Principal Research Associate, Innovation & Technology (Remote)

at  The Conference Board of Canada

The Conference Board of Canada is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry 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. Simply put, we deliver insights that help leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.
We are seeking a Principal Research Associate (PRA) to lead a team in researching advanced topics in innovation and technology in Canada.
The Innovation and Technology team is responsible for producing unbiased, high-quality, evidence-based research and analysis that supports leaders in making the best possible decisions. We drive thought-leadership through three national executive councils (Innovation, CIO, Data Analytics) and work with funders who seek to research and understand the toughest questions facing Canada’s innovation economy.
Our research shines a spotlight on the opportunities and barriers to innovation in Canada. What are the implications of technological change on the future of work? How do we accelerate R&D, technology adoption and scale up businesses in Canada to become global technology players? What is the role and impact of intellectual property, venture capital, business accelerators, government innovation funding programs on firm-based innovation performance? How can we translate innovation activity into economic performance? Answering questions like these and having an impact on the Canadian economy is what we work on every day.
Reporting to the Director, the PRA is the most senior researcher on the team and provides leadership for a high performing group of accomplished researchers. Together, the team develops and undertakes research and convening activities related to Canada’s innovation ecosystem, including how we perform against other innovation nations, the future of work (technology vulnerability, future skills and occupations), and the impact of emerging technologies such as AI, big data, cybersecurity, automation 4.0, clean technology and advanced manufacturing.
The PRA will develop and execute the research agenda for the innovation and technology research unit and is the lead subject matter expert in research methodologies, data collection, analysis, project management and report writing for the team.

As the Principal Research Associate, you will draw upon your years of subject matter expertise to execute and manage multiple research projects and produce professional publications and outputs aligned with the Innovation and Technology knowledge area and its audiences. Specifically, you will:

• Undertake and lead research projects varying in size, scope and complexity, utilizing a wide variety of qualitative/quantitative research methodologies (literature reviews, economic modelling, data analysis, benchmarking, qualitative interviews, case studies, surveys, roundtables).
• Design, implement and analyze surveys, conduct quantitative and statistical analyses.
• Oversee and validate analysis prepared by team members.
• Develop comprehensive project work plans for projects.
• Develop detailed budgets for proposals.
• Manage multiple projects and team activities through project management software.
• Communicate progress with funders and the executive team.
• Work with the Director to manage expectations with partner organizations.
• Work with writing and design groups to produce publishable reports, briefings, and online content.
• Support executive councils via thought leadership and presenting research findings

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with the Director to provide vision and leadership in developing research agendas.
• Coach, mentor and develop a team of professional researchers.
• Introduce new and rigorous research methods and guide the team in applying those methods.
• Embrace the role of spokesperson for the Board speaking with authority and credibility at conferences, events, roundtables, and media interviews raising the profile of the knowledge area and the brand.

OPERATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Principal Research Associate, you will draw upon your years of subject matter expertise to execute and manage multiple research projects and produce professional publications and outputs aligned with the Innovation and Technology knowledge area and its audiences. Specifically, you will:

• Undertake and lead research projects varying in size, scope and complexity, utilizing a wide variety of qualitative/quantitative research methodologies (literature reviews, economic modelling, data analysis, benchmarking, qualitative interviews, case studies, surveys, roundtables).
• Design, implement and analyze surveys, conduct quantitative and statistical analyses.
• Oversee and validate analysis prepared by team members.
• Develop comprehensive project work plans for projects.
• Develop detailed budgets for proposals.
• Manage multiple projects and team activities through project management software.
• Communicate progress with funders and the executive team.
• Work with the Director to manage expectations with partner organizations.
• Work with writing and design groups to produce publishable reports, briefings, and online content.
• Support executive councils via thought leadership and presenting research findings.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work alongside the Director to identify research funding opportunities.
• Translate client problems into compelling research projects.
• Develop research proposals and budgets to respond to RFPs.
• Demonstrate sound project and financial management.
• Execute research projects.