Citizen Lab Research Assistant in the Area of Spyware and Digital Targeted Threats
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.
Overview
Under the supervision of the senior legal advisor, the research assistant will assist with maintaining a spyware litigation database. This work will involve conducting research tracking developments in various spyware cases across multiple jurisdictions, drafting updates to case entries, and drafting new case entries.
Candidate profile
- In second year or higher of a JD/law degree, or in Master’s/PhD program with a JD/law degree
- Demonstrated research skills through single or primary co-author law journal article(s) and research or policy report(s)/blogs
- 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.)
Work responsibilities
- Assisting with building a case database on litigation around targeted surveillance
- Drafting case summaries for new entries for the spyware litigation database
- Conducting research to track developments and updating existing case entries
- Inputting changes into the database, proofreading, etc.
Position details
- Term contract: 6 months with possibility of extension
- Hourly rate: $36.46
- Max hours per week: 13 hours
Application process
- Please submit cover letter and CV to [email protected]
- Application deadline: December 1, 2026
The successful candidate must be a resident of Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada.