The Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry, NGOs and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. CBoC undertakes research to address the most pressing issues in Economics, Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health. Our social science research provides actionable pathways to solutions. Simply put, we deliver insights that help Canada’s leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

Our Innovation and Technology group is seeking a Research Associate to join its team. The successful candidate is an applied social sciences researcher with a multidisciplinary understanding of the key challenges and opportunities posed by new technology and the innovation ecosystem in Canada.

How disruptive technologies can be developed and adopted in Canada to drive productivity and economic prosperity? What is the impact of technology and automation on jobs? What is the role and impact of artificial intelligence, intellectual property, venture capital, and government innovation policy on firm-based innovation performance? What wicked problems do Canadian leaders need solved? Answering questions like these and having an impact on Canada will be what you work on every day!

Our Ideal Candidate... will have the ability to think strategically and respond quickly to multiple priorities and deadlines. They will draw on a well-developed understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and possess exceptional writing skills to produce high-impact, evidence-based reports that inform decision-makers and provide actionable insights. They have an analytical mind, are adept and creative in addressing complex research problems, are self-motivated, practical and enjoy a multidisciplinary setting. They are comfortable collaborating with others, communicating complex ideas, presenting to large groups, and leading discussions on research and other relevant priorities.

We are a virtual organization and as a remote worker you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada . To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self-starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role. This includes internet service and a reliable connection.

About The Role

• Work closely with the Associate Director, Lead Research Associate, team members, and other Conference Board of Canada staff as well as external partners, to plan research projects.
• Execute complex research projects on issues related to emerging technologies (AI, Quantum, Advanced Manufacturing, Robotics, Automation), and innovation policies, labour markets, skills development, entrepreneurship, business R&D, scale-up and commercialization.
• Conduct research using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, applying appropriate methodologies to address research questions and generate comprehensive insights.
• Design and administer surveys, manage datasets, and analyze quantitative data using relevant statistical techniques.
• Collect qualitative data through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and document analysis, including the review of policies, reports, and other secondary sources.
• Develop interview guides and survey instruments and use these for data collection ensuring appropriate sampling strategies.
• Transcribe interviews and focus group recordings using transcription software, and conduct thematic, narrative, and content analysis using NVivo.
• Integrate and triangulate findings across qualitative and quantitative data sources to strengthen analytical rigor, validity, and interpretation.
• Create interactive dashboards in Power BI and develop clear, concise visualizations and infographics to communicate findings to diverse audiences.
• Synthesize evidence from multiple data sources to produce clear, evidence-based insights and recommendations.
• Ensure adherence to ethical research standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and responsible data management.
• Analyze and effectively translate complex research results into clearly written key messages for senior executives and decision makers.
• Support team on projects to ensure deliverables are on-time, within budget and meet expectations.
• Anticipate audience needs and contribute to new research product developments

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicate messages with confidence, credibility and authority, providing insights through presentations at conferences and meetings.
• Communicate effectively with partners, team members, colleagues, research advisors and external stakeholders.
• Effectively translate complex research results into key messages for senior industry executives and government policy makers.
• Collaborate with funders, clients, policy makers and innovation stakeholders to produce independent, high-quality work that is published nationally and citing globally.
• Committed to producing high quality work and demonstrating professional values in all interactions with colleagues, stakeholders and customers.

About You Required Skills and Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (Masters or PhD level) in innovation/public policy, social sciences, economics, or business or related discipline.
• A minimum of two years of research experience in innovation and technology themes with responsibility for complex research projects from inception to completion.
• Ability to lead/undertake research design and primary data collection activities including quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, such as literature reviews, interviews, case studies, surveys, and quantitative data analysis.
• Experienced in using data analysis and visualization tools including SPSS, NVivo, transcription tools, and Power BI.
• Strong project management with the ability to set priorities, handle multiple responsibilities and deliverables, work under pressure, deliver high-quality products and meet deadlines.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and in a timely manner; published work would be an asset.
• A strong sense of teamwork, professionalism and ability to approach your work with an external focus.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in using computers within an MS Office environment, including applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and MS Project.
• Ability to travel to events and meetings as required.
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Benefits At CBoC, we believe that putting People First is key to our success and attracting the best people. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and we are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Virtual First – work from home anywhere across Canada with a budget to set up your home office.
• A workplace where your hard work is not just valued, but actively celebrated. We take pride in our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent that drives our success through our Recognition programs.
• Healthcare benefits from Day One to support your physical and mental wellbeing, including a $2,500 benefit for Psychologist, Social Worker or Psychotherapist services
• Work/Life Balance: In addition to 20 days annual vacation, we close between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, observe 13 holidays per year and offer Friday afternoon closures.
• A modern, defined benefit (DB) pension plan: We care about your future and offer a pension plan with a 5% match from Day One
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP): We understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging and EFAP supports you and your family during difficult times.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up plan

The hiring zone for this position is $67,320 - $79,200 annually for candidates from any Canadian province or territory. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, specific skillsets, as well as market and business considerations. The full compensation band for this position ranges from $67,320 - $91,080. The recruiter can share more information about compensation for the position during the hiring process. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within CBoC. We are actively seeking to fill this role with a qualified candidate.

We value the unique skills, experiences, and insights that each employee brings to The Conference Board of Canada.  We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. If you require an accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please email cbocjobs@conferenceboard.ca and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in The Conference Board of Canada. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.