Graduate Research Assistant

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent Canadian academic institution is seeking a Graduate Research Assistant to support research activities at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy. Successful candidates will work closely with Dr. Louis‑Robert Beaulieu‑Guay to assess data quality, validate and clean datasets, and retrieve essential information. This part-time role requires at least a master's degree and proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Programming skills in R and Git are assets. Applications should be sent via email.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in a public policy-related discipline.
• Currently registered in a research-oriented graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is required.

Responsibilities

• Assess quality of systematically extracted textual data.
• Contribute to validation and cleaning of textual dataset.
• Conduct systematic manual information retrieval from PDFs.

Skills

Strong attention to detail

Ability to perform repetitive tasks

Independent planning and deadline management

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Programming skills in R and Git

Education

Master's degree in relevant public policy discipline

Currently registered in research-oriented graduate program

Job description

Graduate Research Assistant, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) is recruiting a Graduate Research Assistant to work with and report to Dr. Louis‑Robert Beaulieu‑Guay, Assistant Professor at JSGS.

Responsibilities

The typical duties of the Research Assistant will be:

• Assessing the quality of systematically extracted textual data.
• Contributing to the validation and cleaning of a textual dataset.
• Conducting systematic manual information retrieval from PDF documents to identify and extract missing data for dataset completion.

Work location: Diefenbaker Building where JSGS is located.

Employment Details

Required Number of Hours: Six hours per week

Duration of Employment: February 9 to May 1, 2026 (11 weeks)

Qualifications

Minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in a public policy‑relevant discipline (e.g., political science, sociology, economics, law, etc.). Preference will be given to applicants currently registered in a research‑oriented graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan.

• Strong attention to detail and meticulous focus on minutiae.
• Demonstrated ability to perform and excel in repetitive tasks.
• Proven capacity to work independently, plan effectively, adhere to timelines, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Programming skills or literacy in R and Git (e.g., GitHub or GitLab) are considered an asset.

To Apply

• Applicants must include the following in a single PDF file: cover letter, CV/resume, and up to two references. In the cover letter, please make explicit mention of any research projects in which you have been involved.
• Applications must be sent via email to [e-mail]. The subject line should read: “Application – RA for Professor Beaulieu-Guay”.

Where a graduate student from the University of Saskatchewan is appointed to this position, it will be in scope of PSAC.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.