Research Associate, Research Office (6-month contract) (Remote)

Signal49 Research is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry, NGOs and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. Signal49 Research undertakes research to address the most pressing issues in Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health.  Our social science research provides actionable pathways to solutions. Simply put, we deliver insights that help Canada’s leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions. 

We are seeking a Research Associate to join the Research Office for a 6-month contract. This role will support projects across multiple Knowledge Areas and will be deployed based on organizational priorities. The successful candidate will bring strong qualitative research expertise, with demonstrated experience with primary data collection involving human subjects.

Our ideal candidate... is a rigorous and pragmatic qualitative researcher who can design and execute interviews, focus groups, and other primary data collection methods with confidence and care. You understand research ethics and consent protocols and are comfortable managing the full qualitative research lifecycle — from instrument design and data collection to coding, thematic analysis, and synthesis. Proficiency in NVivo is essential.

You operate with a high-efficiency mindset. This is a fast-paced, business-oriented research environment — not an academic setting. You are able to move quickly without compromising quality, prioritize effectively, and deliver clear, decision-ready insights on tight timelines. 

You bring strong organizational and project management skills, enabling you to support multiple projects simultaneously across different subject areas. Experience using project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project or similar tools) is an asset, though not required. You work independently, anticipate challenges, and adapt to shifting priorities while collaborating effectively with project leads and cross-functional teams.

This role is well-suited to a researcher who thrives in a dynamic, cross-organizational environment and is motivated by delivering high-quality, primary research that supports evidence-based decision-making across the organization.

We are a virtual organization and as a remote worker you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self-starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role. This includes internet service and a reliable connection.   

About the Role
On a typical day, you will:

• Support the design and execution of qualitative research activities, including interviews, focus groups, and roundtables involving human subjects.
• Assist in developing research instruments (e.g., interview guides, consent materials, recruitment communications) aligned with ethical research standards.
• Coordinate and support primary data collection, including participant outreach, scheduling, tracking, and documentation.
• Conduct qualitative coding and thematic analysis using NVivo in collaboration with the project lead(s).
• Contribute to literature reviews, environmental scans, and background research across multiple subject areas.
• Support mixed-methods projects, including survey design and integration of qualitative and quantitative findings.
• Draft sections of research reports, briefing notes, executive summaries, and presentations tailored to business and policy audiences.
• Maintain organized project documentation and support project tracking to ensure deadlines are met.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously, working efficiently while maintaining rigor and quality.
• Collaborate closely with project leads and research teams to ensure outputs are accurate, timely, and aligned with stakeholder objectives.

About You

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Demonstrated applied research experience in a professional setting (typically 3–5 years), or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Experience supporting qualitative research projects, including primary data collection with human subjects.
• Proficiency in NVivo for qualitative coding and thematic analysis (required).
• Strong understanding of research ethics, consent processes, and participant management.
• Experience working in fast-paced, business-oriented environments with competing priorities and tight timelines.
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to synthesize qualitative findings into clear, concise summaries for executive and policy audiences.
• Familiarity with mixed-methods research; experience with quantitative tools (e.g., SPSS, R, or similar) is an asset.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to support multiple concurrent projects efficiently.
• Experience using project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project or similar tools) is an asset but not required.
• Detail-oriented, reliable, and comfortable taking direction while working independently.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
• Ability to travel within Canada for occasional in-person meetings or research activities, as required.
• A professional and secure home office setup is required.
  

Benefits
At Signal49 Research, we believe that putting People First is key to our success and attracting the best people. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and we are proud to offer a package that includes:  

• Virtual First – work from home anywhere across Canada.
• A workplace where your hard work is not just valued, but actively celebrated. We take pride in our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent that drives our success through our Recognition programs.
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP): We understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging and EFAP supports you and your family during difficult times.  
• Work/Life Balance: We offer the option of compressed workweeks with Friday afternoon closures.
• A modern, defined benefit (DB) pension plan: We care about your future and offer an optional pension plan with a 5% match eligibility from day one.
  

The hiring zone for this position is $67,320 - $79,200 annually for candidates from any Canadian province or territory. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, specific skillsets, as well as market and business considerations. The full compensation band for this position ranges from $67,320 - $91,080. The recruiter can share more information about compensation for the position during the hiring process. 

We value the unique skills, experiences, and insights that each employee brings to Signal49 Research.  We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. If you require an accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please email recruit@signal49.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs. 

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in Signal49 Research. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.