Masters Research Assistant (Qualitative Background)

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Lakehead University seeks a Masters Research Assistant to support EPID@Work Institute with qualitative research tasks, including REB submissions, interviews, focus groups, and data analysis. The role involves community engagement with Indigenous partners and rigorous data handling within approved protocols.

The ideal candidate has an MSc/MPH and strong English communication, and can work independently under supervision. Term ends March 31, 2027, with renewal possible based on funding.

Qualifications

• MSc or MPH in public health, social sciences, anthropology, sociology, or related field.
• Experience in qualitative or mixed-methods research.
• Excellent written and oral communication in English.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines.
• REB submissions experience or exposure is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Draft, coordinate, and prepare detailed REB submissions and SOP updates.
• Coordinate study participants for focus groups and follow-up calls.
• Engage Indigenous communities respectfully, supporting outreach and recruitment.
• Administer questionnaires and conduct interviews or focus groups per protocols.
• Code and analyze qualitative/mixed-methods data and maintain databases.
• Prepare summaries for reports, manuscripts, and presentations.
• Collaborate within an interdisciplinary team and provide guidance as needed.

Skills

REB submissions

Qualitative data collection

Interviews

Focus groups

Academic writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MSc/MPH degree

Job description

The EPID@Work Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated Masters Research Assistant with a qualitative research background. The successful candidate will support the Director and the Institute by carrying out a variety of research activities—primarily drafting Research Ethics Board (REB) submissions, conducting follow-up calls, data processing, and qualitative analysis. This role operates under general supervision, receiving instructions for new or complex tasks, while exercising day-to-day decision-making and independent judgment within established guidelines. This position is ending March 31, 2027, renewable depending on performance and funding.

Job Location: On-site at EPID Office / Nokiiwin Tribal Council

Responsibilities

• Draft, coordinate, and prepare detailed submissions for Research Ethics Boards (REB) and assist with updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) or manuals.
• Participant Outreach & Coordination: Coordinate study participants for focus groups, book rooms, arrange necessary materials, and conduct follow-up calls.
• Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with First Nations communities, supporting community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and recruitment across diverse and rural communities.
• Administer questionnaires, conduct standardized or semi-structured interviews, and facilitate focus groups according to established protocols.
• Collect, code, process, and analyze qualitative and mixed-methods research data.
• Maintain and organize research databases to ensure complete compliance with regulatory, protocol, and quality assurance guidelines.
• Work actively as a member of an interdisciplinary team, draft correspondence, and contribute to summarizing findings for reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

Generic Job Characteristics

• Perform varied or complex technical and qualitative tasks requiring formal training, specialized knowledge, and a high degree of independence to ensure the day-to-day progress of research objectives.
• Conduct and coordinate research activities according to established scientific methods, applying related theories and practices to ensure quality control .
• Exercise initiative in setting priorities, applying standardized criteria to achieve desired research outcomes, and consulting with supervisors on protocol deviations.
• Take responsibility for data management, preliminary data analysis, and compiling data record.
• Provide guidance to others on work sequences and assist in training junior research staff or students on procedures, best practices, and safety standards.
• Interact with external parties, community partners, and stakeholders with tact, diplomacy, and professional judgment.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

An MSc or MPH in public health, social sciences, anthropology, sociology, psychology, implementation science, or another relevant field, with demonstrated experience in qualitative or mixed-methods research.

Required Core Skills

• Hands‑on experience with Research Ethics Board (REB) applications.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative data collection (interviews, focus groups, surveys) and coding/analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the proven ability to work productively within an interdisciplinary team [43, 44].
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and study protocols.

Cultural Competency & Indigenous Awareness

• Community Engagement: Experience engaging, communicating, and building relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and partners is highly valued (considered an asset).
• Cultural Safety: A deep commitment to working in a culturally safe, respectful, and trauma-informed manner with workers, workplaces, and community partners.
• Indigenous Knowledge Systems: Understating of Indigenous cultures, perspectives, and community-based approaches to research is an asset.
• TRC Alignment: Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) Calls to Action and their practical application within community-based research is an asset.
• Core Values & Humility: Appreciation for Indigenous values and worldviews, including the Seven Sacred Teachings (Love, Bravery, Respect, Honesty, Truth, Wisdom, and Humility).
• Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, practice cultural humility, and adapt communication styles to meet the diverse needs of Indigenous families and communities.

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.