Canada 2026 One-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship for Refugee Youth Research at York University and ISSofBC

Researchers passionate about refugee education, migration, and social inclusion now have an exciting opportunity to join a major community-based research initiative in Canada through the One-Year Postdoctoral Fellow Position under the UnborderED Knowledge project.

Hosted by the Immigrant Services Society of British Columbia (ISSofBC) in collaboration with York University, this fellowship is designed for scholars interested in conducting impactful research focused on refugee youth whose educational journeys have been disrupted by displacement, conflict, and forced migration.

The position combines academic research, policy engagement, and community collaboration, making it one of the most meaningful postdoctoral opportunities currently available in the migration and refugee studies field.

About the Fellowship

The fellowship is part of the SSHRC-funded UnborderED Knowledge initiative, a project dedicated to improving educational access and opportunities for displaced populations. The successful candidate will work closely with ISSofBC’s Settlement and Refugee Services Division while collaborating with academic researchers from York University.

Based in Metro Vancouver, the fellow will contribute to research examining how refugee youth navigate post-secondary education, settlement services, employment systems, and community belonging after displacement.

The research aims to generate practical recommendations that can improve programs, institutional policies, and educational opportunities for newcomer and refugee communities across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

The selected Postdoctoral Fellow will:

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research activities
• Collect and analyze data related to refugee youth experiences
• Engage directly with refugee and newcomer communities
• Conduct interviews, focus groups, and community consultations
• Contribute to reports, publications, and policy briefs
• Participate in workshops, conferences, and public engagement activities
• Collaborate with community organizations and academic partners
• Support knowledge mobilization and policy development initiatives

The role emphasizes community-engaged and equity-centered research approaches, ensuring that research outcomes remain relevant and beneficial to affected communities.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is ideal for:

• Scholars with lived experience of forced migration
• Researchers in migration studies and refugee education
• Social science and public policy researchers
• Community development specialists
• Education and settlement researchers
• Academics interested in social inclusion and newcomer integration

Applicants with experience working alongside refugee or displaced communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

To qualify, applicants should possess:

• A graduate degree relevant to the fellowship area
• Strong academic and research experience
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Experience conducting community-based or participatory research
• Knowledge of migration, refugee protection, settlement, or education issues

Research publication experience and knowledge mobilization skills are considered added advantages.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Unlike many traditional academic fellowships, this position offers researchers the chance to directly contribute to social impact and policy change. The selected fellow will work within one of Canada’s leading immigrant-serving organizations while gaining valuable experience in applied research, stakeholder engagement, and community collaboration.

The fellowship also provides opportunities for professional growth, networking, academic publishing, and participation in national conversations around refugee education and inclusion.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the One-Year Postdoctoral Fellow Position is:

12 June 2026

Interested applicants should submit a current CV and a brief cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the position.

How to Apply

Applicants can learn more and access the official opportunity page here:

Applications should be submitted via email:jobs@issbc.org

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