Research Associate

Research Associate at Signal49 Research

Signal49 Research is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization, offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to industry, NGOs, and federal/provincial governments. We boast one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams, recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. Signal49 Research undertakes research addressing critical issues in Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health. Our social science research delivers actionable pathways to solutions, providing insights that help Canada’s leaders make informed decisions.

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

Our ideal candidate is a rigorous and pragmatic qualitative researcher capable of designing and executing 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 in a fast-paced, business-oriented research environment. You can 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.

As a virtual organization, you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To succeed as a remote worker, you need a self-starter attitude, strong organizational and time management skills, and proactive communication. A professional and safe home office environment with reliable internet service is a requirement.

About the Role

On a typical day, the Research Associate 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 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. 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.
• Recognition Programs: A workplace where hard work is valued and celebrated.
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP): Support for you and your family during difficult times.
• Work/Life Balance: Option of compressed workweeks with Friday afternoon closures.
• Defined Benefit (DB) Pension Plan: Optional pension plan with a 5% match eligibility from day one.

Key skills/competency

• Qualitative Research
• NVivo
• Primary Data Collection
• Thematic Analysis
• Research Ethics
• Project Management
• Report Writing
• Literature Review
• Mixed Methods
• Stakeholder Communication