Opportunity: JD RA (MTM)

The Refugee Law Lab (RLL) is looking to hire a part-time Osgoode JD research assistant to work  with the Migration Technology Monitor (MTM), to review and update an active mapping of border technologies used about the globe. The project is hosted on the MTM website.

About the Refugee Law Lab

The Refugee Law Lab, based at York University’s Centre for Refugee Studies and Osgoode Hall Law School, is devoted to research and advocacy related to new legal technologies and their impact on refugees, other displaced communities, and people on the move. We develop datasets and legal analytics that enhance transparency in refugee law processes, critique the use of artificial intelligence and other technologies in the migration field, and build open-source legal technology to advance the rights and interests of marginalized communities.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for reviewing, researching, formatting, and publishing updated border technologies on MTM’s website. This is detail-oriented work that involves reviewing the current data entries, editing and researching documentation of new border technologies since the database was first started in 2021, and formatting them for publication on the MapHub app. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to write a report on the findings to be published on MTM’s blog. Full training on the technology along with technical and substantive support will be provided throughout.

This is an 8-week project for 160 hours of work to be completed during the Summer 2026 term. The project consists of 4 phases. The first 6 weeks are for updating the current map information (phase 1), researching new reports and categorizing (phase 2). Week 7 is for supervisor review (phase 3). Week 8 is for implementation of reports onto the MapHub app (phase 4). You will have scheduled meetings with a supervisor at the beginning and end of each phase.

We are specifically seeking students interested in research and global comparative study.  

Note that time and interest permitting, there may also be other smaller ad hoc research opportunities at the intersection of migration and tech.

Qualifications & Competencies

  • Current Osgoode Hall Law School student
  • Experience with research across various jurisdictions an asset but not required.
  • Attention to detail
  • Interest in immigration and refugee law
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Other language skills are an asset but not required (particularly Spanish, Arabic, and French)
  • Lived experience with forced migration or membership in equity-seeking communities is an asset

Terms & Conditions

  • Place of work: Remote
  • Salary: $30/hr (inclusive of vacation pay, less statutory deductions)
  • Time commitment: hours are flexible within the following phases: First 6 weeks are for updating the current map information, researching new reports and categorizing. Week 7 is for supervisor review. Week 8 is for implementation of reports onto the MapHub app. You will have scheduled meetings with your supervisors at the beginning and end of each phase as well as when necessary
  • This is an 8-week project for 160 hours of work to be completed during the Summer 2026 term, approximately 2.5 days/week
  • Start date: June 2026

What You’ll Gain

  • Increase familiarity with global border technologies and reliable reporting sources
  • Develop skills in research, reporting, and communications
  • A published report of your findings
  • Support open access to up -to-date border technology monitoring directly helping the communities affected through verifiable information and providing the information needed for policy change

Supervisors Faculty:  Petra Molnar, RLL Associate Director; Jessica Turje, MTM Administrator

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Application Method: 

Please send your CV and a one page cover letter outlining your interests to admin@migrationtechmonitor.com