Senior Research Associate, Education & Skills (Remote - 12-month Contract)

About this role

Over the next 50 years, the noise in our systems will grow—amplified by reactive decisions, environmental disruption, and shifting political and economic realities. These pressures will come from within and beyond our borders. Making decisions based on hard evidence has become the imperative of our times.
With approximately 100 economists and researchers Signal49 Research provides Canadians with the accurate data and rigorous unbiased research they need to navigate complex issues across eight critical arenas—Economics, Education & Skills, Health, Human Resources, Indigenous & Northern Communities, Innovation & Technology, Immigration, and Sustainability. As Canada’s leading applied research organization, we publish over 500 research outputs a year, helping to advance education on the critical issues facing our communities, our organizations and our country. Our Executive Councils bring leaders together to share real-world insights and support evidence-based decision-making. All in service of a stronger more prosperous Canada.
For more than 70 years, Signal49 Research is where Canada has turned for applied, independent research and meaningful connections. Leaders trust us because we stand apart: objective, credible, and connected. To learn more about Signal49 Research and our history, check out our website:
We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the Education & Skills team for a 12-month contract.
Our Ideal Candidate will be an experienced researcher and strong communicator with expertise in education, skills, labour markets, and workforce issues, and a strong understanding of the business, academic, government, and public policy environments in which this work takes place. They will bring strong quantitative and mixed-methods research skills, with experience examining areas such as labour market outcomes, employer demand, occupational and skills needs, workforce alignment, and education-to-workforce pathways. They will be able to conceptualize strategic research questions, lead and conduct major applied research projects, analyze complex data and evidence, and translate findings into clear, compelling insights for government, post-secondary, and private sector decision-makers. They will be a strong writer who can produce high-quality research reports, proposals, briefings, and other products for both technical and non-technical audiences. The ideal candidate will also be strategic, responsive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities and deadlines, while leading on a variety of business development activities—growth mindset is a must for this role.
Overall, the successful candidate will be part of a professional research and convening team and will undertake integrated, independent, and compelling applied research for decision-makers.
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.
About the Role

• Lead, manage, and contribute to applied research projects of varying sizes, scopes, and complexities.

• Design and conduct research related to education, skills, labour markets, workforce development, and education-to-workforce pathways.

• Apply advanced quantitative research techniques and mixed-methods approaches to analyze economic and social data related to education.

• Analyze and quickly translate complex research results into key messages and compelling insights for senior executives and decision makers.

• Produce high-quality research reports, executive summaries, articles, presentations, op-eds and proposals.

• Manage projects to ensure deliverables are on time, within budget, and meet client expectations.

• Work directly with clients and partners throughout the research process, including scoping research questions, presenting findings, and identifying implications.

• Play an active role in business development, including developing research concepts and proposals, securing funding for research projects, and building relationships with executives and senior leaders.

• Conceptualize new research opportunities and projects.

• Present research findings and insights with confidence at conferences, business development meetings, and other external forums.

• Become familiar with Signal49’s research, data, and expertise across Education & Skills and related Knowledge Areas, and draw connections across areas of work where relevant.

• Deliver excellence in product and customer service and demonstrate a consistent commitment to high-quality work, collaboration and professional values.

About You
Required Skills and Qualifications:

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

• Minimum of six years’ experience in a professional research environment with responsibility for handling complex projects from inception to completion.

• Substantial experience and in-depth knowledge of economic or public policy research on a broad range of education and skills themes.

• Strong quantitative research and analytical skills, including experience working with large and complex datasets (e.g., job postings) and. public data sources (e.g., Statistics Canada) related to post-secondary education and labour market outcomes.

• Demonstrated understanding of qualitative research approaches, including literature reviews, interviews and case studies.

• Proficiency with analysis software such as R, Python, Power BI and/or other research analysis tools.

• Ability to interpret complex research findings and translate them into clear, practical insights for…