Research Assistant

Job Title

Research Assistant

Requisition #

X00001.256

Job Type

Hourly (for Casual)

Union or Employee Group

Non MRSA Casual

Classification

Position End Date (if applicable)

8/31/2024

Location:

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

Posting

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. Mount Royal has carved out a distinct niche by offering smaller class sizes, a robust liberal education and unique undergraduate programs. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 40 majors.

Mount Royal University is located in the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of the Treaty 7 region in southern Alberta, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut'ina and the Iyarhe Nakoda. We are situated on land where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. The traditional Blackfoot name of this place is "Mohkinstsis," which we now call the city of Calgary. The city of Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

About the Project

Strut That Stroll is an award-winning, SSHRC-funded research project on the people, places, and politics of Calgary's historic adult consensual sex industry from the start of colonial settlement in the 1870s up to and including the mid-twentieth century. It is also a walking tour that has been offered as “Booze, Broads, and Brothels” since summer 2017. Currently in its third and final phase, the research is currently being collated and curated into a website and walking tour brochure/map.

About the Role

Are you interested in gaining work experience in project coordination, social impact research, content development, event planning, and social media marketing? This temporary, part-time position is an opportunity to expand your leadership and organizational skills while supporting the final phase of an ongoing research project on the people, places, and politics of Calgary's historic adult consensual sex industry. You will support Dr. Kimberly A. Williams, Professor of Women's and Gender Studies here at MRU, by conducting organizational and literature reviews, event planning and coordination, website design, social media management, and data visualization. The time commitment is roughly 7-8 hours per week for 8 weeks between June 1 and August 31. This is an ideal position for a person looking for flexible, casual employment during Summer 2024, with the opportunity to gain work experience in project coordination, social impact research, digital content development, event planning, and social media marketing.

Responsibilities

Assist in designing and developing written and visual content for a new website and other related materials.

Support the creation and distribution of marketing and communication efforts where identified (e.g. web-based information, social media, advertising to students, faculty, and external MRU community etc.).

Coordinate a website and map launch event (i.e. secure room booking; AV equipment; organize printing and advertising of materials; transportation and parking reimbursement for guests, catering etc.).

Help to prepare and present information to the broader group of community partners, other students and on-campus stakeholders, and/or the broader public.

Attend meetings and workshops as required.

Qualifications

Previous coursework or experience in women's and gender studies, sociology, journalism, social work, anthropology, or related fields is preferred but not required.

Commitment to and advanced knowledge of feminist theories and principles.

Strong interest in social justice, gender equality, and related issues.

Excellent research skills, including familiarity with academic databases and literature reviews.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

Strong communication skills, including the ability to articulate ideas clearly both verbally and in writing.

Attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.

Sensitivity to working with diverse populations and commitment to promoting inclusivity.

Willingness to learn and adapt to new tasks and responsibilities as needed.

Reliable and responsible work ethic, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.

Able to work independently, with only occasional supervision.

Respect for confidentiality and ethical guidelines in research.

Strong project management and organizational skills.

Basic understanding of social media marketing and advertising strategies.

Excellent email etiquette and professionalism in a work environment interacting with diverse stakeholders.

Tech savvy; proficient with Google Docs, Google Forms, Google Sheets, virtual meeting platforms, etc.

Preference will be given to current MRU students minoring in Women's and Gender Studies and/or those with lived or living experience in the sex industry.

Salary: $25 per hour

Closing Date: May 20, 2024

Should you have any questions about this position, please contact Professor Kimberly A. Williams at kawilliams(at)mtroyal.ca.

Please submit a cover letter and resume as one .pdf formatted document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: Last Name, Requisition Number.pdf (ex. Smith, Project Assistant, 999999.pdf).

If you require an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [email protected] and we will work together on the accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Mount Royal University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to fostering diversity as a source of excellence, intellectual and cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, faculty and their scholarship including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual or gender identity, ethnic, national or socio-economic background, religion or age.