Research Assistant IV

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, invites applications for a Research Assistant supporting the Pathways to Home project. The role provides specialized research support to faculty, performing literature reviews, preparing ethics applications, and coordinating interviews and coding.

Under supervision, you will contribute to journal articles, policy briefs, and conference presentations, and help manage data.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a PhD at McMaster University with eligibility to work under grant terms.
• Experience designing literature reviews and ethics protocols.
• Strong skills in interviewing and qualitative coding.

Responsibilities

• Oversee literature review and prepare ethics applications.
• Conduct student and stakeholder interviews and coding.
• Collaborate on journal articles, policy briefs, and presentations.
• Coordinate data collection and data management per procedures.

Skills

Qualitative analysis

Literature review

Statistical analysis

Interviewing

Research coordination

Education

PhD student

Tools

Statistical software

Job description

Department, Unit or Project Description:

The RA will support the Pathways to Home project, a SSHRC-funded study of university student housing experiences in Canada. Responsibilities include overseeing the literature review, preparing the ethics application, conducting student and stakeholder interviews, and leading qualitative coding and analysis. The RA will also collaborate with the research team on journal articles, the policy brief, and conference presentations.

Outputs: 1) Literature review; 2) Ethics application and interview protocols; 3) Student and stakeholder interviews; 4) Coded dataset and thematic analysis; 5) Co-authored articles and presentations.

Eligibility: Current PhD student at McMaster University.

Job Summary:

Provides specialized research support to faculty members in their teaching/ laboratory activities. Work is performed independently.

Accountabilities:

• Designs, adapts and performs specialized research procedures.
• Carries out complex statistical analysis.
• Assists with recruiting participants for studies.
• Coordinates and conducts structured project participant interviews and focus groups.
• Conducts literature reviews and synthesis.
• Coordinates the use of laboratory equipment.
• Records, classifies, and summarizes research data according to established procedures.
• Performs other related tasks as outlined by the research coordinator

Successful candidate needs to be currently completing their PhD per grant requirements

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on‑site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in‑person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third‑party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.