Research Assistant - PhD Level

University of Regina Careers; Regina; Hybrid; CAD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Regina invites applications for a PhD‑level Research Assistant in the Faculty of Social Work. The role focuses on an SSHRC‑funded qualitative study examining compassionate care in substance use policy contexts.

You will work with the Principal Investigator, a research team, and Master’s‑level RAs on advanced analysis and knowledge mobilization. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a doctoral program with training in qualitative methods, coding, and strong academic writing.

Qualifications

• Be enrolled in a doctoral program in social work, sociology, public policy, political science, population health, health policy, education, or a closely related field.
• Graduate‑level training in qualitative research methodology.
• Experience with qualitative coding and analysis.
• Demonstrate strong analytical, interpretive, and academic writing skills.
• Be able to synthesize complex textual, policy, political, and qualitative information; work both independently and in a team.
• Experience with NVivo, critical discourse analysis, policy or legislative analysis, qualitative case study methodology, manuscript preparation, or knowledge mobilization is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Refine the document-search strategy and analytical framework.
• Conduct advanced legislative, governmental, policy, and political‑document research.
• Perform advanced qualitative coding and discourse analysis using NVivo.
• Prepare analytic memos and document methodological and interpretive decisions.
• Ensure coding consistency, analytical rigour, and comparative analysis.
• Synthesize findings across documents, cases, policy contexts, and time periods.
• Collaborate with the Master’s‑level Research Assistants and provide analytical support.
• Contribute to conference presentations and scholarly manuscripts.
• Assist with policy briefs, the final project report, knowledge mobilization, and grant development.

Skills

Qualitative research

Qualitative coding

Academic writing

Independent & collaborative work

Synthesis of complex information

Education

Doctoral student (PhD)

Tools

NVivo

Job description

Research Assistant – PhD Level

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Regulations the University of Regina is required to verify that International Students are eligible to work on campus prior to being hired.

To confirm this eligibility, International Students are requested to contact UR International – Student Services to obtain a “Verification of Academic Status for the Eligibility to Work on Campus” letter that must be provided to the hiring manager prior to hiring. These letters must be updated each semester and/or as circumstances change.

Position Details

Posting Summary Competition Number 20260789SS Position Title Research Assistant – PhD Level Faculty/Department Faculty of Social Work Unit Social Work – Research Employee Group CUPE 2419 CUPE 5791 Job Family Research Category Student Number of Vacancies 1

Position Summary

Research Environment: Faculty of Social Work and the Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU), University of Regina

Applications are invited for one PhD‑level Research Assistant position on an SSHRC‑funded qualitative research project examining legislative, governmental, policy, and political discourses related to compassionate care for substance use related issues.

The PhD Research Assistant will work closely with the Principal Investigator, a research team and the two Master’s‑level Research Assistants, with responsibility for advanced qualitative analysis, methodological development, interpretation, synthesis, and scholarly and policy‑oriented knowledge mobilization.

Responsibilities

• contribute to refinement of the document-search strategy, and analytical framework;
• participate in advanced legislative, governmental, policy, and political‑document research;
• conduct advanced qualitative coding and discourse analysis using NVivo;
• prepare analytic memos and document methodological and interpretive decisions;
• contribute to coding consistency, analytical rigour, and comparative analysis;
• synthesize findings across documents, cases, policy contexts, and time periods;
• work collaboratively with and provide analytical support to the Master’s‑level Research Assistants;
• contribute to conference presentations and scholarly manuscripts; and
• assist with policy briefs, the final project report, knowledge mobilization, and subsequent grant development.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• be enrolled in a doctoral program in social work, sociology, public policy, political science, population health, health policy, education, or a closely related field;
• have graduate‑level training in qualitative research methodology;
• have experience with qualitative coding and analysis;
• demonstrate strong analytical, interpretive, and academic writing skills;
• be able to synthesize complex textual, policy, political, and qualitative information; and
• demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Experience with NVivo, critical discourse analysis, policy or legislative analysis, qualitative case study methodology, manuscript preparation, or knowledge mobilization is an asset.

Please note – An example of a written paper or assignment should be submitted with a cover letter, CV, and the contact information of two referees.

Physical Demands

Pay Grade As Per CUPE 2419 Salary Range As Per CUPE 2419 Collective Agreement Status Term Work Hours Approximately 10-12 hours per week, depending on project requirements, up to a maximum of 468 hours in Year 1 and 468 hours in Year 2, subject to funding. Course Modality Course Dates and Time Duration (if Term/Temporary) Full-Time/Part-Time Part Time Preference Posting No Preference Target Posting Not Targeted Additional Information Contact Information Social Work Research Centre (SWRC) @ [e-mail].

Job Open Date 09/24/2026 Job Close Date 10/02/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Application Instructions.

Diversity Statement

The University of Regina is committed to an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the community that we serve. The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University’s employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, 2018.

Reference Letter

Reference Letter Minimum References Maximum References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please provide your University of Regina Student ID Number (Open Ended Question)

Documents Required

Required Documents

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter
• Reference Contact Info
• Writing Samples
• Other 2 (See Special Instructions to Applicants field on Posting)

Optional Documents