Research Assistant - Student Experience Evaluation Sector Scan

Okanagan Hockey Group; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A college-based organization is seeking a Research Assistant to support educational research initiatives. The role involves conducting a sector scan to assess student experience enhancement strategies at post-secondary institutions. Ideal candidates will have at least one year of post-secondary education, excellent research abilities, and proficiency in various computer applications. The position offers flexible work options, with an hourly rate between $18.42 and $23.51 per hour, and aims to inform assessment strategies by March 2026.

Benefits

Flexible Work Options

Qualifications

• Students with a minimum of one year post-secondary education in the specified educational program.
• Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information.

Responsibilities

• Assist with research for educational purposes.
• Identify subjects for research.
• Collect and summarize data for analysis.

Skills

Research methodology knowledge

Excellent research skills

Proficiency in computer applications

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Communication skills

Time management

Information synthesis

Education

Minimum one year post-secondary education

Job description

Research Assistant – Student Experience Evaluation Sector Scan

This position is co‑supervised by the Dean of Students, Director of Strategic Enrollment Management, and the Director of Applied Research. The Research Assistant works under the direct supervision of the College Professor and assists with research‑related activities pertaining to the professor’s professional background and within the supervisor’s research areas of interest and expertise.

Responsibilities

• Assists with research for educational purposes.
• Assists in identifying prospective subjects for research.
• Assists in researching information for grants, research grants and research papers.
• Searches literature sources pertaining to the relevant areas of research.
• Assists in collecting, recording, compiling, summarizing data, and disseminating information.
• Participates in research activities related to the subject area being investigated such as events, interviews, reading articles, listening to speakers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Specific Functions

The Research Assistant would be expected to undertake a sectoral scan related to how post‑secondary institutions measure or assess their progress toward enhancing the student experience, a commitment usually expressed as a standalone strategy or as part of a larger institutional strategic plan.

The scan may require reviewing institutional websites, emailing, calling, or meeting virtually with relevant institutional leads when possible.

Ideally, the findings would identify:

• Tools commonly used to gather student input/feedback (e.g., questionnaires, focus groups, social media, student engagement apps).
• Whether findings are made available to the public and in what way (e.g., dashboards, reports, infographics).
• The frequency with which input/feedback is obtained (ongoing, once per year, etc.).
• How responsibility for enhancing the student experience is delegated (e.g., committee, office, position).
• Any unique approaches to or methods for gathering student input/feedback (e.g., themed questionnaires tied to the student life cycle rather than one large questionnaire).
• Any additional useful feedback or insights obtained from institutional leads (e.g., cautionary tales, pros and cons of their respective approach, recommendations).

The deliverable should be a report that can be used to inform how OC might measure or assess its commitment to enhancing the student experience.

Qualifications

• Students with a minimum of one‑year post‑secondary education in the specified educational program listed below. Prior work experience is an asset.
• Current knowledge in research methodology for educational purposes.
• Excellent research skills with the ability to synthesize data/information and develop/deliver findings and recommendations.
• Proficiency in the use of a variety of computer software applications.
• Works effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Well‑developed organizational skills.
• Detail‑oriented.
• Excellent communication skills to maintain effective correspondence with professors and partners.
• Excellent time management skills to coordinate research and academic activities.
• Must be comfortable reaching out to contacts and speaking on the phone.
• Exhibits experience gathering and synthesizing information from a variety of sources.

Details

• Position Number: P02646
• Location: Kelowna
• Other: Flexible Work Options
• Desired Start Date: 01/19/2026
• Position End Date: 03/31/2026
• Schedule: Hours of work can be discussed and decided between the research assistant and the supervisor(s).
• Appointment Type: Support Non‑Regular Student Posting.
• Funding: 50 hours of work between the hire date and March 31, 2026.
• Hourly Rate: 18.42‑23.51.
• Posting close date: 01/18/2026.

Application Requirements

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Optional Documents (none listed)

Inclusion Statement

Okanagan College is committed to increasing the equitable and inclusive participation of marginalized people in all aspects of college life. We welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black People, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, people with disabilities and people with diverse gender identities or expressions. People with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Note

All other application instructions, special instructions, and document checklist are automatically handled via the university’s application portal.