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 the representation of autism in French and Québécois literature. The research integrates insights from psychology, neuropsychology, and the medical sciences into humanities-based research.

Specific activities include, but are not limited to

  • Conduct comprehensive searches for scholarly articles related to autism in psychology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, and related fields.
  • Summarize and organize findings in clear and accessible formats.
  • Compare and synthesize theoretical approaches to autism in the psychological and medical sciences.
  • Assist in integrating medical and psychological knowledge into literary and humanities-based analysis.

This project will explore how medical knowledge can inform interdisciplinary research on the cultural and literary representation of autism.

The primary job duties for the research assistant (Research Assistant 2) will include conducting literature reviews, summarizing scientific research, and supporting interdisciplinary integration of medical and humanities perspectives.

The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Gabriel Proulx at Athabasca University. Dr. Proulx will provide adequate training for conducting specialized literature reviews and synthesizing psychological and medical research for use in a humanities-based context.

Qualifications

  • Graduate-level students (e.g., Master of Counselling, Master of Health Studies, Master of Nursing, or similar) preferred; senior undergraduate students will also be considered.
  • Demonstrated research experience in psychology, neuropsychology, psychiatry, or a related field.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Coursework or prior research focused on autism is considered a strong asset.
  • Knowledge of French is considered an asset.
  • Interest in interdisciplinary research connecting scientific and literary approaches.

This position will help students strengthen their skills in literature searching, academic synthesis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and integrating psychological research into broader humanities contexts.

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 summarizing skills, interests, and experience.
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae.
  • 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