Research assistant – casual position

Start date: April 13, 2026

Application deadline: April 03, 2026

Supervisor: Dr. Cynthia Spring

Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview

This research position will contribute to a study examining rapidly changing immigration and higher education policies and their effects on international and domestic students. This research asks: how have recent immigration and education policy changes affected students’ educational, employment, and migration experiences? The research assistant will contribute closely to two aspects of this project: 1) conducting case studies of selected post-secondary institutions in Ontario and 2) conducting interviews with students and recent graduates. They will also assist in integrating analysis of research findings emerging from case studies and interviews with completed statistical data analysis, through the lens of decolonial feminist political economy.

Key responsibilities

  1. Case studies of selected post-secondary intuitions
    • Conduct a review of selected universities publicly available governing documents, including strategic plans, meeting packages and submissions, and financial reports produced since 2023.
    • Collaborate on a comparative analysis of strategies towards increasing revenues within and across each case study within the context of evolving post-secondary education and immigration policy approaches.
    • Support the integration of case study analysis with statistical data analysis of labour market outcomes for post-secondary students.
  2. Interviews
    • Assist with participant recruitment and scheduling.
    • Assist in conducting and transcribing and/or checking transcription of interviews (conducted on MS Teams).
    • Collaborate in coding and analyzing qualitative data using NVivo.
    • Contribute to development of emerging themes.
  3. Other tasks related to research
    • Participate in regular research meetings with supervisor.
    • Support the development and implementation of knowledge mobilization strategies to communicate research findings.
    • Assist in the creation of research dissemination materials (e.g., reports, presentations, and online content).

The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Cynthia Spring at Athabasca University. Dr. Spring will provide adequate training for the case studies and interviews 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 sociology, political science, labour studies, migration studies, higher education, or a related field.
  • Experience in qualitative research required.
  • Experience in statistical data analysis is an asset.
  • Institutional access to a Research Data Centre is an asset
  • Excellent organization skills and ability to independently manage multiple tasks.
  • Strong communication skills and capacity for collaboration.
  • Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis software would be an advantage, but training will be provided if required.

What you’ll gain

  • Training in qualitative research methods and data management.
  • Mentorship and professional development.
  • Experience in mixed-methods research.
  • Experience in interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches.
  • Opportunity to contribute to publications and presentations.

How to apply

Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Cynthia Spring at cspring@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.

Please submit your complete application by April 3, 2026, which is the date when we will start to evaluate applications. The call will be kept open until a successful candidate is found.

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. Cynthia Spring at cspring@athabascau.ca

Assistantship