Research Assistant, Generative AI

Mount Royal University; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Mount Royal University in Calgary, AB, invites applications for a Flexible Research Assistant, Generative AI, to join a project examining trust and adoption of chat-based AI. The role involves literature reviews, survey design in Qualtrics, and data analysis using NVivo.

The position requires TCPS 2 CORE, interview experience, and both qualitative and quantitative analysis skills. It offers about 10 hours per week with potential travel for conferences during spring/summer terms.

Qualifications

• Completed TCPS 2 CORE certificate.
• Experience conducting literature reviews.
• Experience conducting interviews.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Experience with NVivo is an asset.
• Experience with Qualtrics is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Attend regular meetings with PI and research team.
• Receive project-specific training and ethics training.
• Conduct systematic literature reviews and summarize key positions on trust and AI adoption.
• Assist with survey design, input, and modification in Qualtrics.
• Support survey analysis and transcription/analysis of interviews.
• Perform thematic analysis using NVivo.
• Synthesize research summaries and prepare presentations and internal reports.

Skills

Literature reviews

Interviews

Qualitative analysis

Quantitative analysis

Education

TCPS 2 CORE certificate

Tools

NVivo

Qualtrics

Job description

Research Assistant, Generative AI - (4075)

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Job Title

Research Assistant, Generative AI

Job Type

Flexible

Union

MRSA

Salary Grade

RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026)

RA 2 : Grade 13 ($21.87 - $27.61 per hour)

Hybrid Work

This position is eligible

Position End Date

10/1/2027

Location

About this Position

About the Project

Chat-based generative artificial intelligence (AI) is now widely used in Canada, despite public skepticism about the reliability of its outputs. National data indicate that Canadians who express concern about the accuracy of generative AI continue to rely on these systems in everyday decision-making. Existing models of technology adoption assume that trust is a necessary condition for use. Evidence from Canada suggests that this assumption may no longer hold. This project addresses that gap by examining the trust-use paradox in generative AI. The primary objective of the project is to develop a post-trust framework for understanding the adoption and continued use of chat-based generative AI. Rather than treating trust as the central explanatory variable, the research examines how reliance persists despite skepticism. It focuses on the communicative dynamics of human-AI interaction, the design and interface features that signal authority or credibility, and the broader epistemic context associated with post-truth environments. The project asks three questions: Why do Canadian users continue to use generative AI while reporting low confidence in its reliability? Which communication and design features increase acceptance of AI output despite skepticism? Is trust still a valid construct for explaining adoption and use among general audiences?

About the Role

• Attend regular meetings with the PI and research team
• Receive project-specific training
• Complete supplementary ethics training
• Support the systematic literature review by conducting database searches, screening abstracts, and summarizing key theoretical positions related to trust, technology adoption, and generative AI.
• Assist with preparatory research activities that support survey design, including reviewing relevant literature on trust measures and reliance behaviours and assisting with research documentation.
• Support survey input and modification in Qualtrics
• Support survey analysis
• Support transcription & analysis of interviews
• Conducting comparative thematic analysis using NVivo.
• Synthesis and dissemination-based activities such as, but not limited to, assisting with the preparation of research summaries, presentation materials, and internal reports suitable for academic and public audiences.

This is a Flexible RA position which is expected to work approximately10 hours per week, with flexibility depending on the project stage.

Therole has potential travel opportunities for conferences in the spring/summer semesters.Priority will be given to individuals who are available for the project’s duration (2 years).

Requirements

• Completed TCPS 2 CORE certificate
• Experience conducting literature reviews
• Experience conducting interviews
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Experience with NVivo is an asset
• Experience with Qualtrics is an asset

Closing Date: October 15, 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 .