Research assistant – casual position

Start date: November 01, 2025

Application deadline: October 19, 2025

Term: November 01, 2025, to March 01, 2026

Supervisor: Dr. Gabriel Proulx

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview

This project, The Autistic Gaze: Autism Representation and Autistic Ethos in French-Language Literature, examines how autism is represented in French-language literature, with particular attention to French and Québécois authors. The research explores how these representations intersect with cultural, sociological, and critical understandings of autism, integrating literary analysis with insights from the social sciences.

Specific activities include, but are not limited to

  • Identify and compile French-language novels and literary works that engage with autism.
  • Conduct research on sociological, cultural, and critical approaches to autism.
  • Contribute to the analysis of autistic representation in French and Québécois literature.
  • Assist in integrating literary and critical perspectives into the project’s broader interdisciplinary framework.

This project will contribute to understanding how autism is both represented and culturally constructed in French-language literature, highlighting intersections between literary creativity and disability studies.

The primary job duties for the research assistant (Research Assistant 2) will include identifying relevant texts, conducting research, and contributing to interdisciplinary literary analysis.

The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Gabriel Proulx at Athabasca University. Dr. Proulx will provide adequate training for conducting literature reviews and synthesizing both literary and academic works, as well as engaging in interdisciplinary research.

Qualifications

  • Graduate-level students (e.g., Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies) preferred; senior undergraduate students will also be considered.
  • Strong academic background in literature, cultural studies, or related humanities disciplines.
  • Prior research experience in the humanities and/or social sciences.
  • Fluency in French (reading and writing) is required.
  • Experience or demonstrated interest in the medical humanities is considered a strong asset.
  • Interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of literature, critical disability studies, and autism studies.

This position will help students strengthen their skills in research, literary analysis, cultural studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly at the intersection of the humanities and critical disability studies.

How to apply

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Gabriel Proulx at gproulx@athabascau.ca. Applications must be received by October 19, 2025.

Applications should include (as a single PDF file):

  • A brief cover letter (in French) summarizing skills, interests, and experience.
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae (in English or French).
  • An unofficial copy of academic transcript.
  • Contact information for 1–2 references.

Athabasca University and the researchers are committed to and seek to support equity in employment and research opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, and other historically marginalized groups. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to self-identify in their letter of application.

For more information on this Research Assistant Opportunity, please contact Dr. Gabriel Proulx at the coordinates below, on or before October 19, 2025.

Dr. Gabriel Proulx
Assistant Professor of French
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
gproulx@athabascau.ca

Hours per week may vary based upon activity. This position has a maximum of 40 hours.

Assistantship