Research Assistant - School of Earth, Environment & Society

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

McMaster University in Central Campus is seeking a part-time Research Assistant to support SEES research activities focused on caregiving, caregiver-friendly workplaces, and related interventions. The role involves assisting with data collection, analysis, recruitment, and administration under the supervision of a principal investigator.

The candidate will help with participant engagement, literature reviews, manuscript preparation, and knowledge mobilization materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.
• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
• Conduct structured project participant interviews.
• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.
• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.

Skills

Data analysis

Participant recruitment

Research administration

Literature review

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

NVivo

Atlas.ti

Job description

Research Assistant - School of Earth, Environment & Society

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

2026/11/05

Job Type

Limited Term (=>6months)

Close Date

2026/11/12

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Full/Part Time

Part-Time

Job Code

JD0592

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Contract Duration

4.7 Months

Target Number of Openings

1

10

Schedule

Hours of work are anticipated to be 2 hours per day, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Monday to Friday.

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

Career Level

Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Job Description #

UJD010

Anticipated Fill Date

Mid November

Job Description

Unit / Project Description

The Research Assistant will support research activities within the School of Earth, Environment & Society (SEES) under the supervision of Dr. Allison Williams. The position contributes to research and administration focused on caregiving, carer-employees, caregiver-friendly workplaces, and interventions designed to support caregivers. The RA will support ongoing research activities associated with externally funded projects, including the SSHRC Partnership Grant “The Care Economy, Aging and Policy: A Partnership Approach”, research program. Activities involve participant recruitment and engagement, research administration, data analysis, knowledge mobilization, manuscript development, and coordination with research team members and community partners.

Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Purpose and Key Functions

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.


• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.


• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.


• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.


• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.


• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.


• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.


• Conduct structured project participant interviews.


• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.


• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.


• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.


• Conduct literature searches.


• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.


• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.


• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.


• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.

Supervision

• No formal supervision of others is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.


• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

• Experience or demonstrated interest in caregiving, health, workplace, social science, or community-based research would be considered an asset.


• Additional assets include experience with qualitative research and data analysis; reviewing and synthesizing research literature and qualitative data; academic and manuscript writing; participant recruitment and correspondence; preparing research presentations and knowledge mobilization materials; and working collaboratively with academic researchers, community organizations, and research participants.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple research activities with a degree of independence are also considered assets.

Additional Information

• Primarily supporting the administration of the grant in terms of report writing and development, data management and tracking of administrative processes;


• Maintaining spreadsheets tracking project team members and project activity;


• Supporting recruitment and ongoing correspondence with research participants;


• Coordinating and communicating with research team members and community partners;


• Supporting research meetings and project administration;


• Reviewing, organizing, and analyzing qualitative research data, including data managed in NVivo/Atlas.ti;


• Assisting with the interpretation and synthesis of research findings;


• Preparing summaries, briefs, presentations, and other research and knowledge mobilization materials;


• Contributing to manuscript development, formatting, revisions, and preparation for publication;


• Supporting intervention-related research activities and participant engagement; and


• Undertaking other research, administrative, and knowledge mobilization activities as required by the project.

The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage competing research priorities, communicate professionally with research participants and partners, and produce high-quality written materials within established timelines.

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

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AI Statement

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