Research assistant – casual position

Start date: Will commence when a suitable candidate is found

Application deadline: August 18, 2025

Supervisor: Dr. Tobias Wiggins

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview:

The Translab, an interdisciplinary research hub advancing critical research in Transgender Studies, is hiring a part-time, temporary Research Assistant. This position supports an upcoming knowledge mobilization initiative focused on transgender human rights in Alberta, including the planning and delivery of a hybrid event for trans community members, legal professionals, and researchers.

This opportunity is ideal for a current AU undergraduate or graduate student with interests in gender justice, human rights, legal education, or community-engaged research. Students from programs such as Gender Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Sociology, or Social Work are encouraged to apply. Those with lived experience or community involvement with trans, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse communities are especially welcome.

The Research Assistant will support the initiative by:

  1. Participating in project development meetings with Dr. Tobias Wiggins and collaborators;
  2. Assisting with community outreach, consultation, and social media engagement;
  3. Supporting the planning, execution, and documentation of a public-facing hybrid workshop;
  4. Contributing to the curation and dissemination of accessible post-event materials

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist in workshop coordination, including logistics, accessibility, and online participation
  • Liaise with guest speakers, community members, and legal partners as needed
  • Lead or support targeted promotional outreach and digital media design
  • Prepare post-event content for the Translab website and social media platforms
  • Participate in knowledge-sharing and evaluation activities
  • Support data organization and archiving for future mobilization or publication

Training and Mentorship:

Dr. Tobias Wiggins will provide training in event coordination, digital tools, community consultation, and knowledge mobilization practices. The RA will gain skills in interdisciplinary research support, legal-literacy advocacy, and public engagement within a feminist and trans-affirming framework.

The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Tobias Wiggins at Athabasca University. Dr. Tobias Wiggins will provide adequate training for the research, methodological, and technological skills that will be required.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will:

  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at Athabasca University (exceptions may be made for applicants with equivalent training or experience)
  • Demonstrate interest in transgender studies, legal justice, or community-based research
  • Have experience in arts-informed, social media, or public-facing communication
  • Bring lived experience or prior work with trans, non-binary Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse communities
  • Be comfortable working independently and in collaboration with others

Hours and Compensation:

This is a SO-hour casual position distributed over six months, up to one year. The number of weekly hours will vary. Rate of pay commensurate with experience and collective agreement provisions.

How to apply:

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Tobias Wiggins (twiggins@athabascau.ca). Applications should include (as a single PDF file) a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience, and a current resume or curriculum vitae.

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found.

Given the identity-focused nature of this position, transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming, and Two Spirit candidates will be prioritized for the research assistantship.

Athabasca University and the researchers are committed 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. Wiggins at the coordinates below, on or before August 18, 2025.

Contact Information:

twiggins@athabascau.ca
Tobias B. D. Wiggins, PhD | he/him
Associate Professor Women's & Gender Studies
Athabasca University Toll free: 1-877-631-0011 Website: tobywiggins.com

Assistantship