Print
April 07, 2022

Closed - RA Opportunity: Exploring the Mind via Online Experiment Demonstrations

April 07, 2022

Research Assistant Opportunity: Exploring the Mind via Online Experiment Demonstrations

The Simon Fraser University’s Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines (ISTLD) invites applications for a Research Assistant appointment for the Teaching and Learning Development Grant project Exploring the Mind via Online Experiment Demonstrations to begin May 1, 2022 or earlier.

This project will examine the impact of an online experiment assignment on students’ learning in an introductory cognitive science course. The project has both qualitative (student peer interviews) and quantitative (online questionnaire) components. The data for this project will be collected in the Summer 2022 term, with analysis and interpretation of results beginning in summer and continuing in Fall 2022.

Research assistant duties

In this role, the research assistant will:

  • Assist with the design and implementation of an online questionnaire using Canvas.
  • Keep project materials and data organized using SFU Vault.
  • Assist with formatting and editing student interview guides.
  • Assist with coding and analysis of qualitative data (student interviews).
  • Assist with coding and analysis of quantitative data (student questionnaire responses).
  • Attend meetings via Zoom with project lead and educational development experts.
  • Participate in the interpretation and summary of results from the inquiry.

Required qualifications and skills:

  • Experience in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, including coding and summarizing (experience with qualitative analysis software would be an asset).
  • Experience in research instrument design, specifically creating surveys and questionnaires.
  • Familiarity with Canvas and ability to learn questionnaire programming.
  • Facility with typical computer software such as Microsoft Office.
  • Excellent time management skills, ability to follow a schedule and complete tasks on time.
  • Ability to handle confidential data according to guidelines.
  • Currently enrolled as a student at SFU.

Further experience and skills that would be an asset:

  • Background in cognitive science or a related discipline.
  • An interest in evidence-based teaching and learning in post-secondary education.

Rate of pay: $22 - $26 per hour (including vacation and statutory holiday pay, no medical or dental benefits) based on experience and qualifications.

Work schedule: Summer 2022 (May – August): Up to 100 hours; Fall 2022 (September – October): Up to 20 hours; with the possibility of additional hours.

To apply: Please send a one-page cover letter and one to two page resume highlighting the capacities, skills and interests that are relevant to the position. The application materials should be saved as one .pdf file and sent to margaret_grant@sfu.ca with the subject line: TLDG Position.

Application deadline: April 22, 2022. We appreciate all replies to this position posting, however, we will only contact short-listed applicants.

Would you like to hear about RA opportunities?
Subscribe to our maillist: istld-ra@sfu.ca

Follow these three steps to be automatically added to the maillist:

1. Send an email to istld-ra-request@sfu.ca with the subject subscribe. You will be sent a confirmation email.

2. To complete the subscription process, click Reply in your email client and send the reply. Do not edit the subject line.

3. If the confirmation was successful, you will get a welcome message from the maillist.