Job Description

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 Metis 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 Metis

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

resume

and a brief

cover letter

to careers@waapihk.com

.

Two strong references are requested who can speak to the candidate's competence in a similar context.

Please consider viewing our website before applying: www.waapihk.com

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