Research Assistant (Workforce Strategy & Data) at NORDIK Institute – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

About NORDIK Institute

The Northern Ontario Research, Development, Ideas and Knowledge (NORDIK) Institute is an innovative community-based research institute affiliated with Algoma University. It is committed to the practice of holistic community development and has established strong links with other research institutes, universities, and colleges. NORDIK is committed to building local research capacity by working closely with its community partners and providing mentorship to new researchers and community development practitioners. For more information, please visit www.nordikinstitute.com.

Work status

All applicants must have proof of legal working status in Canada. At this time, we do not identify or sponsor international applicants who do not already have working status.

About the role

JOB TITLE: Research Assistant (Workforce Strategy & Data)

POSITION STATUS: Full-Time, One-year contract

LOCATION: Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Dr. Tamanna Rimi, Director of Research, and Project Co-Lead(s)

START DATE: Immediately

END DATE: One year after start date

HOURS OF WORK: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday

WAGE: $42,000-$47,000

Primary Functions

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Research Assistant (Workforce Strategy & Data) to support

interdisciplinary research and applied projects related to economic development and workforce strategy.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, implementation, and analysis of research activities,

and support the development and maintenance of data-driven tools and web-based applications that

inform evidence-based decision-making in the Economic Development & Workforce Strategy project.

The Research Assistant will work closely with a multidisciplinary team and external partners to collect,

manage, and analyze diverse datasets, and to translate complex data and research findings into clear,

accessible insights and outputs. This role also involves supporting the development of interactive

dashboards, digital platforms, and knowledge mobilization tools to enhance community impact and

decision-making.

Qualifications

● Masters degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Quantitative

Economics, or related field.

● Strong programming and analysis skills using Python or R, and experience with SQL/NoSQL

databases.

● Demonstrated experience in web development (e.g., Flask, FastAPI, Django, React, or Next.js).

● Proficiency in data visualization (Power BI, Tableau, or Plotly Dash).

● Knowledge of machine learning, natural language processing, or predictive modeling is an asset.

● Familiarity with community-based research, research ethics, and mixed-methods approaches.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills and a demonstrated commitment to

collaborative, inclusive research practices.

● Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

● Strong organizational and time-management skills

● Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines

● Ability to work with a multidisciplinary research team

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

● Design and implement research activities, including literature reviews, surveys, and stakeholder

engagement

● Collect, clean, and analyze diverse datasets (quantitative, qualitative, geospatial, or

administrative)

● Apply statistical and analytical methods to support insights related to economic and workforce

trends

● Develop interactive dashboards, web-based applications, and digital tools to visualize and

communicate research findings effectively

● Design and maintain research-related web content and digital interfaces using modern web

frameworks (e.g., Flask, FastAPI, Node.js, or React).

● Collaborate with community organizations, Indigenous partners, and public sector stakeholders

● Contribute to report writing, presentations, and knowledge mobilization activities

● Assist with research ethics processes and grant/proposal development

Application Process:

Deadline for applications: April 23, 2026. Applications received by this deadline will be assured of

consideration, though the posting remains open until the position is filled.

To apply, submit your application, including a current CV, to hiring@nordikinstitute.com. Please use

‘Research Assistant (Workforce Strategy & Data)'as the subject line when sending your application.

For inquiries about the position and/or project, please contact Dr. Tamanna Rimi at

tamanna.rimi@algomau.ca

NORDIK Institute, 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G4.

www.nordikinstitute.com