overview
We are seeking a part-time Research Assistant (Masters or Doctoral level) with relevant expertise (e.g., urban planning, geography, climate resilience, community development, health equity) to conduct an environmental scan and literature review of community-centered and place-based climate resilience. The successful candidate will synthesize research evidence and identify exemplary city approaches for integrating community-led climate resilience into community development plans (policy-oriented social/economic plans) and integrated with area plans (legislated land use plans) for specific geographic areas, including in Toronto. Particular focus will be given to global and local examples of the holistic integration of community development and land use planning. The review will inform the integration of community-led and equity-focused climate resilience work within the Jane Finch Secondary Plan and Community Development Plan in Toronto. The student will have the opportunity to engage with and support a project team as part of a partnership between the Collaborative Centre for Climate, Health & Sustainable Care and the City of Toronto’s Social Development Division.
Key Responsibilities
• Conduct a set of rapid reviews of the peer-reviewed academic literature on community-centered climate resilience planning, to identify good practices, key barriers, enablers, and success factors.
• Consult with academic and City of Toronto policy makers to support identification of relevant grey and academic community-centered climate resilience approaches.
• Research and document exemplary city approaches that successfully integrate climate resilience into land-use and community development plans from the perspectives of equity and community-leadership, and identify transferable strategies and lessons learned from different cities, including governance structures, implementation mechanisms, and community engagement processes.
• Embed these analyses within an understanding of just and equitable climate resilience initiatives and planning processes in the Jane Finch area of Toronto.
• Develop a written report and presentation; participate in planning meetings; participate in relevant workshops to share and discuss results.
Requirements:
• Currently enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program in Urban Planning, Geography, Environmental Studies, Community Development, Social Policy, or a related field.
• Strong academic record with demonstrated research capabilities including for literature reviews and environmental scans.
• Ability to synthesize complex information from diverse sources.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – producing clear, concise, and well-organized reports.
• Understanding of relevant evidence and concepts including climate resilience; community development; urban adaptation; land use planning; equity, justice, and community engagement.
• Familiarity with urban planning in the City of Toronto is a strong asset
Timeline and Compensation
• Part-time position (approximately 10-15 hours per week)
• 3-month contract period with possibility of extension, starting May 2026
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and academic level
• Flexible work arrangements with opportunities for remote work; some in-person presence required.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email Brittany Maguire, britt.maguire@utoronto.ca, with the following:
• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in this position.
• Curriculum vitae
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.