Masters Research Assistant

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University is seeking a Master Research Assistant to support NOWWHS in Northwestern Ontario. The role focuses on outreach, recruitment, and coordinating data collection across workplaces.

You will work under project coordinators to ensure ethical handling of information and smooth field operations. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least 1 year of research support or outreach experience, with strong English communication skills and the ability to manage

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences or related field.
• 1+ year experience in research support or outreach.
• Strong telephone communication and professional demeanor.
• Ability to manage multiple contacts with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in English, with good written and verbal skills.

Responsibilities

• Outreach and recruitment: conduct follow-up calls, back-up cold calling, and maintain engagement.
• Research support: organize on-site and remote data collection, data entry, and materials distribution.
• Ethics compliance: adhere to REB protocols and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Cold calling

Telephone outreach

Data collection

Record keeping

Research ethics awareness

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in health sciences

Bachelor’s degree in psychology

2-year college diploma + research experience

Tools

REDCap

Excel

Study tracking systems

Job description

• The Master Research Assistant will provide direct support to the Special Project Coordinators in carrying out recruitment and data collection activities for the Northwestern Ontario Workplace and Worker Health Study (NOWWHS).
• The primary focus of this role is outreach: conducting cold calls and follow-up calls to workplaces and businesses across Northwestern Ontario to promote study participation, schedule meetings, and support the coordination of data collection activities.
• Working under the guidance of the Special Project Coordinators and the Director, the Master Research Assistant will contribute to the smooth execution of field research activities while adhering to research ethics protocols and confidentiality requirements.

Salary: $47,502.00 per annum, prorated based on the contract term ending March 31, 2027.

Responsibilities

1. Workplace Outreach & Participant Recruitment
   • Conduct follow-up calls to current study participants and enrolled workplaces to support retention, address questions, confirm continued participation, and maintain engagement across longitudinal study.
   • Serve as backup support to the Special Project Coordinators for cold calling activities to workplaces and businesses when required.
   • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all follow-up contacts, participant responses, and retention status using study tracking systems; flag any concerns regarding participant dropout or non-response to the Special Project Coordinator.
2. Research Support & Data Collection
   • Assist the Special Project Coordinators with organizing and executing on-site and remote data collection activities at workplaces across Northwestern Ontario.
   • Support data entry, processing, and basic quality checks to ensure accuracy and completeness of collected data.
   • Assist with the preparation and distribution of study materials including information packages, consent forms, and surveys.
   • Participate in team meetings, debriefs, and other research activities as required.
3. Research Ethics & Confidentiality Compliance
   • Adhere strictly to Research Ethics Board (REB) protocols and confidentiality requirements throughout all study activities.
   • Handle all participant information with the highest degree of professionalism and discretion, always maintaining confidentiality in accordance with study protocols and applicable privacy regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in health sciences, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Social Work, or a related field. (An equivalent combination of a 2-year college diploma and relevant hands-on research or administrative experience will also be considered).
• 1+ years of experience in research support, telephone outreach, participant recruitment, customer service, or community relations.
• Demonstrated strong ability or willingness to conduct cold calls and telephone-based outreach; comfort engaging with diverse workplace stakeholders in a professional manner.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; clear, confident, and professional telephone manner is essential.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to represent the Institute positively to external contacts.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail; ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple contacts simultaneously.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• A high degree of professionalism and discretion is required; all participant and organizational information must be handled in strict confidence at all times.

Assets (Optional / Preferred)

• Knowledge of research processes and experience with or understanding of Research Ethics Board (REB) protocols.
• Prior experience with longitudinal research studies or workplace-based health research.
• Familiarity with research databases or electronic tracking systems (e.g., REDCap, Excel databases).
• A valid G-class driver’s license is an asset.

AI may or may not be used for the screening purposes of this role.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at [phone] ext. 8334 or [e-mail] to make appropriate arrangements.