Research assistant – casual position

Start date: November 03, 2025

Application deadline: Will remain until filled

Supervisor: Dr. Lisa M. Gray

Faculty: Faculty of Health Disciplines

Overview

This Graduate Research Assistant position is intended to support Dr. Lisa Gray’s research in The Parent Lab at Athabasca University (AU). Dr. Gray is an assistant professor in the Master of Counselling program at AU. The successful candidate will assist with research, including qualitative studies on maternal mental health, the parent-child relationship, parenting practices and beliefs, and instructor training. Current studies include; Voices of Mothers: An Exploration of Maternal Mental Health Priorities, "Mom Blaming" in Online Spaces, and The Influence of Social Media on Maternal Guilt and Shame.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Supporting grant and research ethics applications
  • Organizing and updating research materials and tools (e.g., calendars, websites, etc.)
  • Communicating with Dr. Gray’s research network
  • Collaborating with research team members
  • Budget management
  • Conducting and supporting literature reviews
  • Data collection (e.g., document collection, interviewing)
  • Data analysis
  • Writing and/or presenting results (policy briefs, manuscripts, research talks)
  • Meetings with Dr. Gray and additional research team members

The successful candidate will work with and directly report to Dr. Lisa Gray at Athabasca University. Dr. Gray will provide training and mentorship for all activities. The successful candidate will gain experience in research activities and coordination. This is a casual position with flexible hours. This is a virtual position, and your work will be completed in your home office.

Qualifications

  1. Graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., counselling psychology)
  2. Strong organizational skills (e.g., calendars, budgets, etc.)
  3. Strong communication skills, including written and spoken
  4. Experience with research management preferred
  5. Experience working with relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Office, video-conferencing)
  6. Interest in maternal mental health, parenting, and qualitative research
  7. Affinity towards learning and adapting skills to fit the duties specified above

How to apply

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Lisa Gray at lgray@athabascau.ca.

Applications should include a single PDF document with the following:

  1. A brief cover letter summarizing your relevant experience, skills, and interests
  2. A current curriculum vitae or resume
  3. A list of 2 references (to be contacted after candidates are selected for an interview)

Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and continue until a suitable candidate is found. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position. However, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Athabasca University and its researchers are committed to supporting 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 Graduate Research Assistant opportunity, please contact Dr. Lisa Gray at lgray@athabascau.ca. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate is found.

Lisa M. Gray, PhD, Registered Provisional Psychologist
Assistant Professor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Master of Counselling
Faculty of Health Disciplines
Athabasca University

lgray@athabascau.ca

1-800-694-8456 (toll-free)

Assistantship