001 - Research Assistant

Métis Nation of Ontario•Sudbury, ON

21h

About The Position

The Research Assistant position is a summer employment opportunity for a recent graduate or post-secondary student pursuing their studies, interested in early career development in research, policy, Indigenous governance, community engagement, or knowledge stewardship. Supporting a Métis-led research initiative administered through the Education and Training Branch, this role contributes to the development of distinctions-based ethical research principles and data governance protocols that reflect Métis history, governance, community priorities, and relationships with the land. Working under the supervision of the project team and reporting through the designated Supervisor, the Research Assistant provides hands-on support in research coordination, engagement planning, meeting documentation, synthesis of findings, and the preparation of accessible knowledge-sharing material. The Research Assistant would contribute to day-to-day project activities that support the co-development of a Métis research framework with Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, graduate students, community members, and partner organizations. The position assists with organizing engagement sessions, maintaining accurate records, drafting summaries and background materials, and supporting project outputs, including visual summaries, briefs, and training tools. The opportunity offers meaningful professional growth for an emerging researcher through mentorship, skill development, and exposure to Métis-led, community-driven approaches to ethical research, relational accountability, and data governance.

Requirements

Candidates must be a Métis Nation of Ontario citizen.
Post-secondary student currently enrolled in a diploma or degree program in social sciences, humanities, Indigenous studies, public policy, political science, community development, education, research methods, or a related field.
Recent experience gained through coursework, internships, co-op placements, volunteer roles, academic projects, or community-based work relevant to research, policy, governance, administration, or community engagement.
Experience supporting research-related tasks such as information gathering, literature reviews, note-taking, document organization, meeting support, or the preparation of summaries and background materials.
Experience working with digital tools and information systems, including data collection, file management, interpreting data, or identifying trends in thematic coding.
Experience providing customer service, research assistance, or front‑line support, demonstrating the ability to work respectfully with diverse users, community members, or researchers.
Experience working in team‑based or project‑based environments, showing reliability, communication skills, and the ability to follow established procedures.
Knowledge of research practices, literature reviews, environmental scans, information gathering, note-taking, and the synthesis of findings into clear and accessible written materials.
Demonstrated interest in Métis governance, distinctions-based approaches, community-led research, Métis data governance, ethics, public policy, or related areas, gained through education, volunteer work, employment, or lived/community experience.
Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare summaries, meeting notes, background materials, briefing content, and other project documentation in a clear, organized, and professional manner.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support researchers, staff, and community members respectfully and professionally, and to explain ethical research principles and data governance in accessible terms.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate records, manage multiple tasks, follow directions, and support project timelines in a structured work environment.
Ability to work respectfully and professionally with staff, community members, Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, partners, and other contributors in a manner that supports positive working relationships.
Understanding of, or willingness to learn, Métis cultural protocols, relational accountability, and distinctions-based approaches to engagement, research, and knowledge-sharing.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting, take initiative where appropriate, and respond to feedback constructively

Responsibilities

Supports a Métis-led research project through research, coordination, documentation, and knowledge mobilization activities.
Prepares summaries, background materials, records, supports trackers, and drafts content to assist project planning and implementation.
Assists in synthesizing findings and feedback into accessible materials for internal, community, and partner use.
Supports the preparation, coordination, and documentation of project meetings, engagement sessions, talking circles, workshops, and related activities involving Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, graduate students, citizens, and partner organizations.
Supports the preparation of project outputs, including briefs, presentations, visual materials, and training resources.
Maintains organized and accurate project files, documentation, and administrative records.
Conducts work in accordance with Métis protocols, confidentiality expectations, and supervisor direction, escalating sensitive matters as needed.
Collaborates with branch staff and project partners on initiatives and day-to-day activities that advance the project’s objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
Assists with outreach and communications tasks that support respectful engagement, collaboration, and relationship-building with internal teams, external partners, and Métis communities.
Promotes the values of the organization within the workplace and in the community by demonstrating positive and professional relationships with others (employees, citizens, community councils, volunteers, advocates, etc.)
Reports all unsafe conditions, hazards or practices, accidents and incidents in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and adheres to all Health and Safety requirements within the MNO’s policies and procedures and provincial legislation.
Performs other job/branch-related duties as required.

Benefits

4% Vacation pay
Pension plan
Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December
16 paid public and employer holidays
15 paid health & wellness days
Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development
Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth
An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Métis Peoples across the Province
Employee Assistance Plan
Telemedicine plan
Goodlife corporate membership discount
Bell Mobility's exclusive partner program
Staple's corporate discount
Dell member purchase program
Mark's corporate discount