Research Assistant 1, Youth Participation Project

Mount Royal University; Calgary; On-site; CAD 21,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Work Schedule

Union MRSA

Job summary

Mount Royal University is seeking a Research Assistant 1 for the Youth Participation Project to support qualitative analysis and literature reviews. The role involves contributing to the YPAR process, drafting summaries, and assisting with dissemination activities.

The project explores how youth participation influences leadership, civic engagement, and developmental outcomes, using qualitative longitudinal methods and arts-based components.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with qualitative research methods.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and cultural humility with vulnerable participants.
• Open to learning analytical skills using NVivo software.

Responsibilities

• Participate in coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo or similar software.
• Assist with literature reviews.
• Actively participates as part of the YPAR process.
• Contribute to drafting summary documents, reports, presentations, or other dissemination activities.

Skills

Qualitative methods

Interpersonal communication

Cultural humility

Willingness to learn analytics

Education

Bachelor of Social Work (MRU) enrollment

Tools

NVivo

Job description

Research Assistant 1, Youth Participation Project - (4089)

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Job Title

Research Assistant 1, Youth Participation Project

Job Type

Flexible

Union

MRSA

Salary Grade

RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026)

RA 1 : Grade 12 ($15.45 - $19.44 per hour)

Hybrid Work

This position is ineligible

Position End Date

3/15/2028

Location

About this Position

About the Role

Research Assistant – The Power of Voice: Youth Participation in Systems Change. The project examines how participation in the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Youth Council influences young people’s leadership capacity, sense of agency, civic engagement and developmental outcomes over time. The study uses a qualitative longitudinal design grounded in Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory, and includes interviews, researcher journaling, Youth ResearchCollaborative meetings, and arts-based mural creation. The RA will assist with literature review and thematic analysis of the de-identified data. They will also participate in the YPAR process.

This is a flexible Research Assistant position whose work schedule is variable and may include an irregular schedule of not less than three (3) hours per shift and up to thirty-five (35) hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Participate in coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo or similar software.
• Assist with literature reviews
• Actively participates as part of the YPAR process
• Contribute to drafting summary documents, reports, presentations, or other dissemination activities.

Qualifications

Required:

• Familiarity with qualitative research methods
• Excellent interpersonal communication and cultural humility when working with data involving vulnerable participants.
• Open to learning analytical skills using NVivo software

Preferred:

• Current enrollment in the Bachelor of Social Work or related programs at Mount Royal University (Preferably entering 2nd or 3rd year)
• Familiarity with research ethics in qualitative studies
• Interest in learning how to work with qualitative data through thematic analysis.
• Understanding of how to complete a literature review
• Ability to work independently and manage emotional or sensitive material.

Closing Date: October 16, 2026

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan .