Research Associate, Data Scientist, Research Scientist

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Institutional Research and Planning

Requisition : 2022

Department: Research and Planning

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph.

Tenure: Temporary full‑time from 01/19/2026 to 01/18/2027 (Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent).

Internal Applicants: Current employees must apply on the internal Career Page.

The Office of Institutional Research and Planning serves 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 will provide ongoing support for University‑wide projects.

• 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 analyse 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 rigour and relevance.
  • Works with highly sensitive and/or confidential data with the utmost discretion and adherence to all data privacy protocols.
• 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.
• 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 externally to successfully execute projects.

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Psychology) and at least 1 year of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent quantitative, analytical, and problem‑solving skills, with an aptitude for research and analysis.
• Intermediate statistical programming and coding skills in R, Python, etc.
• Knowledge and experience with data visualisation 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, organisation 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 organised to deal with a high volume of work.

• Employee Type:
  Temporary
• Position Number:
• 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. We invite and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, to contribute to the diversification of our institution.

Posting Date: 12/23/2025

Closing Date: 01/08/2026