Research Assistant/Intern
Overview
The Research Intern will support CRaNHR and the AOM IYS Network in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a customizable evaluation framework for Indigenous youth wellness programs. Working under the guidance of the CRaNHR research and evaluation team, the Intern will assist with research coordination, participant engagement, culturally relevant data collection, data coding and analysis, and the preparation of reports, summaries, infographics, and presentations.
The role will involve supporting community-based research activities, including surveys, interviews, sharing circles, focus groups, and other community-identified methods, while working within established research protocols and guidelines. The Intern will also assist with coordinating meetings, workshops, communities of practice, training events, and communication materials related to the project.
This position provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in applied health research, program evaluation, Indigenous community-based research approaches, and knowledge translation, while contributing to research and evaluation activities that support youth wellness programming in Northern Ontario communities.
Responsibilities
- Assist CRaNHR and the AOM IYS Network with the development of a customizable evaluation framework for Indigenous youth wellness programs.
- Work collaboratively with the AOM IYWMHN Advisory Circle, Network partners, Indigenous communities, and the CRaNHR research and evaluation team.
- Support the design and implementation of culturally relevant, community-identified data collection methods, such as surveys, interviews, sharing circles, arts-based methods, and focus groups.
- Coordinate and assist with data collection activities in Northern Ontario communities, including potential travel to community sites.
- Collect, organize, code, summarize, and assist with the analysis of program development and outcomes data.
- Assist with implementing the evaluation framework within a Northern Ontario community site and gathering feedback from community/site representatives.
- Support the integration of community feedback into the evaluation framework.
- Prepare summaries of results, technical reports, infographics, presentations, and other knowledge translation materials.
- Assist with compiling a final report co-developed with the community, CRaNHR, and the AOM IYWMHN research teams.
- Participate in local communities of practice, training events, online webinars, and conferences related to the project.
Generic Responsibilities
- Coordinate workshops, meetings, seminars, training sessions, and other research-related events.
- Maintain and organize research documentation in accordance with established guidelines, procedures, and quality assurance requirements.
- Assist with preparing research documentation, including ethics-related materials, project summaries, and standard research documents.
- Support participant coordination, including scheduling, booking rooms, preparing materials, and communicating with participants or community partners.
- Assist with developing promotional, recruitment, communication, and knowledge-sharing materials for research projects.
- Perform administrative and project coordination tasks, including drafting correspondence, taking meeting notes, tracking project activities, and supporting expense or documentation processes.
Qualifications
- 2–3 years of post-secondary education in a relevant field, such as health sciences, social sciences, Indigenous studies, community development, program evaluation, research, or a related discipline.
- Some research experience required, preferably in applied health research, community-based research, program evaluation, or working with surveys, interviews, focus groups, or other data collection methods.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience or exposure to research environments, including collecting, organizing, coding, summarizing, or analyzing data.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare summaries, reports, infographics, presentations, and other knowledge translation materials.
- Strong organizational skills, including the ability to coordinate meetings, workshops, training events, webinars, or community engagement activities.
- Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with research teams, Indigenous communities, advisory circles, network partners, and community representatives.
- Demonstrated tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when collecting or handling sensitive information.
- Ability to follow established research protocols, guidelines, and procedures while exercising judgment in setting priorities and completing assigned tasks.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, online meeting platforms, and basic data management tools; experience with survey or qualitative data tools would be considered an asset.
- Willingness and ability to travel to Northern Ontario communities, as required, to support community-based data collection and project activities.
NOHFC (Funding Agency) Requirements:
- Are new entrants into the workforce, those transitioning to a new career, or the unemployed or underemployed who are entering a new field.
- Have not previously participated in a NOHFC-funded internship.
- Are at least 18 years of age.
- Reside, and be legally entitled to work, in Canada.
- Must be able to communicate effectively in English (verbal, written and comprehension skills).
- Ability to communicate in French or Indigenous languages is an asset.
Other NOHFC Requirements:
- Graduation within the last three years from an accredited college or university program focused on applied health (e.g., Bachelor's or Master's Degree or Diploma in Applied Health Sciences, Community Health, Health Education, or Public Health) or social sciences (e.g., Bachelor's or Master's Degree or Diploma in Human Services, Political Science, Psychology or Social Work).
- Previous training or familiarity with quantitative and/or qualitative research and software as an asset (e.g., SPSS, Nvivo, Atlas.ti).
- Knowledge of word processing, data management software essential (e.g., Word, Excel, Google Forms, Email, Internet Search Engines).
This opportunity is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is funded through the Workforce Development Program. Eligibility requirements of the program can be found here: https://nohfc.ca/en/pages/programs/people-talent-program/workforce-development-stream.
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.