Specialist, Empirical Research

CMHC - SCHL • Vancouver, BC

8d • CA$86,817 - CA$108,521 • Hybrid

About The Position

Join the Empirical Research Team, in the Specialist, Empirical Research position. In this role, you will plan, design and lead the execution of empirical research, deliver high-quality research products, provide expert advice, and communicate research findings in areas of housing economics, housing finance, and urban planning. You will use advanced quantitative and analytical techniques and mixed-method research approaches to generate evidence and translate findings into strategic insights that support decision-making. Working with multidisciplinary teams, you will identify emerging issues and opportunities, and contribute to impactful research that helps shape the future of housing in Canada.
We are currently hiring for multiple vacancies in this role.

Requirements

• A postgraduate degree in economics, finance, urban planning, or related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• A minimum of three (3) years of conducting applied research directly related to housing economics, housing finance, urban and regional planning, or closely related fields.
• A demonstrated experience developing and executing research projects, including defining scope, objectives, methodologies, and project management requirements, while delivering high quality and relevant research results in a timely manner.
• Advanced knowledge of, and experience in, research and analysis of primary and secondary data using appropriate methodologies, quantitative and statistical analysis, and the provision of facts, evidence, and insights to support decision making.
• Experience using statistical software and empirical modelling techniques (e.g., R, Python, econometrics).
• A demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate research insights tailored to the needs of policy, research, and industry audiences.
• Working knowledge of the Canadian housing landscape, both current and historical, including the economic, financial, social, and political trends driving housing policy.
• A demonstrated ability to distill and synthesize large volumes of complex information into clear, concise, and actionable insights.

Nice To Haves

• A Doctoral degree in economics, finance, mathematics, urban planning or related discipline.
• An in-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: the housing finance system, residential mortgage market and financial vulnerabilities, urban and regional planning, development processes, and Canadian residential construction landscape, including their implications for housing supply and productivity.
• A demonstrated ability to manage and analyze large, complex datasets using appropriate analytical tools and methodologies. Knowledge of machine learning models.
• Experience in leading edge applied research organizations, such as think tanks, applied research centers, research consultancies.

Responsibilities

• Research a wide range of housing economics, housing finance, housing conditions, and urban and regional planning issues and challenges, ensuring the quality, accuracy, timeliness, and relevance of research and products, and ensuring all research integrates robust empirical methods.
• Conduct rigorous, high quality quantitative research on housing economics, housing finance, and housing market issues, applying advanced statistical, econometric, and forecasting techniques, ensuring research integrates robust empirical methods, draws on relevant and reliable data, and is accurate, timely, and relevant.
• Manage and guide the work of external research consultants to ensure compliance with contracted deliverables and schedules, oversee and review the quality of the information and analysis contained therein, and apply structured frameworks to validate empirical rigor in contracted work.
• Monitor trends and issues in housing research, academic and business research literature, intelligence gathering, environmental scans, professional relationships, and participation in external workshops and events.
• Communicate research results clearly and concisely, demonstrating the ability to synthesize complex ideas and represent those ideas in research publications and at conferences, industry events, and high-level meetings, and translate empirical findings into strategic insights tailored to senior leadership and policy audiences.
• Recommend research topics that reflect current corporate and government priorities, as well as leading-edge ideas with the potential to advance the future of housing research in Canada.
• Consult with internal and external clients in the development of research ideas and projects to ensure priority, utility, and practical application of research, and facilitate joint planning sessions to translate evidence needs into actionable research questions.

Benefits

• Annual Paid vacation.
• Annual individual performance incentive.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Comprehensive group insurance plan to support your well-being from day one.
• Support towards your personal and professional growth with training, mentorship and more.
• An inclusive workplace culture and environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level