Research Associate

Department: Research and Planning
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 01/19/2026 to 01/18/2027 
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Office of Institutional Research and Planning serve as advisers and consultants to the University of Guelph (U of G) in academic activities and decision-making processes. Through quantitative analysis, collection and dissemination of data, we provide support to both academic and administrative departments in all aspects of planning, research, enrolment, and budget. Reporting to the Director of Research, Analytics and Planning, the Research Associate provides on-going support for University-wide projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 1. Data Analysis and Insight Generation
  • Performs advanced quantitative and qualitative analyses on large and complex datasets, including survey results and institutional data.
  • Conducts comprehensive environmental scans to identify and analyze factors impacting the University of Guelph, other Ontario universities, and the broader post-secondary education sector.
  • Facilitates the administration and development of institutional surveys, ensuring methodological rigor and relevance.
  • Works with highly sensitive and/or confidential data with the utmost discretion and adherence to all data privacy protocols.
• 2. Project Management and Deliverables
  • Plans and coordinates research and consulting projects end-to-end, including scoping objectives, securing necessary information sources, and developing comprehensive communication plans.
  • Creates high-impact reports, decision-support tools, and other dissemination materials that translate complex analysis into clear conclusions and actionable recommendations for University leadership.
  • Ensures all projects are completed in a timely, accurate, and professional manner, maintaining high standards for quality and integrity of analysis.
• 3. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Works independently to manage individual project deliverables, taking ownership of the research and analysis process.
  • Collaborates effectively with colleagues within the Office, engaging subject matter experts and stakeholders from across campus and external to the University to successfully execute projects.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Social Sciences (e.g. Economics, Psychology) and a least 1 year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Excellent quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills, and an aptitude for research and analysis;
• Intermediate statistical programming and coding skills in programs such as, R, Python, etc.;
• Knowledge and experience of data visualizations tools such as Tableau, Power BI, etc.;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills along with sound professional judgement, tact and diplomacy;
• Knowledge of the specific environment of the University of Guelph, its policies, organization and processes is considered an asset;
• A high level of discretion and confidentiality given some work assignments and issues addressed are confidential and may only be disclosed at the executive level;
• Must possess a high degree of commitment to the job, be highly motivated, and well organized to deal with a high volume of work.

Employee Type: Temporary 
Position Number: 10924375 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 04     Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date:  12/23/2025  
Closing Date:  01/08/2026