Research Associate

About Waapihk Research

We are an Indigenous-led research and consulting firm supporting transformation in health, education, and community well-being. Since 2015, we've partnered with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments, and health authorities to deliver evidence that drives policy and real-world outcomes. Our team combines expertise in economics, epidemiology, political science, medicine, and Indigenous knowledge.

Position Overview

Waapihk Research is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Associate to join our growing Winnipeg-based consulting firm. The Research Associate will play a key role in supporting principal team members on projects focused on First Nations health, social, and education policy.

This position involves conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, performing literature reviews, data analysis, and developing clear, data-informed reports and briefs. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, self-motivated, and thrives in a collaborative environment while managing their time effectively and working independently.

Duties will include:

• Collaborating with fellow researchers to support mixed-methods research analyses.
• Undertaking specific quantitative research tasks, including survey data analysis, R pipeline development, and supporting Shiny apps and automated workflows.
• Undertaking specific qualitative research tasks, including secondary research (environmental scans, information gathering), and qualitative data processing (transcribing, QDA).
• Reviewing, monitoring, and identifying political and social trends and developments as they relate to First Nations policy priorities and initiatives.
• Researching, analyzing, and interpreting municipal, provincial, federal, and other policies as they pertain to Indigenous health, education, social, and governance systems.
• Development of literature reviews, briefs, backgrounders, technical reports, research papers, and summaries.

What You Will Learn

• Hands-on real-world R experience.
• Build automated pipelines from raw data to reports.
• Develop industry-grade coding skills (tidyverse, Shiny, automation).
• Learn rich qualitative data processing from raw data analysis to final reporting.
• Contribute to meaningful projects.

Essential Qualifications

• Senior undergraduate training or Master's degree (preferred) in statistics, policy studies, political science, public administration, economics, or Indigenous studies.
• 1+ year of experience researching Indigenous issues in the Canadian setting.
• Proficiency in R (tidyverse).
• Survey data analysis experience (preferred).
• Familiarity with Shiny and automation (preferred).
• Experience supporting the analysis of complex public and government health and education policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Excellent analytical and conceptual skills and creative problem-solving.
• Excellent written communication skills with experience supporting technical reports, briefs, research studies, and qualitative data processing.
• Excellent oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently within a multidisciplinary team.
• Detail-oriented.
• Reliable.
• Innate curiosity and willingness to learn.

Assets

• Intermediate statistics training is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and awareness of Indigenous self-governance, rights, and health transformation reform issues in Canada.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary

• $60,000-65,000 (based on education and/or experience).

Benefits

• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Wellness Spending Account (WSA).
• Radon Mitigation Benefit.
• Professional Development Fund.
• RRSP Matching.
• Education Savings Program.

Vacation

• Two (2) weeks of paid vacation annually, plus paid time off between December 24th and January 1st each year.

Work Style

• We offer a comfortable, friendly, and professional work environment.
• Hybrid working environment (3 days in office).
• Our downtown Winnipeg office is conveniently located near bus routes for easy commuting.
• Flexible working hours.
• Meaningful work.

Working Conditions

• Winnipeg candidates preferred; exceptional remote candidates within Canada may be considered.
• Must have legal eligibility to work in Canada.

Our Commitment

We are proudly Indigenous-led and welcome applications from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis candidates. Candidates are invited to self-declare if comfortable doing so. We value lived experience, community knowledge, and non-linear career paths.

How to Apply

• Send your résumé and a brief cover letter to
• Two strong references are requested who can speak to the candidate's competence in a similar context.

Please consider viewing our website before applying:

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $60,000.00-$65,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 24 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program
• Work from home

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location: In person