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Position: Researcher – Health Equity & DNA Evidence Self-Collection
Location: Remote (with potential travel to project sites across Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Manitoba)
Duration: 21 month Contract
Compensation: $75,000 - $80,000/year

Application Deadline: May 16, 2025

About the Project

This research initiative explores forensic DNA self-collection as a means of improving access to evidence collection following sexual assault, particularly in rural, remote, and northern communities. Aligning with She Matters’ mission to empower survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by improving access to culturally sensitive, inclusive, and trauma-informed care, regardless of geography or background, this project will document existing sexual assault response protocols, draft a sample dna evidence self-collection protocol, and examine international innovations in evidence self-collection.

A collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach will ensure the research reflects diverse perspectives, including those of survivors, legal professionals, law enforcement, Indigenous leadership, front-line service providers, and medical professionals. Partnering with front-line organizations in each region, the project will integrate community-specific challenges and localized insights into the findings. 

The project will further assess the legal and procedural viability of forensic DNA self-collection by consulting the Crown Attorneys Association in each region and engaging a legal consultant to analyze provincial and territorial laws. Additionally, public health officials, emergency care providers, and sexual assault response teams will offer critical insights on the feasibility and appropriateness of self-collection in emergency care and for vulnerable populations.

Role Overview

We are seeking a community researcher with expertise in health equity, public health policy, criminology and/or forensics, who is interested in examining forensic DNA self-collection through a health systems and justice lens. The successful candidate will conduct research, analyze data, and engage with key stakeholders to inform the development of a theoretical forensic DNA self-collection protocol. They will work closely with legal, law enforcement, and self-collection consultants, as well as front-line organizations, to ensure findings are grounded in both legal viability and survivor-centered best practices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Research & Analysis
    • Become familiar with forensic DNA self-collection methods, domestic and international sexual assault response protocols, and related innovations.
    • Analyze legal and procedural frameworks related to forensic DNA self-collection across different provinces and territories, in collaboration with consultants
    • Synthesize research findings into clear and actionable insights.
  • Rights Holder / Stakeholder Engagement & Data Collection
    • Conduct and analyze interviews with legal professionals, law enforcement, medical professionals, front-line service providers, Indigenous leaders and advocates.
    • Design and disseminate surveys to gather public perceptions on forensic DNA self-collection. 
    • Work alongside front-line organizations to engage key populations and ensure outreach efforts reach diverse communities.
    • Collaborate with legal, law enforcement, and other consultants to refine research approaches and ensure alignment with investigative and judicial processes.
  • Protocol Development & Reporting
    • Contribute to the development of a draft forensic DNA self-collection protocol informed by research findings, legal analyses, and rights holder and stakeholder feedback.
    • Assist in organizing and documenting feedback sessions with key stakeholders, including public health officials, sexual assault response teams, and emergency care providers.
    • Prepare the final report. 
  • Knowledge Mobilization & Public Engagement
    • Support the planning and delivery of a public webinar to share project findings.
    • Engage with rights holders and stakeholders to ensure research outcomes reflect diverse perspectives
    • Contribute to communications and dissemination strategies, ensuring accessibility and clarity.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Criminology, Public Health, Law, or a related field.
  • Strong knowledge of gender-based violence, research methodologies, and OCAP Principles. 
  • Experience conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews and research design.
  • Familiarity with legal and law enforcement frameworks related to sexual violence response in Canada.
  • Experience working with front-line organizations and advocacy groups.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with legal professionals, law enforcement, and other key rights holders and stakeholders. 
  • Strong analytical and writing skills, with experience producing policy reports, research papers, or other knowledge translation materials.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple project components.
  • Experience with public engagement, knowledge mobilization, or policy development is an asset.

Additional Considerations

  • Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience or direct experience working with communities impacted by gender-based violence.
  • Preference will be given to candidates with lived experience of living in a rural, remote or northern community.
  • Willingness to travel to project locations for rights holders and stakeholders engagement, if required.

Why Work with She Matters? 

She Matters is dedicated to fostering a survivor-centered approach to addressing sexualized violence. Our mission is to empower survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by improving access to culturally sensitive, inclusive, and trauma-informed care and support services, regardless of geography or background.

We advocate for systemic change to eliminate barriers to reporting, justice, and healing. Through our innovative digital tools, community partnerships, and evidence-based initiatives, we aim to ensure every survivor has the resources they need to navigate their healing journey with dignity, safety, and support.

At the heart of our work is a passionate team deeply invested in making a difference. We believe that lasting impact comes from collaboration, care, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Our workplace reflects these values — with a flexible work schedule and a wellness budget provided to full-time employees, we support the wellbeing and sustainability of those who support others.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, and a short writing sample (e.g., research paper, policy brief, or report excerpt) to [email protected] by May 16, 2025. 

We know that not everyone ticks every box, and that certain groups, especially women, racialized individuals, and other marginalized communities, are less likely to apply if they don’t meet every single requirement. If this role excites you, we still encourage you to apply. 

Location: Remote (Turtle Island) 

Contract Type: Independent Contractor 

Start Date: June 7th, 2025 Application Deadline: June 30th, 2025 

Compensation: $5,000 CAD 

 

About the Podcast 

In this new She Matters podcast series, we are bringing to life the stories, wisdom, and lived experiences shared during our national community-based research, “Does Geography Impact Access to Justice? Access to Evidence Collection in Rural and Remote Communities.” 

Through powerful audio storytelling, we’ll uplift the voices of survivors, care providers, rights holders, and advocates across Turtle Island. The series will explore how geography impacts survivors’ access to care and justice, and will call listeners (both professionals and the public) to take action in creating survivor-centered, culturally aligned, and accessible care pathways. 

The majority of interviews have already been collected through our research. Some may be re-recorded, but most content will be drawn from these existing conversations. 

 

About the Role 

We are looking for a Podcast Host & Producer who is passionate about gender-based violence advocacy and ready to help shape and guide this four-episode series. 

The ideal candidate will be someone with strong storytelling skills, knowledge of GBV issues and/or advocacy, podcast production or journalism experience , and a deep understanding of survivor-centered, trauma-wise approaches. 

 

Who We're Looking For 

We strongly encourage applications from: 

  • Indigenous people 
  • Individuals with lived experience in rural or remote communities 
  • Survivors, allies, or those connected to GBV advocacy 
  • Applicants from equity-deserving communities 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience in podcast production, hosting, journalism, or communications 
  • Lived experience as a survivor, advocate, ally, or educator in the GBV space 
  • Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches to storytelling 
  • Comfort with public speaking and holding space for sensitive topics 
  • Strong organizational skills and a collaborative, values-aligned working style 

 

What You’ll Do 

  • Co-develop the tone, creative direction, and episode flow in collaboration with our research and communications teams 
  • Host the series, guiding listeners through survivor stories, research themes, and calls to action 
  • Edit and produce episodes (or coordinate with freelance audio editors) 
  • Weave together pre-recorded interviews from our research and connect them with thoughtful, trauma-informed narration 
  • Assist in scripting, preparation, and post-production review 
  • Collaborate on outreach and promotional strategies to ensure the podcast reaches key audiences across sectors and communities 

 

Compensation 

This is a paid contract role. Compensation is $5,000 CAD for the four-episode series. We recognize that lived experience is a vital form of expertise and welcome applicants newer to podcasting who bring relevant insight and commitment to the work. 

 

To Apply 

Please send: 

  • Your resume and a short bio 
  • A brief written or audio introduction (max 300 words or 2 minutes) sharing who you are and why you’re interested in this project 

 

To: [email protected] 

Deadline: June 30th, 2025 

Not sure if this opportunity is right for you? Reach out. We welcome applications from non-traditional candidates and are open to exploring how this role can best fit your skills and story. 

If you're passionate about supporting survivors and advancing justice and healing, we’d love to hear from you. She Matters is always looking to connect with compassionate, driven individuals who share our commitment to creating safer, more inclusive communities. If you’re interested in working with us in the future, please feel free to submit your resume—we’ll keep it on file and reach out when opportunities arise.

 

Why Works with She Matters?

She Matters is dedicated to fostering a survivor-centered approach to addressing sexualized violence. Our mission is to empower survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence by improving access to culturally sensitive, inclusive, and trauma-informed care and support services, regardless of geography or background.

We advocate for systemic change to eliminate barriers to reporting, justice, and healing. Through our innovative digital tools, community partnerships, and evidence-based initiatives, we aim to ensure every survivor has the resources they need to navigate their healing journey with dignity, safety, and support.

At the heart of our work is a passionate team deeply invested in making a difference. We believe that lasting impact comes from collaboration, care, and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Our workplace reflects these values — with a flexible work schedule and a wellness budget provided to full-time employees, we support the wellbeing and sustainability of those who support others.

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