Research Assistant Technician II

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Guelph is seeking an Early Career Researcher to support the 'Learning from the Lands' research stream, focusing on Indigenous Knowledge in environmental health. This temporary part-time position involves collaborating with Indigenous communities to transform chemical risk management using land-based learning principles.

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in qualitative research and Indigenous research methodologies.
• Commitment to Indigenous cultural safety.
• Excellent communication skills in cross-cultural settings.

Responsibilities

• Work with Indigenous communities to explore land-based relationships and environmental health.
• Participate in qualitative research through workshops and interviews.
• Support co-development of knowledge products tied to Indigenous and Western epistemologies.

Skills

Communication

Listening

Community engagement

Interdisciplinary dialogue

Education

2-3 years of post-secondary education

Master’s degree in environmental science or related discipline (considered an asset)

Job description

Location:

Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: OAC Guelph Campus

Requisition ID: 1464

Department: Environmental Sciences

This position is classified under the Grant and Trust Administrative & Technical Group

Temporary part-time from 07/02/2025 to 06/30/2026

(Less than 24 hours a week)

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

Early Career Researcher - Learning from the Lands – Weaving Indigenous Knowledge into Environmental Health Research

Hosted within the Ndaakendaaswen Gamig (Lab) at the University of Guelph

General Purpose

The Ndaakendaaswen Gamig, led by Dr. Susan Chiblow, is seeking a highly motivated Early Career Researcher to join the “Learning from the Lands” research stream, part of a larger interdisciplinary “Transforming Chemical Risk Management with Indigenous Expertise" project on transforming chemicals management by weaving Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into environmental health and regulatory practices. This unique opportunity involves engaging directly with Indigenous Elders, knowledge holders, and environmental policymakers to explore how land-based learning informs the evaluation of chemical risks. The project aims to advance co-learning guided by Elders at the intersection of Anishinaabek law and the Canadian regulatory system. Our aim is to use Indigenous principles of learning from the lands, Anishinaabek law, working in communities to transform chemical management. This position will be supervised by Dr. Chiblow. Stipend available.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, Elders, and knowledge holders to explore land-based relationships, environmental health, and chemical risk.
• Participating in qualitative research (e.g., talking circles, semi-structured interviews) and supporting collaborative workshops.
• Supporting analysis of how relational worldviews of the land inform more just and inclusive approaches to environmental monitoring and policy.
• Supporting the co-development of knowledge products (e.g., community reports, training materials, academic outputs) rooted in both Indigenous and Western epistemologies.
• Engaging in interdisciplinary dialogue across environmental sciences, Indigenous studies, policy, and toxicology.
• Assisting with the coordination of activities under the grant such as co-organizing workshops and gatherings.
  
  

Requirements

• 2-3 years of post-secondary education, with some experience required.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent communication and listening skills, especially in cross-cultural and Indigenous community-engaged settings.
• Demonstrated commitment to Indigenous cultural safety and respectful relationship-building.
• Experience or strong interest in qualitative research and/or Indigenous research methodologies.
• In process of completing a Master’s degree in environmental science, Indigenous studies, toxicology, public health, or a related discipline considered an asset.
  

Employee Type: Temporary

Classification: Grant/ Trust fund position, Band GTAT - Band B

GTAT (Grant & Trust Administrative and Technical) Salary Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 06/06/2025

Close Date: 06/20/2025