Research Associate, Research Office Remote

Signal
49 Research is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry, NGOs and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. Signal
49 Research undertakes research to address the most pressing issues in Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health. Our social science research provides actionable pathways to solutions. Simply put, we deliver insights that help Canada’s leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

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

Our ideal candidate is a rigorous and pragmatic qualitative researcher who can design and execute 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. This is a fast‑paced, business‑oriented research environment – not an academic setting. You are able to 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.

We are a virtual organization and, as a remote worker, you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self‑starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time‑management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role.

This includes internet service and a reliable connection.

• Support the design and execution of qualitative research activities, including interviews, focus groups, and round tables 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 the 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.
• Collabora…