Job Description

Overview

Research Associate - Community-based Pain Clinic

NICHE Pain Care is a community-based clinic in Thunder Bay providing accessible, compassionate, and evidence-informed care for children and youth living with chronic pain across Northwestern Ontario. Our interdisciplinary team works together to improve quality of life, reduce barriers to care, and support families through connection, education, and collaboration. As a much-needed complement to hospital-based pain services, NICHE is dedicated to advancing access, equity, and innovation in pain care by closing critical gaps and delivering community-driven solutions for people living with pain.

Position Type:

0.8 Full-time equivalent, Permanent (1.0 FTE may be considered)

Reports to:

Medical Directors and Clinical Manager, NICHE Pain Care

Position Summary

We are seeking a versatile and experienced Research Associate to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of research initiatives within a community-based Pediatric Chronic Pain Program. The successful candidate will work closely with clinicians, academic partners, Indigenous communities, and regional stakeholders to advance evidence-informed care and system-level innovations. This role is ideal for a dynamic researcher with both qualitative and quantitative expertise, a strong background in health or psychological sciences, and a commitment to ethical, culturally safe research practices.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and support all stages of research projects, including literature reviews, protocol development, methodology design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Conduct critical appraisal of research evidence to inform program planning and grant development. Assist with preparation and submission of grant applications and REB proposals. Manage ethics-approved studies in accordance with institutional and Tri-Council guidelines. Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate software tools (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, R, Excel). Draft reports, abstracts, presentations, and manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. Maintain research records, documentation, and compliance with data security protocols. Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, academic partners, and Indigenous organizations. Uphold principles of Indigenous data sovereignty and ensure ethical engagement in research with Indigenous communities.

Required Qualifications

Master's degree or higher in a health, psychology, or social sciences field with a research focus. Minimum 2 years of research experience in healthcare, public health, or behavioral sciences. Demonstrated experience in literature review, critical appraisal, and research design. Proficiency in both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Familiarity with ethics processes, grant writing, and research reporting standards.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in community-based, interdisciplinary, or pediatric care settings. Knowledge of Indigenous health, cultural safety, or participatory research approaches Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously Competence in data visualization, reporting, or knowledge translation.

Working Conditions

Hybrid (on-site and remote) work arrangements may be supported. Occasional travel may be required for community engagement and data collection activities.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience (salary range between $71,370-$85,200/year for 1.0 FTE). Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and pension contributions. Opportunities for professional development, academic networking, and publication.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At NICHE Pain Care, we believe everyone deserves to feel valued, respected, and supported, both in care and at work. We're committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation, and we welcome applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, people with disabilities, and anyone with lived or family experience of chronic pain or caregiving. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Please let us know of any accessibility or other requirements in advance.

Interested applicants should submit their resume with covering letter by

January 20, 2026

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $71,370.00-$85,200.00 per year

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Dental care Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off
Education:

Master's Degree (required)
Experience:

research : 2 years (required)
Location:

Thunder Bay, ON P7E 5H8 (required)
Work Location: In person