Research assistant – casual position
Start date: November 01, 2023
Application deadline: September 21, 2023
Term: November 01, 2023, to November 30, 2023
Supervisor: Dr. Davina Bhandar
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview
This project is examining historically relevant documents in the larger Punjabi and Sikh diaspora in Western Canada and the United States. The project is established to challenge forms of memory and heritage narratives of “pioneer” Punjabi Canadian communities in the areas by tracing key pieces in the historical migration and settler relationships that have been established throughout British Columbia, Alberta and the Pacific Northwest.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to:
The primary duties for the research assistant Graduate Research Assistant PhD will include:
- Punjabi – English Translation of transcripts and documents.
- Archival research at three site locations in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
- Organization of Fonds and other files that are relevant to research question.
- Maintaining annotated descriptor notes on files
- Creating space and opportunity for townhall meetings to discuss relevance of heritage sites, forms of storytelling, historical intersectionality, providing alternative perspectives from a critical caste, gender, sexuality and class analysis.
- Develop a research based paper in co-authorship based in the research materials.
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr.Davina Bhandar at Athabasca University. Dr.Davina Bhandar will provide adequate training for the translation, archival research, community engagement and knowledge dissemination that will be required.
Qualifications
- Fluency in Punjabi
- Translation skills
- Demonstrated critical analysis
- Connection to a diverse set of communities
This research poses to student researchers in this area of study the opportunity to support their work in the areas of critical ethnic studies, the emergent field of Punjabi/ Settler studies in the Pacific North West and Alberta.
How to apply
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Davina Bhandar at dbhandar@athabascau.ca. Applications should include (as a single PDF file) a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience; a current resume or curriculum vitae; an unofficial copy of your transcript; and the contact information for 1‐2 references.
Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will 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 the researchers are committed 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. Davina Bhandar, PhD at the coordinates below, on or before September 21, 2023.
Hours per week are approximate and may vary based upon activity in the course. The hourly wage for this position is $20.50 per hour.
Dr. Davina Bhandar
dbhandar@athabascau.ca