Senior Researcher
Reporting to the Research Manager, the Senior Researcher will play a substantive role in ONCAT’s research projects and activities. In particular, the Senior Researcher will assume responsibility for quantitative components of ONCAT’s Longitudinal Study of Transfer Students, a multi-year project that tracks and analyzes learner motivations, behaviours, and experiences. Tasks associated with this project will include conducting analysis of survey data, as well as producing multiple publications and presentations. As a member of a collaborative team, the Senior Researcher will leverage their expertise with quantitative methodologies to bolster ONCAT’s research processes and protocols, and to support a variety of additional research activities in an engaging and fast-paced environment. The Senior Researcher will be an excellent writer, with prolific experience using complex data to create impactful reports.
Conduct research for ONCAT-led projects — 50%
- In collaboration with the research team, the Senior Researcher will propose, design, and complete innovative research projects that produce publications and/or presentations
- Provide expert advice for the design and implementation of quantitative research studies
- Contribute to the writing of research reports, policy briefs, and other materials
- Participate in the development of long-term strategic plans for ONCAT-led research processes, projects, and grant programs
Contribute to general research activities for ONCAT — 30%
- Provide research assistance for ONCAT programs, communications, and presentations
- Provide data analysis support by collecting manipulating, and analyzing data using a variety of methods
- Compile and process information required for government reports and inquiries
- Contribute to the knowledge mobilization of research projects by communicating newsworthy ideas and policy implications via multiple formats (e.g., blogs, webinars) for general audiences
Support ONCAT-funded projects — 10%
- Review proposals for projects submitted to ONCAT’s grant programs and special RFPs
- Provide feedback on preliminary and final deliverables from ONCAT-funded projects
- Compile and process information required for government reports and inquiries
Expand ONCAT’s network of research collaborators — 10%
- Participate in research meetings, working groups, symposia, and conferences
- Develop relationships with researchers, organizations, and other stakeholders related to ONCAT’s mandate and activities
Essential Qualifications and Experiences
- A graduate degree (master’s or doctorate) in social sciences, education, or public policy
- 5+ years of experience in a research-intensive capacity
- Experience completing a self-directed research program from start to finish: identifying a problem, reviewing previous literature, designing project parameters, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data, and disseminating research findings
- Expertise with quantitative research methodologies and practices, including survey design and advanced multivariate analysis techniques Familiarity with quantitative data analysis software, preferably Stata and R
- A demonstrated commitment to developing and evaluating research projects through the lenses of equity, intersectionality, and reconciliation
- Exemplary writing skills, with the ability to communicate research findings via multiple formats (e.g., research reports, policy briefs, blogs) for a range of specialized and general audiences
- Intellectual curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and dynamic communication skills
Preferred Qualifications and Experiences
- Familiarity with qualitative and mixed methods research methodologies
- Familiarity with recent research in higher education, particularly with topics related to ONCAT’s mandate and activities
- Familiarity with Ontario’s postsecondary sector
- Familiarity with public policy, government relations, and advocacy
- A record of research publications and presentations
- The capacity to work in both official languages
ONCAT’s Commitment to Employees
- ONCAT currently operates with a hybrid work model. At present, employees work a minimum of two days a week at the ONCAT office in downtown Toronto.
- Comprehensive benefits and a pension plan
- Generous vacation, summer hours, and a winter break office closure
- Robust opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
- A team of high-performing colleagues dedicated to understanding and supporting the diverse needs, aspirations, and challenges of learners at publicly assisted colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario
Please submit the following materials (each document must be less than 2 MBs in size):
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) that outlines your research experience
- A CV that lists any research publications and presentations
- A writing sample that demonstrates your ability to interpret complex data and communicate key findings. You may submit a sample up to 15 pages in length (either a single article or a portion of a longer article). Acceptable submissions include, but are not limited to, a published article, policy brief, or research paper from your graduate program.
We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.
ONCAT is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process to applicants with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations during this process, please inform ONCAT of your requirements.
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