Employment Opportunity at McMaster University for 3rd/4th year student

Position Type:

Temporary/Casual

Job Title:

Student Research Assistant, Inclusive Education Research Project

Job Location:

McMaster University, Main Campus

Job Description:

The research assistant will be a part of a team investigating students’ experiences of inclusion and exclusion in the classroom at McMaster University in order to foster more inclusive teaching. We welcome students who are interested in developing their abilities as qualitative researchers. A small network of experienced faculty and staff will support the research assistants – it is not expected that applicants will be experts. We encourage those familiar with issues of inclusion and exclusion (both within classrooms and more broadly) to apply and welcome applications from those who are learning about inclusion. Research can be an exciting and transformative tool and we hope you will consider applying to work on this project.

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Lead focus groups and one-on-one interviews
  • Oral and written communication including: correspondence over email, announcements in small groups and large groups (e.g. lectures) and using other strategies to recruit research participants
  • Outreach to social justice and equity-seeking communities on campus
  • Other tasks as assigned
  • Possible additional research tasks: data analysis, literature review, development of teaching resources on inclusive teaching

Job Skills and Requirements:

  • Ability to travel to campus (3-5 times/week, daytime and early evening)
  • Ability or interest in facilitation of group discussions
  • Familiarity and understanding of inclusion and social justice issues or an interest in and commitment to learning
  • Introductory understanding of qualitative research methods (including interviews and focus groups)
  • Understanding of confidentiality, research ethics and adherence to ethics requirements, and a willingness to learn more about such requirements
  • Ability to work with a research team
  • Excellent organization skills
  • Ability to use word processing, email programming, social media, web applications and other basic computer operations with ease
  • Willingness to learn how to use basic audio and video recording technology
  • Currently a third or fourth year or second degree undergraduate student
  • Must be available 15hrs/week October 17-November 15
  • Must be available to attend a 2-3hr training to take place on October 7, 8 or 9

Hourly Rate of Pay:

$11/hr plus benefits (12.50$)

Hours Per Week:

5-15hrs/week

Number of Positions:

4

Employment Start Date:

10/04/2013

Employment End Date:

12/13/2013

Work Schedule:

9:30am to 8:30pm Monday through Thursday

9:30am to 4:30pm Friday

Interested applicants are asked to submit:

  • A detailed resume which includes a list of any courses completed relating to social justice, inclusion, education, qualitative research methods and facilitation/communication
  • A maximum one page letter of application which describes your interests or experiences with inclusion and exclusion and/or with social justice research or activism on or off campus
  • 2 written references from a previous employer, instructor/professor, supervisor or coordinator from a community organization where you have volunteered; letters from friends or family members will be excluded

Submit application in a single document (.doc or pdf) to include@mcmaster.ca. Electronic submissions only; please state “RA Application” in the subject line.

Applications must be received by September 17, 2013 at noon. Late applications will not be considered. Only those considered for the position will be contacted; all hiring will be completed by October 1st, 2013. Questions via phone, email, or in person regarding the position will not be responded to.