About us:
The Citizen Lab is a public-interest research group based at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto, focused on investigating novel threats to democracy, human rights, and global security in the digital ecosystem.
Under the supervision of the senior legal advisor, the research officer will assist with building case databases, implement training workshops, and conduct legal research on methods used in digital accountability research as well as international humanitarian law and cyber technologies.
Candidate profile:
- JD/law degree
- Demonstrated research skills through single or primary co-author law journal article(s) and research or policy report(s)
- Demonstrated interest in issues around technology and international human rights law and ideally also international humanitarian law (e.g., relevant internship or work experience, publications, law school courses, etc.)
- Preferably some familiarity with data protection and privacy law (GDPR)
- Preferably some legal practice (1-2 years) experience and/or clerkship experience
Work responsibilities:
- Assisting with building a case database on litigation around targeted surveillance
- Implementing a training workshop for digital threat labs research
- Conducting legal research and interviews on international humanitarian law and cyber technologies or other research projects
- Publishing law journal article(s) or research reports on topics in technology and human rights
Position details:
- Term contract: 6 months with possibility of extension
- Hourly rate: $41.10
- Max hours per week: 36.25
Application process:
- Please submit cover letter and CV to [email protected]
- Application deadline: January 30, 2026
The successful candidate must be a resident of Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.