Research assistant – casual position

Start date: March 2022

Application deadline: March 14, 2022

Supervisor: Dr. Lisa Carter and Dr. Josie Auger

Faculty: Faculty of Science and Technology

Status: 35 hours per month over a 14-month period

Enhancing Rural and Regional Real Estate through Community Learning

Overview

This project is looking for a Research Assistant (RA2) to assist with an Alberta Real Estate Foundation-funded study that will investigate how Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge and relationality to the environment, contributes or not to the sustainability of rural Alberta communities. This initiative focuses on development of online learning resources linking Indigenous relationality of the environment to real estate. We will provide learning opportunities to professionals and the public so they can identify how real estate supports the economic, environmental and social recovery of rural and regional Alberta through equity, diversity, and inclusion. We will use design charrettes as a way to encourage participation in an interactive workshop for communities.

Under the guidance of your supervisors, the specific activities include, but are not limited to:

• Support collection and compilation of digital materials, images and other resources related to traditional ecological knowledge in Indigenous communities from Canada and other nations
• Contribute to the framing of the online resources
• Participate in the interpretation of community design planning (charettes) activities that will complement the online resources
• Prepare a report that provides a comprehensive survey of material and online framework of resources

The successful candidate will gain valuable knowledge in the broad disciplines of architectural design, anthropology, and Indigenous studies. Knowledge of Indigenous and colonial history is important. An understanding of “two‐eyed seeing” approach to research is an asset. Experience communicating with diverse audiences, including other academics and professionals within the scope of the study will be cultivated. It is preferable that the candidate is able to write effectively, and present materials using other forms of media, such as video and digital presentations. All skills acquired will be of benefit for professional transferability and the building of a portfolio.

The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Lisa Carter and Dr. Josie Auger at Athabasca University. They will provide training for the participant recruitment and scheduling, the collection of materials, organization and analysis, and dissemination of activities.

Qualifications

The total hours for this position is 35 hours per month over a 14-month period. The number of weekly hours will vary but be no more than 9 hours per week. Rate of pay is commensurate with experience and collective agreement provisions. Undergraduates near completion and graduate students are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have research interests and/or experience in any of the following areas: Indigenous studies, science, architecture, and anthropology. In cases where the applicant’s educational work, and lived background provide an exceptional combination of experience and knowledge, exceptions are possible. In light of the current COVID 19 context, work for this position will take place remotely. Should circumstances change during the timeframe of this work, there will be opportunities for the successful candidate to work in-person with the research team.

How to apply

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Josie Auger at jauger@athabascau.ca and Dr. Lisa Carter at lisac@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. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position; however, we will contact only candidates selected for an interview.

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. Auger and Dr. Carter, PhD at the coordinates above, on or before March 14, 2022.

Assistantship