Research Opportunity - SFU Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines

Research Assistant Opportunity 

 The Simon Fraser University Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines invites applications for a Research Assistant for the Teaching and Learning Development Grant project, Creating a Successful and Meaningful Transition for Transfer Students in an Online Environment, to begin January 18, 2021 or earlier.  

 Research demonstrates that transfer students’ transition to and success within university requires a focus on students’ ability to participate in active and collaborative learning, and to engage in social connectedness (BCCAT, 2006). Research also suggests that international students’ transition to and success within university requires further support in the form of academic, linguistic, and social adjustment (Andrade, 2006). 

 Given that SFU has transitioned to remote instruction, we want to learn how to foster a sense of community in an online environment. We propose that participating in an experiential learning project and a launch orientation helps students develop a sense of belonging, increased self-awareness, resilience, and collaboration skills.  

 Timeline and expectations of applicant experience We are intending this to be a short-term appointment (up to 150 hours, with the possibility of additional hours), with reasonably intense data analysis/writing work focused towards submitting our report by end of February 2021. We are excited to build a team to analyze, interpret, and publish the findings by April 2021.  

 The research assistant will:

• Undertake a short literature review related to self-awareness, collaboration, resilience and community building;

• Prepare a qualitative analysis of assignments and surveys used for collection of data;

• Prepare quantitative data analysis of surveys (data cleaning, appropriate (statistical) analyses, drawing conclusions, data visualization);

• Assist with the writing of the final report;

• Support sharing project findings within and beyond SFU; and • Attend meetings with project team. 

Required qualifications and skills:

• Experience with quantitative and statistical analysis and academic writing in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning or educational research. This may be through a formal program (e.g., graduate training, postdoctoral fellowship, etc.) or it may be through other equivalent experiences; 

• Expertise with qualitative data analysis and coding quantitative data analysis using excel;

• Ability to select and implement meaningful analyses, including appropriate statistical treatment, and effectively communicate the work to a non-data-science audience;

• Academic research and writing skills, as demonstrated by prior completion of similar projects; • Excellent interpersonal skills, including strong oral and written communication skills;

• Self-directed, independent project completion skills in consultation with project team;

• An interest in evidence-based teaching; • Expert knowledge of database, data analysis and management applications (e.g., FileMaker, Zotero, NVIVO);

• Currently enrolled in a graduate program at SFU (M.A., ME.d, or equivalent combination of skills & experiences). Preference will be given to a graduate degree in or related to education in post-secondary; and • Available to complete the project within 3-4 months from the date of hire. 

 Rate of pay: $22-24/hr (incl. vacation and statutory holiday pay, no medical or dental benefits) - based on experience, qualifications and degree program (MA).  

 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. These two items should be organized as one PDF attachment and addressed to Shauna Jones and emailed to shaunaj@sfu.ca. Note: references will only be requested from short-listed applicants.   

Application deadline: December 15, 2020.

We appreciate all replies to this position posting; however, we will only contact short-listed applicants.