Call for Research Collaboration: Literature Review on Intersex Health, Rights, History and Advocacy

We are inviting applications from researchers interested in collaborating on a short-term literature review project focused on intersex health, rights, history and advocacy.

This review will contribute to a larger research initiative aimed at developing and sharing tools to improve access to services for intersex individuals, raising awareness about the past and present of the community, and conducting research to better understand the lived experiences and needs of intersex persons within social, medical, and legal contexts.

About the Task

The selected collaborator will conduct a comprehensive review of existing literature, including:

1. Interdisciplinary peer-reviewed research articles, studies and academic publications.
2. Policy documents and legal frameworks (both national and international).
3. Reports by intersex-led organizations, non-profit collectives, and advocacy networks.
4. Educational board publications and community-based studies.

The review will aim to:

1. Map key themes and trends in academic discourses on intersex health and rights, as well as broader conversations about inclusivity, acceptance, bodily integrity, agency, resilience, systemic barriers, medical needs, self-determination, and social justice, through a lens that critically examines the medicalization and pathologization of intersex bodies, along with cultural and institutional endonormativity, colonial legacies, and violations of bodily autonomy.
2. Conduct literature review on the history of the 2SLGBTQI+ movement, focusing on intersex contributions and challenges.
3. Identify existing policy, advocacy, and legal frameworks relevant to intersex individuals at national and international levels.
4. Highlight gaps in the literature and emerging research questions to inform and guide the next stage of the project.

Expected Deliverables

1. An original written synthesis (approximately 15-20 pages) summarizing key findings and themes from the reviewed literature.
2. A complete reference list of all materials consulted (APA 7th edition preferred), organized using reference management software such as Zotero, RefWorks, EndNote, or Mendeley. This should include both peer-reviewed and grey literature relevant to the review, manuscripts, and reports. The researcher will also be responsible for compiling and preparing bibliographies and drafting summary annotations of key articles.
3. A concise synthesis report outlining identified research gaps and proposing future research directions.

Skills and Qualifications

1. Demonstrated experience working on research related to intersex, transgender, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, with a strong understanding of their rights and lived realities.
2. Proven ability to conduct comprehensive literature reviews, including both academic and grey literature.
3. A graduate degree (Masters) or preferably Ph.D. in public policy, public health, gender studies, social work, or a related social science or health discipline field relevant to the project’s focus.
4. Familiarity with rights-based, decolonial, intersectional, and community-informed research methodologies, as well as an understanding of trauma-informed and resilience-informed research principles.
5. Proficiency in using reference management software such as Zotero, RefWorks, EndNote, or Mendeley for organizing citations and preparing bibliographies.
6. Excellent analytical and writing skills, with attention to detail and adherence to research standards.
7. Native or near-native fluency in English (proficiency in French is an asset).

Timeline and Commitment

• Estimated duration: 4–6 weeks (flexible, with the possibility of extension)
• Estimated time commitment: Approximately 25 hours/week (flexible schedule)
• Location: Remote (applicants based in Canada preferred)
• Compensation: Up to CAD 50/hour, commensurate with experience
• Start date: As soon as possible

Collaboration Details

This is a short-term, part-time, remote collaboration opportunity. The researcher will work closely with the project team to ensure the review aligns with the project’s conceptual framework and objectives.

About Intersex Canada

Intersex Canada is a national nonprofit organization advocating for the rights, health, and well-being of intersex people and their families. We work to build inclusive, affirming, and equitable systems through community-led initiatives, education, policy advocacy and support services.

Accessibility and Employment Equity

We are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and affirming workplace for staff of all genders, sexual orientations, racial backgrounds, and abilities. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, especially those with lived experience as intersex people. We are committed to equitable hiring practices and value lived experience as a form of expertise.

How to Apply

Please send the following documents to contact@intersexcanada.org by November 5, 2025, 11:59 p.m. EST with the email subject line: “Research Collaboration_Literature Review.”

• A Cover Letter (1-2 pages) outlining your relevant experience and approach to conducting literature reviews.
• A CV (2–3 pages) highlighting your academic background and relevant experience.
• 1–2 peer-reviewed publications or writing samples demonstrating your research and analytical skills.

We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted applicants who meet the position requirements will be contacted.