Research Assistant

Position Overview

The Research Assistant will contribute to a study examining the use of novel media types and VR technologies to enhance the post-secondary learning environment. In this role, the Research Assistant will support key project activities, including collating data, assisting with data collection and analysis, helping to set up VR equipment, conducting short interviews, and contributing to report preparation. This is a part-time position with a maximum of 200 hours, with expected weekly hours varying between 5 and 10 hours.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to build valuable research, analytical and organizational skills while gaining hands-on experience in a professional academic environment.

Project Overview

Exploring Modes of Virtual Pedagogy – Process, Production & Impact is a project exploring the cost, difficulty of development, and educational impact of 3D and 360 video formats across multiple delivery methods including both high- and low-end VR systems. Specifically, this project will focus on exploring the cost and difficulties for a university to create this media, the possibilities of building a media-creation pipeline, and the cost-to-benefit for post-secondary students.

After filming and editing educational content in the new media types, the videos will be presented to three groups of subjects who will review the media, each with a different form of delivery (traditional screens, low-end VR and high-end VR). The subjects will then be given a survey to fill out about their experience and be debriefed by the survey staff.

After reviewing and interpreting the data, all information will be compiled into a single research document outlining the findings of the research for institutional review and further dissemination

Key Responsibilities

•
Literature Review: Conduct literature searches, synthesize research on faculty engagement and institutional research capacity, and prepare annotated bibliographies or thematic summaries.
•
Data Analysis: Clean and organize quantitative data, support qualitative coding and analysis, and perform preliminary statistical analyses under supervision.
•
Report Writing: Develop visual data representations and draft key findings, summaries, and reports for dissemination.
•
Equipment setup: Help with the setting up and troubleshooting of VR headsets.
•
Ethics and Compliance: Ensure research activities comply with ethical standards, maintain participant confidentiality, and securely manage data.
•
Administrative Support: Track project timelines and deliverables, and coordinate meetings and communications with participants.
Qualifications
•
Currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Yorkville University. Any current students are expected to maintain active status throughout the duration of this appointment.
•
A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
•
Experience with or interest in VR technologies and video creation.
•
Experience in collecting and interpreting data.
•
Previous research experience is an asset, particularly in educational projects
Skills, Experience & Competencies
Required:
•
Demonstrated experience with quantitative and qualitative research methods.
•
Experience with VR technologies
•
Familiarity with digital databases and research protocols
•
Fluency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills
•
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management abilities
•
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote or hybrid environment
•
Commitment to ethical research practices and maintaining confidentiality

Preferred:
•
Background in education, higher education administration, or a related field
•
Experience with research design and implementation
•
Experience with academic writing and report preparation

Commitment to support ongoing studies
To support academic excellence and promote student success, full-time (graduate) students may hold Research Assistantships totaling no more than 10 hours per week from all GTA/GRA sources combined in any academic term. This limit ensures that students can maintain strong academic standing and balance their scholarly and professional commitments effectively. Engagement in outside employment or other activities is welcomed when it aligns with students’ academic and professional goals and does not compromise their academic performance or progress.

Contract Details
Start Date: June 22nd
Reporting To: Marco Bertuzzo
Location: Onsite at Steeles campus, with some remote work
Duration: Five Months

Employment Status & Total Hours: Part-Time, 5-10 hours per week (Totalling a maximum of 200 hours)
Interested candidates should submit the following in one pdf file to mbertuzzo@yorkvilleu.ca
•
A brief cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the role.
•
A current CV highlighting relevant experience.
•
A writing sample, such as a research paper or literature review.
•
Contact information for two professional or academic references.

Deadline For Applications: June 12th