Design Research Assistant Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

About the Role A Research Assistant (RA) is sought to support the SSHRC-funded study, "Exploring the radical possibilities of artists-in-residence in a department of education," led by Dr. Kristen Schaffer. This multi-phased critical practitioner inquiry explores the transformative potential of bringing together artists and students in the Bachelor of Education program within the course EDUC3104: Arts Integration in Elementary Education.

Because the Principal Investigator (PI) is also the course instructor, the RA plays a critical role in mitigating the risk of coercion by acting as a confidential buffer between the PI and the student participants. The RA will take part in observational data collection during an 8-week course followed by a 5-week practicum in a local elementary school, looking at the interactions of the course instructor, a professional artist-in-residence, teacher candidates, mentor teachers, and children. They will manage student consent, independently gather and anonymize data (photographs, videos, and student learning outputs), and actively engage as a participant-researcher by contributing critical field notes.

In the winter semester, the RA will assist with data processing and qualitative analysis. There is opportunity for co-publishing research articles. This RA position will work approximately 9 - 12 hours per week from September 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.

Responsibilities Managing Participant Consent & Confidentiality Buffer Introduce the study to participants in Aug-Sept. Administer, collect, and securely store consent forms. Maintain absolute confidentiality of student consent status.

Co-Conducting Protocols & Data Collection (Classroom Engagement) Attend some EDUC3104 classes. Capture audio/visual documentation (photographs and videos) of classroom activities. Answer participants' questions about the research project.

Participant-Researcher Contributions Act as a co-researcher by recording critically reflective field notes after each class to document the PI's teaching and the class experience. Participate in weekly 1-hour planning and debriefing meetings with the PI and the artist-in-residence. Data Preparation & Anonymization Post-grade appeal, meticulously scrub and anonymize data to the highest degree possible before releasing them to the PI for analysis.

Sort and delete data from participants who did not consent, or who exercised their right to withdraw their data during the 2-week withdrawal window. Research Co-Design & Qualitative Analysis Collaborate with the PI to co-design research protocols and data management workflows. Assist the PI in qualitative data analysis, identifying thematic patterns across the scrubbed data, field notes, and transcriptions.

Assist in preparing materials for future dissemination (presentations, publications). Qualifications Currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree program. Must not be enrolled in MRU's Department of Education to avoid dual-role conflicts with the PI and to ensure an appropriate buffer from the students.

Must hold TCPS 2: CORE-2022 Certification (or successfully complete prior to hiring) the Tri-Council Policy Statement Course (2022) on Research Ethics. 1 - 6 months of related experience. Demonstrated ability to handle highly confidential information.

The RA must be comfortable maintaining strict boundaries and keeping information secret from their direct supervisor (the PI) to comply with HREB requirements. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple streams of digital and physical data securely (e.g., using password-protected Google Drives, separating consented vs. non-consented materials)

Comfortable using Qualtrics (or similar survey tools), Otter.ai (or similar transcription software), basic digital photography, and Google Workspace. Approachable, and professional demeanor to build trust with university student and child participants and collaboratively engage in debriefing meetings with the PI and Artist-in-Residence. Salary: RA 2 : Grade 13 ($21.87 - $27.61 per hour) Closing Date: August 31, 2026 A letter of interest should be submitted in one .pdf formatted document

Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Document], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Smith, Letter of Interest, 1234.pdf).