Research Associate

Yukon University; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to lead the CIHR-funded Integrated Youth Services Network project in Yukon. This role involves coordinating research on youth mental health, ensuring community engagement, and mentoring junior researchers. Ideal candidates will have a Master's or PhD and significant experience in applied research. The position is full-time from January 2026 to March 2029, aiming to enhance culturally relevant mental health services for diverse youth populations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience leading or coordinating applied research projects, preferably in youth mental health.
• Experienced in working respectfully with Indigenous communities and youth.
• Demonstrated ability to use trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.

Responsibilities

• Organize and facilitate advisory groups for collaborative decision-making.
• Design and oversee mixed-methods research on youth mental health.
• Conduct statistical and thematic analyses.
• Lead knowledge mobilization activities including reports and community presentations.
• Mentor junior researchers and support ethical integrity in research.

Skills

Mixed-methods research

Partnership building

Ethical community engagement

Trauma-informed approaches

Excellent communication skills

Project management

Education

Master’s or PhD in health sciences, psychology, social work, public health, or a related field

Job description

Research Associate
YukonU Research Center
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus
Term: January 2026 – March 2029
Full-Time (Based on 75 hours bi-weekly)
Wage: Under Review
Employment Opportunity Number: 25.148
Closing Date: January 19, 2026

Yukon University is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to lead the coordination and implementation of the CIHR-funded Integrated Youth Services (IYS) Network – Phase 2 project in the Yukon. This exciting initiative aims to strengthen youth mental health and substance use services through community-driven, culturally grounded, and evidence-informed approaches. Working closely with the Scientific Director, the Research Associate will oversee all aspects of the project, from research design and implementation to community engagement and knowledge mobilization. A central focus of this role is ensuring that youth, newcomers, Yukon First Nations, and families/caregivers are meaningfully involved in shaping research processes and outcomes that support an equitable and culturally relevant IYS model for the Yukon.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize and facilitate advisory groups (youth, service providers, and experts), supporting transparent, collaborative decision-making.
• Design, conduct, and oversee mixed-methods research (qualitative, quantitative, and community-based/led) related to youth mental health, wellness, and service access.
• Conduct statistical and thematic analyses, including coding and interpretation.
• Lead knowledge mobilization activities, including reports, plain-language summaries, community presentations, and academic outputs.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers, students, and youth research assistants, supporting capacity building while ensuring ethical integrity, OCAP® principles, and Yukon University research ethics standards.
• Provide direct supervision of PhD and Master’s students and research staff, including recruitment, onboarding, work planning, coaching, and performance management.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Master’s or PhD in health sciences, psychology, social work, public health, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience leading or coordinating applied research projects, ideally in youth mental health, Indigenous health, or community-based/led research.
• Demonstrated experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities and youth.
• Experience using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of mixed-methods and participatory research approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain partnerships across sectors.
• Knowledge of OCAP® principles, ethical community engagement, and trauma-informed research practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate research into accessible, practical knowledge products.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and accountability.

For More Information

Michelle Leach
Scientific Director, YSPOR SUPPORT Unit
[e-mail]
867 332 3062

Human Resource Services
Yukon University, Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5K4
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon first Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority.

Applicants should clearly outline all relevant qualifications, as selection for interview will be based on applications submitted. A statement of qualifications, which outlines the selection standards, and a position description are available in PDF format for all Bargaining Unit positions. Please be prepared to provide official transcripts upon request.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.