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Postdoctoral Fellow: Law & Policy HERO

Halifax, NS
CA$70,000/year
Mid Level

Top Benefits

Annual salary of CAD $70,000 plus fringe benefits
Professional development budget of CAD $3,000 for training and conferences

About the role

Position Information

Position Title

Postdoctoral Fellow: Law & Policy HERO

Posting Number

PTAP3080P

Department/Unit

Schulich School of Law - General

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Job Summary & Key Responsibilities

The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), led by Dalhousie University, invites applications for five (5) postdoctoral fellowships as Highly Entrepreneurial Research Operators (HEROs) within the transdisciplinary CONVERGE****CDR research program.

These positions are designed for exceptional PhD graduates who want to leverage their deep expertise to advance the boundaries of research, innovation, and impact in ocean-climate solutions. Unlike traditional postdoctoral fellowships, the HERO cohort will be early-career researchers with a drive and commitment to bring expertise from their research and work collaboratively with new people and across new organizations.

The HERO cohort model provides peer support, professional growth, and an entrepreneurial environment to accelerate research, discovery, and real-world impact. The HERO cohort is best for postdoctoral fellows who not only excel in research but also possess a strong drive to translate their discoveries into tangible outcomes

Research Focus: Law & Policy HERO
This is a twelve-month post-doctoral fellow (PDF) opportunity with the possibility of renewal for a second year. The law & policy PDF will work for 75% of the time under the supervision of Dr. Sara L Seck, Professor and Director of the Marine & Environmental Law Institute (MELAW) at the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, with co-supervision by Professor Neil Craik at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, University of Waterloo. The remaining 25% of the time will be devoted to supporting the interdisciplinary collaborative work of CONVERGE CDR including the co- development of research grant applications.

The research focus of the PDF will be the identification and clarification of international and domestic (Canadian) law, governance and policy relevant to responsible research and scaling up of marine carbon dioxide removal approaches. The precise direction of the research will depend on the expertise and interests of the candidate, needs identified through CONVERGENCE CDR, as well as the needs of funding partners should a second year be secured.

Duties will include but not be limited to:

  • Coordinate and participate in research meetings and activities
  • Build partnerships
  • Collaborate in drafting of research proposal(s)
  • Conduct legal research and analysis using primary and secondary sources
  • Write independently and with team

NOTE**:** Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning October 31, 2025. Applications will close on November 30, 2025 or when the positions are filled.

Qualifications/Requirements of Position

The postdoctoral fellow will have a PhD or equivalent in law, with expertise in some (but not necessarily all) of the following: international environmental law; law of the sea; international human rights law (business & human rights); Canadian environmental law. Evidence of familiarity with climate change issues and ocean contexts, as well as interdisciplinary research experience bridging science and law would be an asset. The PhD must be completed by the start date (December 2025 or January 2026).

Salary Range/Pay Rate

Minimum salary of CAD $70,000 per year plus fringe benefits; Professional development budget of CAD $3,000 to support training, conferences, and networking.

Additional Information

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Term of appointment

1 year, with the possibility of renewal

Open Date

Close Date

11/30/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19657

About Dalhousie University

Higher Education
5001-10,000

One of Canada's leading universities, Dalhousie University is widely recognized for outstanding academic quality and teaching, and a broad range of educational and research opportunities.

Located in Halifax and Truro, Nova Scotia, Dalhousie attracts students from around the world. Since 1818, we've been inspiring students, faculty, staff, and graduates to make significant contributions to our region, Canada, and the world.