Damon Matthews

Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, is offering a fully funded MSc position as part of the Volt-Age research initiative, focusing on synergies between climate action and Indigenous Directions Action Plan. The project, supervised by Professor Damon Matthews in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, centers on 'Electrifying Concordia: A Living Lab on Sustainable and Community-Driven Decarbonization.' This initiative aims to unite campus and community members to develop and implement community-driven decarbonization projects, with a strong emphasis on energy systems, climate resilience, food sustainability, and climate policy. The successful candidate will participate in the co-design of a research project, working closely with Concordia Indigenous Directions, community knowledge keepers, and peers. The research will identify and document synergies between Indigenous Action Plan initiatives and campus electrification, decarbonization, and sustainability efforts, informing both Indigenous and Sustainability action plans. The role involves qualitative and mixed-methods research, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration, with outputs suitable for both academic and community audiences. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and demonstrate interest in Indigenous-led research, sustainability, climate action, electrification, or decarbonization. Strong communication skills, willingness to engage in participatory research, and openness to interdisciplinary approaches are essential. The position is fully funded at 22,000 CAD per year for two years, with additional professional development and research opportunities. Indigenous students are strongly encouraged to apply. To apply, candidates must submit a single PDF including a letter of intent, explanation of fit, CV, transcripts, referee contacts, and any publications to [email protected]. For questions, contact Nilufar Sabet-Kassouf at [email protected]. The application deadline is Summer 2026 (August 1, 2026).

Concordia University’s Department of Geography, Planning and Environment is offering a fully funded Master’s position as part of the project “Electrifying Concordia: A Living Lab on Sustainable and Community-Driven Decarbonization.” This research opportunity focuses on exploring synergies between climate action and Indigenous Directions Action Plans, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, campus community decarbonization, and student-informed action plans. The project aims to unite campus community members to develop and implement community-driven decarbonization projects, with a particular focus on energy systems, climate resilience, food sustainability, and climate policy. The successful candidate will participate in co-designing research with guidance from a supervisory committee, including Professor Damon Matthews, and will engage with Concordia Indigenous Directions, community knowledge keepers, and peers. The role involves contributing to research that identifies synergies between Indigenous Action Plan initiatives and campus electrification, decarbonization, and sustainability. Responsibilities include developing and implementing research methodologies responsive to diverse cultural and epistemological contexts, engaging in qualitative and mixed-methods research, and participating in community engagement, interviews, workshops, and participatory research sessions. The position offers opportunities to share research outcomes through academic and community-oriented outputs and to engage in interdisciplinary collaboration across Concordia’s sustainability, climate policy, engineering, and social science communities. Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree (or be near completion) in a relevant field, with demonstrated interest in Indigenous-led or Indigenous-informed research, sustainability, climate action, electrification, or decarbonization. Strong communication skills, willingness to engage in participatory and culturally appropriate research, and openness to interdisciplinary work are essential. Familiarity with Indigenous data sovereignty principles and ethical research practices is required. The position is fully funded, offering a scholarship of 22,000 CAD per year for two years, along with professional development and networking opportunities. Indigenous students are strongly encouraged to apply, as the position is intended to support Indigenous graduate research. To apply, candidates should send a single PDF file including a letter of intent, explanation of fit, CV, transcripts, referee information, publications, and any other relevant documents to [email protected], with the subject line 'Indigenous Directions, Your Name'. For questions, contact [email protected]. The application deadline is October 1, 2026 (Summer or Fall 2026 start).