Research Assistant 3, Youth Transitions Study (Graduate Lead / PAR & Photovoice)

Mount Royal University; Calgary; On-site; CAD 38,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta is seeking a Graduate Lead Research Assistant for the Youth Transitions Study (YTS). You will coordinate the PAR process locally, working with youth participants, the national team, and project partners to advance policy and practice through participatory methods.

The role runs ~14 weeks with weekly sessions, variable hours (3–35 per week), and a strong emphasis on trauma-informed, youth-centered engagement.

Qualifications

• Current Master’s or PhD student in a related field.
• Experience with youth and/or young adults.
• Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community engagement activities.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods.
• Lived or living experience relevant to the project is welcomed and valued.

Responsibilities

• Participate in PAR and Photovoice training provided by the national team.
• Assist with participant recruitment and retention.
• Facilitate weekly PAR/Photovoice sessions with youth co-researchers.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and youth-centred environment.
• Support youth participants in photography, reflection, discussion, and collaborative analysis activities.
• Maintain project documentation and field notes.
• Coordinate participant honoraria and project logistics.
• Work collaboratively with youth co-researchers to identify themes, findings, and recommendations.
• Support the development of a community presentation, exhibit, or other knowledge mobilization activity.
• Participate in meetings with the national YTS team and Dr. Melanie Doucet.

Skills

Youth engagement

Group facilitation

Qualitative methods

Independent work

Collaborative work

Education

Current Master’s or PhD student in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field.

Job description

Research Assistant 3, Youth Transitions Study (Graduate Lead / PAR & Photovoice) - (4081)

Job Title

Research Assistant 3, Youth Transitions Study (Graduate Lead / PAR & Photovoice)

Job Type

Flexible

Union

MRSA

Salary Grade

RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026)

RA 3 : Grade 19 ($27.61 - $34.97 per hour)

Hybrid Work

This position is ineligible

Position End Date

6/30/2027

Location

About the Project

The Youth Transitions Study (YTS) is a national longitudinal research project examining the experiences of young people transitioning from child welfare services into adulthood. As part of the project, each jurisdiction will conduct a Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Photovoice
initiative with young people who have lived experience of child welfare involvement. The PAR project will engage approximately 8–10 youth co-researchers aged 18+ in a series of facilitated sessions focused on exploring factors that support or hinder successful transitions to adulthood. Through photography, discussion, reflection, and collaborative analysis, participants will identify key themes and recommendations for policy and practice. The project will culminate in a community knowledge mobilization activity or public exhibit. The PAR projects will be supported nationally by Dr. Melanie Doucet, who will provide training, mentorship, and methodological guidance. The position will report to Christina Tortorelli, Academic Director, Associate Professor – Social Work at Mount Royal University.

About the Role

We are seeking a graduate (Masters or Doctoral) student to serve as the local PAR Research Lead. The successful candidate will coordinate and facilitate the PAR process within their jurisdiction and work closely with local project partners, youth participants, and the national research team.

The project will run over approximately 14 weeks, with weekly participant sessions, preparation time, participant follow-up, and project coordination activities.

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 PAR and Photovoice training provided by the national team.
• Assist with participant recruitment and retention.
• Facilitate weekly PAR/Photovoice sessions with youth co-researchers.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and youth-centred environment.
• Support youth participants in photography, reflection, discussion, and collaborative analysis activities.
• Maintain project documentation and field notes.
• Coordinate participant honoraria and project logistics.
• Work collaboratively with youth co-researchers to identify themes, findings, and recommendations.
• Support the development of a community presentation, exhibit, or other knowledge mobilization activity.
• Participate in meetings with the national YTS team and Dr. Melanie Doucet.

Qualifications

Preferred:

• Current Master's or PhD student in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education,
• Public Health, Community Development, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth and/or young adults.
• Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community engagement activities.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a larger research team.

Assets:

• Experience with Participatory Action Research (PAR), Photovoice, community-based research, or arts-based methodologies.
• Experience working with youth involved in child welfare systems, homelessness services, or related community sectors.
• Lived or living experience relevant to the project is welcomed and valued.

Closing Date: October 14, 2026

If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify [e-mail] and we will work together on your accommodation request.

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 .