Research Assistant Opportunity
Institute for the Study of Teaching and Learning in the Disciplines (ISTLD)

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) refers to a multi-disciplinary scholarly process of systematic inquiry into teaching and learning and relates to other forms of applied education research. SoTL research assistants (RA) work closely with instructors from all disciplines on teaching and learning inquiry research projects. Projects are managed and supported by the ISTLD and focus on evaluating innovative pedagogies and learning technologies.

As a member of the team ISTLD RAs are expected to contribute expertise in SoTL design, data collection, and analysis (often using social science and/or behavioural research methods) to complement faculty expertise in their own discipline and disciplinary teaching practices. Training and support are provided by Nathan Roberson, Educational Research Developer. Training includes just-in-time support, participation in the ISTLD group development and collaboration on projects. Support includes collaborating and consulting with faculty. Successful candidates will join an existing, group of staff, faculty, and other students invested in teaching and learning at SFU.

Responsibilities and expectations:

• Supporting all elements of the research process on 1 to 5 projects, including collaborating and consulting with faculty
• Designing evaluation and/or research plans
• Assisting with preparation of ethics proposals
• Data collection (e.g., surveys, experiments, interviews, focus groups)
• Data coding and cleaning
• Quantitative data analysis – mostly descriptive, some inferential statistics
• Qualitative data analysis – mostly thematic analysis, some ethnographic research
• A high capacity to work independently, lead projects, and manage problem solving in complex environments
• A high degree of collaboration with faculty and instructors, SFU staff, and other student researchers
• Supporting and conducting program-level research on ISTLD programs, including survey data analysis
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to support research dissemination.
• Supporting the development of research skills through facilitation and administration of ISTLD events (e.g., workshop trainings, scholarly dissemination)
• Attending regular meetings

What you bring:

• You are a current SFU students with knowledge of qualitative (e.g., ethnographic research, NVIVO training, interview experience) and/or quantitative methodologies (e.g., descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, survey design).
• Expertise with research processes (e.g., ethics, data handling, etc.).
• Experience conducting research with human subjects.
• While training in particular methodologies will be supported, the ideal candidate will have a strong background in mixed methods research design and methodology either through prior involvement in research projects, or upper-level research methodology coursework.
• A keen interest in teaching and learning in higher education, and their research
• A mature ability to consult and work collegially with faculty members
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• An ability to meet and coordinate deadlines (while overall time commitments are flexible, some aspects of projects may be time sensitive)
• urrently enrolled as an SFU student with 2-3 years remaining in your program.
• Interest or experience with research methodologies such as decolonial, indigenous, and other non-traditional research approaches.
• This position is ideally suited for those who are interested in higher education and in developing skills in: applied educational research, analysis/interpretation of educational evidence and data, research design, higher education, and collaboration.

Rate of pay: $26.00 - $32.00/hour (includes 4% vacation and statutory holiday pay, no medical or dental benefits), based on experience, qualifications, and degree program.

Time commitment: Up to 20 hours/week, September to December 2022; hours are negotiable. Appointments to be renewed on a semester basis based on performance and available funding.

To Apply: Applicants should submit: (1) a 1-page cover letter structured to address the qualifications, skills, and role responsibilities as listed above and your current SFU student status (what you are studying and estimated time to complete degree); and (2) a 1-2 page resumé. These items should be organized as one attachment and addressed to Nathan Roberson, and emailed to istld@sfu.ca. References will only be required from short-listed applicants.

Application deadline is August 31, 2022 at midnight.

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