Research assistant – casual position
Start date: Will commence when a suitable candidate is found
Application deadline: September 30, 2024
Supervisor: Dr. Suzanne McCullagh
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Just transitions as consciousness change: Learning with front-line communities.
Overview
This research position is to provide support for an international project funded by the New Frontiers in Research Fund – Exploration grant. The project will facilitate meeting and story sharing between people working on the front lines of climate change in Bogota, Columbia; Phoenix, Arizona; and Southern Ontario, Canada. The project considers: how to put the justice back into just transitions? The research hypothesis is that a radical intersectional framework is needed, building on Indigenous, feminist, grassroots perspectives and experiences across vastly different frontline communities.
Recent social movement research suggests possibilities for breakthroughs born out of tensions between activist and academic knowledges. More specifically, exploring the role of consciousness in social change across Indigenous, systems, and critical scholarship, builds on the idea that epistemic frictions help challenge the limitations of dominant knowledge framings. Our project applies this insight to the field of “just transitions,” challenging current technocratic and top-down approaches, and offering a framework for addressing climate change as a problem of intersectional consciousness change.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting and writing literature reviews.
- Maintaining organized records of research activities.
- Contributing to the preparation of summaries, reports, presentations, and draft abstracts.
- Participating in research team meetings.
This is a casual position with flexible hours. The rate of pay will be commensurate with experience and collective agreement provisions. All duties can be completed remotely.
Qualifications:
- Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree in social sciences and humanities or interdisciplinary studies.
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
- Strong writing skills.
- Interest and/or experience in environmental issues and social change.
How to apply:
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Suzanne McCullagh at smccullagh@athabascau.ca. Applications should include (as a single PDF file) a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience; a current resume or curriculum vitae; an unofficial copy of your transcript; and the contact information for 1-2 references. Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until suitable candidates are found. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Athabasca University and the researchers are committed and seek to support equity in employment and research opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, and other historically marginalized groups. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to self-identify in their letter of application.
For more information on this Research Assistant Opportunity, please contact Dr. Suzanne McCullagh smccullagh@athabascau.ca on or before September 27th, 2024. Applications will be accepted until September 30th, 2024, or until a suitable candidate is found.
Dr. Suzanne McCullagh (she/her)
Associate Professor
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Athabasca University
smccullagh@athabascau.ca