Research Assistant Opportunity

The Simon Fraser University Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines invites applications for a Research Assistant appointment for the Teaching and Learning Development Grant project Animated Character Narratives for Beginners.

The project intends to investigate the effects and outcomes of using animated narratives for students to learn Chinese characters at the beginner level in a hybrid mode of instruction examining students’ learning motivation, experiences and learning outcomes on character recognition and writing.

Research assistant responsibilities include:

• Quantitative data analysis (documenting workflow, data cleaning, appropriate (statistical) analyses, drawing conclusions, data visualization);
• Instrument design such as creating surveys, rubrics, interview protocols, self-reflection tools;
• Data collection such as recruiting participants, conducting surveys, conducting focus group interviews, etc;
• Analyze and summarize qualitative data, such as transcribing and conducting thematic analysis on survey and interview data;
• Supporting sharing of/the presentation of project findings within and beyond SFU;
• Assisting with data entry and evaluation; and
• Attending meetings with project leads/team.

Required qualifications and skills:

• Ability to select and implement meaningful analyses, including appropriate statistical treatment, thematic analysis, and effectively communicate the work to a non-data-science audience;
• Familiarity with quantitative data analysis packages/languages, such as R;
• Expert knowledge of database and data analysis and management applications (e.g., FileMaker, Zotero and/or NVIVO);
• Academic research and writing skills, as demonstrated by prior completion of similar projects;
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Chinese characters and its structure and radicals;
• Currently enrolled in a graduate program at SFU (M.A., ME.d, PhD or equivalent combination of skills and experiences).
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong oral and written communication skills; and
• Ability to work independently, productively, and creatively.

Rate of pay: $22 - 25/hr (incl. vacation and statutory holiday pay, no medical or dental benefits) - based on experience, qualifications and degree program (MA or PhD).

Appointment duration: September 8, 2021 to June 20, 2022, up to 80 hours with the possibility of additional hours.

To Apply: Applicants should submit: (1) a 1-page cover letter structured to address the qualifications, skills, and role responsibilities as listed above, and (2) a 1-2 page resumé with two references listed. These two items should be organized as one PDF attachment and addressed to Dr. Jia Fei, and emailed to jia_fei@sfu.ca . Note: Letters of reference will only be requested from short-listed applicants.

Application deadline: August 15, 2021. We appreciate all replies to this position posting, however, we will only contact short-listed applicants.