Research assistant – casual position
Start date: Will commence when a suitable candidate is found
Application deadline: Will remain until filled
Supervisor: Dr. Matthieu Caron
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview
This research position will contribute to a project examining the historical evolution of False Creek, Vancouver. Of notable research questions to this project is how local governments have framed the inlet and its shores through the prisms of industry, property, the environment, and settler-colonial relationships.
The research assistant will support archival and secondary-source research, helping to build a structured research corpus that will inform research results. The RA will play a key role in organizing and synthesizing materials related to various aspects of the research project including how law, urban governance, and the environment have shaped Vancouver’s twentieth century history.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to
- Producing detailed notes on primary and secondary sources
- Maintaining and organizing a digital research database
- Conducting targeted archival and literature searches (municipal records, legal documents, newspapers, etc.)
- Assist in compiling annotated bibliographies and research datasets
- Identifying relevant themes, actors, and case studies within the broader project
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Matthieu Caron at Athabasca University. Dr. Caron will provide adequate training to produce notes and archival research that will be required.
This position is about 10 hours a week for 4 months, with possibility of extension. The rate of pay will be commensurate with experience and collective agreement provisions.
Qualifications
- Graduate student or recent graduate in history, geography, urban studies, or a related field
- Familiarity with historical research methods and archival work
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively
- Assets: familiarity with Vancouver history, French-language skills, and Chicago citation style
What you will gain
- Hands-on experience with archival and historical research in a funded academic project
- Training in research design, data organization, and scholarly methods
- Mentorship and professional development
- Experience contributing to a major research project on urban history
How to apply
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Matthieu Caron at mcaron@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. Matthieu Caron at mcaron@athabascau.ca.
Assistantship