Research Assistant (x2) New Position

Location: Maamwesying Head Office Serpent River First Nation OR Designated Satellite Office

Full-Time Contract (6 year funded research project)

Salary Range: $54,628 - $59,694

Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Job Summary

We are welcoming applications for two Research Assistants to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced research professional or early career researcher to join us in an essential role supporting the newly awarded New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Brain Health Assessment Research Project.

Dr. Jennifer Walker, Principal Investigator, is a member of Six Nations of the Grand River an an epidemiologist. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Health Data and Aging, which supports an Indigenous community-engaged research program that focuses on dementia and aging. Dr. Jennifer Walker along side Edith Mercieca, Maamwesying Director of Home and Community Support Services and Co-Principal Investigator is leading this highly innovative community-based research project. This project focuses on developing and evaluating culturally appropriate approaches to memory and brain health screening in Indigenous communities.

The Research Assistant will play a vital role in supporting the implementation of the community-based research project activities including community engagement, data collection and analysis, and knowledge sharing with a focus on ensuring the work respects Indigenous ways of knowing and being. You will work closely with the Research Coordinator, Research Project Team members, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, academic partners, health professionals, and community members.

Key Functions

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting
• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities
• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel
• Conduct structured project participant interviews
• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures
• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants
• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters
• Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs
• Conduct literature searches
• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners
• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year
• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts
• Write a variety of letters and memos
• Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance
• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions
• Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a relevant field
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a research role
• Experience working with Indigenous communities is an asset
• Proficient in both quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Skilled in statistical software and data analysis tools
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management abilities

Additional Requirements

• Willingness and able to travel to participating communities regularly
• Office-based work with regular travel to First Nations communities
• Comfort working in environments where sacred medicines may be used (e.g., sage, cedar, tobacco)

About Us

Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc. (MNCHS) provides wholistic, culturally grounded health services to the seven First Nations of the Mamaweswen North Shore Tribal Council. Our integrated approach includes primary care, traditional healing, mental health, home and community care, and health promotion.

Why Join Us?

You'll be part of a collaborative and culturally grounded home and community support services team committed to serving the seven First Nations of the Mamaweswen North Shore Tribal Council. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, community-let research that supports Indigenous brain health and wellness. In addition to:

• Paid Extended Health Benefits
• HOOPP (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan)
• Life-long learning is a priority, offering 10 Professional Development Days and $1200/Annual Budget
• Technology Amenities provided (i.e., laptop, cell phone)
• All travel expenses covered
• High staff satisfaction rated work environment, priority on provider and client experience
• Access to Cultural and Traditional teachings of the Ojibwe People
• 3 weeks holiday for the 1st year
• 15 days of Personal Leave

What to expect?

Given the traditional practices of Indigenous people, from time to time exposure to smoke from the burning of sacred medicines such as tobacco, sweet grass, sage, or cedar may occur.

Accessibility accommodations will be available upon request. An offer of employment will be conditional upon an acceptable vulnerable sector police records check.

Hiring of Indigenous People will be given preference, as allowed under Section 14 of the Ontario Human Rights Code Special Programs.

Qualified individuals are invited to submit a cover letter along with a current resume, certificates, diplomas, along with three current work-related references to the link in BambooHR. Please ensure that Research Coordinator appears in the subject line. Below is the link to apply directly to our organization.

Posting Deadline: Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Thank you to all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.