Research Assistant

Position Overview

The Research Assistant will contribute to a qualitative Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) project titled “Students’ Voices on Gender: Understanding Gender Perceptions in Academic and Career Choices.”
This project aims to explore how Yorkville University students’ beliefs about gender influence their academic experiences, confidence levels, and future career aspirations. The findings will help identify ways to better support all students in feeling empowered in their learning and professional development.
In this role, the Research Assistant will support key project activities, including conducting interviews and focus groups, assisting with participant coordination, documenting student perspectives, and supporting preliminary qualitative analysis. This is a part-time position totalling approximately 50 hours, with weekly hours varying based on project needs and participant availability.
This is a valuable opportunity for Yorkville University students to build research, communication, and facilitation skills while gaining hands-on experience in an academic research environment.

Project Overview

This SoTL project investigates Yorkville University students’ perceptions of gender and how these beliefs may influence their academic choices, classroom experiences, confidence, and career decision-making. The project centers students’ voices through qualitative methods such as individual interviews and focus groups. Research Assistants will help collect and summarize these insights while maintaining the highest ethical and confidentiality standards.

Key Responsibilities
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Conduct interviews with participants, collecting information, and recording the interviews.
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Assist in organizing and conducting focus groups with Yorkville University students.
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Assist in referring some participants for the research.
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Collect participants’ signatures on consent forms prior to data collection.
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Arrange meeting times with participants for both interviews and focus groups.
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Accurately record, summarize, and document participant responses.
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Creates reports summarizing the interviews.
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(If required) Assist with basic qualitative data analysis under supervision.
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Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical research standards.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Yorkville University. Any current students are expected to maintain an active status throughout the duration of this appointment.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Must be located in either BC or ON campuses.
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Must have completed at least four semesters at Yorkville University.
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Excellent interpersonal, listening, and communication skills.
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Comfortable leading conversations and building bonds with peers.
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Strong attention to detail and ability to take clear notes.
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Professionalism and respect for personal information.
• Previous research experience is an asset, particularly in educational projects
Skills, Experience & Competencies
Required:
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Strong qualitative communication and facilitation skills.
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Familiarity with basic research procedures and ethical handling of participant information.
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Fluency in English, with strong verbal and written communication skills.
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Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time-management abilities.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
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Commitment to ethical research practices and confidentiality.
Preferred:
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Background or interest in education, social sciences, or student experience research.
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Experience with qualitative data analysis or research design.
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Experience writing summaries or brief reports.
Training and Support
Selected candidates will receive training and guidance on:
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Interviewing and focus group facilitation techniques.
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Ethical and respectful handling of participant information.
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Basic qualitative data analysis (if applicable).

Commitment to support ongoing studies

To support academic excellence and promote student success, full-time (graduate) students may hold Research Assistantships totalling 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: May 1, 2026
End Date: June 30, 2027
Reporting To: Dr. Shimaa ElSherif
Location: BC/ON campus (depending on student location)
Duration: Approximately 50 total hours

Compensation: $25 per hour

Employment Status & Total Hours: Part-time, flexible hours based on project needs
Interested candidates should submit the following in one pdf file to: selsherif@yorkvilleu.ca
• A brief cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications for the role.
• A current CV highlighting relevant experience.
• Contact information for two professional or academic references. Deadline For Applications: March 31, 2026