Research assistant – casual position
Start date: May 15, 2025
Application deadline: April 25, 2025
Supervisor: Dr. Tobias Wiggins
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview:
This project is seeking a temporary, part-time Research Assistant for an internally funded position at the TransLab. The TransLab is an inter-disciplinary research hub that supports the production and dissemination of leading-edge research in Transgender Studies.
This project aims to facilitate research collaboration with an undergraduate or graduate student at Athabasca University (AU) who has a strong interdisciplinary interest in Transgender Studies. This student can approach the field from various points of interest, including transgender history, literature, media studies, anthropology, psychology, and/or health. The student should also show interest or experience in arts and community-based approaches to research.
The student’s primary role will be facilitating and establishing the meaningful, lasting inclusion of AU students within the TransLab. They will reach this goal in three primary ways: 1. Involvement with the TransLab’s current research program; 2. Leading a student community and arts-based project; and 3. Assisting with upcoming event planning at the TransLab. We are looking for a student with strong social media and content creation skills.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to:
- Attend meetings with the PI and research team at the TransLab
- Familiarization with the TransLab’s research program
- Engage with methodologies, research ethics, and theoretical frameworks in Transgender Studies
- Spearhead small community arts-based event or output at Athabasca University on transgender issues
- Assist in social media and promotion of events at the TransLab
- Assist with technologies and correspondence for a public event on transgender human rights
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Tobias Wiggins at Athabasca University. Dr. Tobias Wiggins will provide adequate training for the research, methodological, and technological skills that will be required.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate will:
- be undertaking an undergraduate degree or graduate degree at Athabasca University. A number of disciplinary specializations will be considered, including but not limited to, Gender Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Political Science, and Sociology. Exceptions to this credentialling can be made in cases where the applicant can provide comparable educational, work, or lived experience and knowledge.
- have research interests and/or experience in transgender studies and arts-based research
- have research, work, service, or lived experience with transgender, nonbinary, Two-Spirit, and gender nonconforming people and communities.
- hold some experience conducting or planning quantitative research studies. Experience with transcription, data analysis, or literature reviews would be an asset.
Hours and compensation:
This position is comprised of 40 hours over a 4-month period, with approximately 10 hours per month. The number of weekly hours will vary. Rate of pay commensurate with experience and collective agreement provisions.
How to apply:
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Wiggins as a single PDF file. Please include a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience, a current resume or curriculum vitae, and the contact information of 1-2 references.
Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Given the identity-focused nature of this position, transgender, non-binary, gender nonconforming, and Two Spirit candidates will be prioritized for the research assistantship. Athabasca University and the researchers are committed 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. Wiggins at the coordinates below, on or before April 25, 2025.
Contact Information:
Tobias B. D. Wiggins, PhD | he/him
Associate Professor
Women's and Gender Studies
Athabasca University
Toll free: 1-877-631-0011
Website: tobywiggins.com