Senior Research Associate, Education & Skills – 12-month Contract

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Oversee, direct, and engage in applied research initiatives of diverse sizes, scopes, and complexities.

• Develop and implement research focused on education, skills, labor markets, workforce development, and pathways from education to the workforce.

• Utilize advanced quantitative research methods and mixed-methods strategies to analyze economic and social data related to education.

• Examine intricate research outcomes and convert them into essential messages and insights for senior executives and decision-makers.

• Create research reports, executive summaries, articles, presentations, opinion pieces, and proposals.

• Oversee project deliverables, finances, timelines, and client expectations.

• Collaborate directly with clients and partners to define research queries, present findings, and discern implications.

• Contribute to business development by formulating research concepts and proposals, acquiring research funding, and fostering executive relationships.

• Generate new research opportunities and projects.

• Share findings at conferences, business development meetings, and other public forums.

• Integrate Signal49’s research, data, and expertise across Education & Skills and related Knowledge Areas.

• Deliver exceptional products and customer service while exemplifying collaboration and professional values.

⛳️ Requirements

• PhD or Master’s degree in economics or a closely related quantitative field.

• At least six years of experience in a professional research setting, with accountability for managing complex projects from start to finish.

• Extensive experience and comprehensive knowledge of economic or public policy research regarding education and skills topics.

• Strong quantitative research and analytical capabilities, including experience with large and intricate datasets and public data sources like Statistics Canada.

• Proven understanding of qualitative research methodologies, such as literature reviews, interviews, and case studies.

• Proficiency in R, Python, Power BI, and/or other research analysis instruments.

• Ability to interpret complex research results and convey them as clear, actionable insights.

• Capacity to write clearly, concisely, and rapidly for diverse audiences.

• Excellent project management skills, including the ability to juggle multiple priorities, deadlines, budgets, and client expectations.

• Exceptional interpersonal and stakeholder communication skills.

• Business acumen and a growth mindset, with an interest in research opportunities, proposals, and business development.

• Competence in a Microsoft Office environment.

• Willingness to travel within Canada as necessary.

• Ability and comfort to work entirely from a home office in Canada.

• A productive, professional, and safe home office environment during standard business hours, including internet service and a reliable connection.

🏝️ Benefits

• Virtual First – work remotely from anywhere in Canada.

• Recognition programs.

• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

• Option for compressed workweeks with Friday afternoon closures.

• Optional defined benefit pension plan with eligibility for a 5% match from Day One.

• An inclusive, accessible, and supportive work environment.

• Interview accessibility accommodations, such as providing questions in advance, live captions or transcriptions, and flexibility in interview formats, timing, and assessments.