Research Assistant, School of Rehabilitation Science

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; Hybrid; CAD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Saskatchewan is seeking a Research Assistant for the School of Rehabilitation Science to support qualitative research addressing ableism and the lived experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You will work with a diverse team and contribute to ethical, accessible, and participatory research practices.

The role involves literature reviews, data collection, analysis using NVivo/Quirkos, and developing accessible materials.

Qualifications

• Qualitative research experience including interviews, coding, or narrative analysis.
• Experience with disability communities or equity-deserving groups.
• Knowledge of anti-ableism, disability justice, or human-rights frameworks is an asset.
• Experience creating accessible or plain-language documents is an advantage.
• Previous involvement in academic or community-based participatory research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on ableism and disability justice.
• Assist with ethics applications (REBs) for projects.
• Support qualitative data collection via interviews and focus groups.
• Assist with qualitative data analysis using NVivo, Quirkos, or manual coding.
• Develop accessible research materials (easy-read forms, guides).
• Maintain meticulous documentation and ethical records.
• Prepare reports, conference presentations, and dissemination tools.
• Coordinate with self-advocates, families, and community partners.
• Schedule meetings and support administrative tasks for projects.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Qualitative data analysis software

Organizational skills

Equity and inclusion commitment

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

TCPS-2 training

Talking Mats Training

Tools

NVivo/Quirkos

Job description

Research Assistant, School of Rehabilitation Science

About the Unit/Department

The School of Rehabilitation Science at the University of Saskatchewan fosters a healthy environment that promotes a positive work experience, life‑long learning, and professional pursuits of Rehabilitation Science for students, faculty, and staff. As part of the University of Saskatchewan, we are situated in the vibrant city of Saskatoon on Treaty Six territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis.

Recognized for a growing and diverse student body, we have gained a reputation nationally and internationally for preparing high‑quality, collaborative clinicians and rehabilitation researchers, focused on improving function while promoting optimal ability, mobility, activity, and participation. We respond to changing environments, contribute to high quality clinical care in local and global communities, and are committed to improving health and the healthcare system through innovative research and evidence‑based practice.

Collaboration is a hallmark of our School and is embedded in all aspects of our mission. A dynamic forward‑looking faculty and staff demonstrate resilience, compassion, humility, professionalism and a passion for advancing rehabilitation science and health‑related learning, teaching, research, and mentorship.

Primary Purpose

To provide administrative support for qualitative research projects focused on addressing ableism and understanding the lived experiences, needs, and perspectives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Nature of Work

The Research Assistant reports to Dr. Kirsten Smith and collaborates closely with other researchers, faculty, students, community partners, and self‑advocates. The work is primarily conducted in an office environment with flexibility for remote work, alongside field‑based activities such as interviews, focus groups, or community consultations. This role requires strong ethical judgment, cultural humility, and the ability to work respectfully with sensitive topics and diverse participants.

The position requires a high level of discretion in managing confidential data, coordinating accessible research processes, and supporting participatory research activities. The pace of work varies depending on project milestones, with increased activity during periods of recruitment, data collection, and analysis. Occasional travel to community organizations or research sites may be required; some activities may occur outside standard working hours to accommodate participants’ schedules.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities

• Conduct literature reviews related to ableism, disability justice, inclusive practices, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Support the drafting and revision of research ethics board applications for a variety of projects.
• Support qualitative data collection, including conducting or assisting with interviews, focus groups, and observational research using inclusive and accessible approaches.
• Assist with qualitative data analysis (e.g., thematic analysis) using tools such as NVivo, Quirkos or manual coding strategies.
• Contribute to the development of accessible research materials, including easy‑read consent forms, interview guides, recruitment materials, and knowledge‑mobilization products.
• Maintain meticulous documentation, data organization, and ethical records in compliance with institutional and research ethics requirements.
• Assist with preparing reports, conference presentations, manuscripts, policy briefs, and community‑focused dissemination tools.
• Support relationship‑building and communication with self‑advocates, families, community agencies, and interdisciplinary collaborators.
• Coordinate meetings, schedule research activities, and assist with administrative tasks that support the successful implementation of research projects.

Education

A bachelor’s degree or diploma in a relevant field such as Disability Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, Health Sciences, Sociology, or a related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. TCPS-2 and Talking Mats Communication Protocol training are required and will be provided as needed.

Licenses

None required.

Experience

• Experience conducting or assisting with qualitative research, including interviewing, coding, or analyzing narrative data.
• Experience or familiarity working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, disability communities, or equity‑deserving groups.
• Knowledge of anti‑ableist, disability justice, or human‑rights‑based frameworks is an asset.
• Experience preparing accessible or plain‑language documents is an advantage.
• Previous involvement in academic, community‑based, or participatory research environments is preferred.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, communicate respectfully, and engage with diverse individuals, including people with varying communication needs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear summaries, reports, and research documents.
• Competence with qualitative research software (e.g., NVivo, Quirkos) or willingness to learn.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, accessibility, anti‑ableism, and inclusive research practices.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and collaborate effectively in a team‑oriented, community‑engaged research environment.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Kirsten Smith at [e-mail].

Department: School of Rehabilitation Science
Status: Casual
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): Casual
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $23.53 - 32.94 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 5
Posted Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/4/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.