Masters Research Assistant (Quantitative Background)

Lakehead University; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Lakehead University invites applications for a Masters Research Assistant at the EPID@Work Research Institute in Ontario. The role focuses on drafting REB submissions, coordinating participant outreach, data processing, and qualitative analysis under supervision, with opportunities to contribute to reports and presentations.

Requirements include an MSc or MPH in epidemiology/biostatistics or MD with relevant training; strong English communication; and experience with qualitative methods and REB

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Research Ethics Board (REB) applications.
• 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 ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and study protocols.

Responsibilities

• Draft, coordinate, and prepare detailed submissions for REBs.
• Participant outreach & coordination for focus groups; arrange materials and follow-up calls.
• Build relationships with Indigenous communities and support outreach and recruitment across rural areas.
• Administer questionnaires and conduct interviews and focus groups per protocols.
• Collect, code, process, and analyze qualitative and mixed-methods data; maintain research databases.

Skills

REB applications

Qualitative data collection

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Confidentiality & ethics

Education

MSc/MPH in epidemiology or biostatistics

Job description

The EPID@Work Research Institute is seeking a highly motivated Masters Research Assistant with a quantitative 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 standardised 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

A. Education & Experience

An MSc or MPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, or other health statistics-oriented field with relevant experience or an MD and post-graduate training in epidemiology or biostatistics.

B. 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.

C. 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.