Research Assistant - Métis Archival Project

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable Canadian university located in Edmonton is seeking a Research Assistant for the Métis Archival Project. This role involves research, data entry, and archival document analysis. Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Humanities, be detail-oriented, and have strong research skills. The position offers a salary range of $25.66 to $34.36 per hour and is full-time until May 30, 2026, located on-site at North Campus.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures outlined by senior staff.
• Experience conducting archival research is an asset.
• Understanding of Métis-Crown relations is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with drafting, editing, and preparing manuscripts.
• Collect, analyze, and catalogue archival material.
• Support research with writing and compiling appendices.

Skills

Attention to detail

Research skills

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Fluency in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Humanities

Tools

FileMaker Pro

QGIS

Job description

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Research Assistant - Métis Archival Project

Competition 2512

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Department Faculty of Native Studies

Hourly rate $25.66 to $34.36

Hours per week 35

Grade 6

Posted date July 14, 2025

Closing date July 22, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Trust Funded

Description

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has an end date of May 30, 2026.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

Working for the Faculty of Native Studies

The Métis Archival Project (MAP Lab) is a research group based out of the Faculty of Native Studies, University of Alberta, specializing in the digitization of fur trade and Métis-related archival documents. The aim is to provide greater accessibility of archival sources and contribute to reconstructing the historical geography of the Métis Nation. To this end, MAP compiles, databases, and analyzes various archival documents, including Censuses, Hudson’s Bay Company Archives Documents, Northwest Scrip Applications, Manitoba Affidavits, and other historical records.

Position

Broadly defined, the position demands excellence in various research skills, activities, tasks, as well as an ability to work in a digital environment. Research Assistants will be assisting the Project Principal Investigator, Dr. Frank Tough, and senior MAP Lab Research Assistants in data compilation, data entry, online searching, proof-reading, and archival document linking to facilitate the analysis of research results, generating data summaries (spreadsheets and statistical graphics). The employee should be detail-oriented, capable of following instructions, and able to identify when further assistance and training is needed. Lab employees should be comfortable using Apple computers. Hard deadlines exist for deliverables to external funders.

Duties

Research (60%) :

Assist with drafting, editing, and preparing manuscripts and other research materials; Technical writing may be required;

Collect, analyze, and catalogue archival material;

Support research (e.g., writing and compiling appendices, verifying data, citing source material, data entry, data collection);

Produce data visualizations (e.g. graphs and tables).

Data Entry and File Management (40%) :

Transcribe and verify transcriptions of archival documents;

Edit and enhance digital archival documents;

Link historical individuals across disparate archival document series using FileMaker Database software;

File research materials in the Lab's physical and digital catalogues.

Administration (10%) :

Maintain standards of cataloguing and indexing for research materials;

Provide logistical, administrative and clerical support to the Lab’s activities;

Meet regularly with the Research Associate and research team;

Perform other duties as assigned by the Principal Investigator and Research Associate.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences or Humanities;

Ability to follow detailed instructions and procedures outlined by senior Research Assistants and Principal Investigator;

Fluency in written and spoken English;

Ability to efficiently read and interpret handwritten archival documents / manuscripts from the 1700-1800s;

Ability to use Microsoft Excel to produce tables and graphics, ability to use software to enhance archival imagery;

Ability to collaborate with other Research Assistants.

Preferred Qualifications

Degree in Canadian History, Geography, GIS and / or a graduate degree in Social Sciences or Humanities strongly preferred;

Experience conducting archival research;

Operational experience with FileMaker Pro 19 and / or relational databases are desirable;

Experience with GIS, in particular QGIS, and an understanding of cartography are assets;

Familiarity with geographic place names relating to the historical Métis Nation is highly desirable;

Knowledge of the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement (NRTA) is highly desirable;

Understanding of issues pertaining to the Métis-Crown relations is highly desirable;

Ability to adjust workflows to the dynamic structure of the Lab and its external stakeholders is highly desirable;

Knowledge and experience working with Métis communities is an asset.

How To Apply

Please submit a resume or CV with a brief cover letter (roughly 300 words) noting the competition number.

All previous applicants will be considered.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of inclusivity and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

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Note : This opportunity will be available until midnight July 22, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Research, Analyst, and Information Technology

Industries

Higher Education

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