Job Title
Qualitative RA, Health-Promoting Frameworks for Campuses
Job Type
Flexible
Union
MRSA
Salary Grade
RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026)
RA 2 : Grade 13 ($21.87 - $27.61 per hour)
Hybrid Work
This position is eligible
Position End Date
8/27/2027
Location
MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)
About This Position
About the Role
The Research Assistant (RA) will support a qualitative research project, Forging Health-Promoting Frameworks for Post-Secondary Campuses examining how policies, services, and institutional systems at Mount Royal University strengthens overall student health and wellbeing.
The RA will work closely with the Principal Investigator to support the environmental document scan and qualitative data analysis components of the project. The position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with qualitative research, policy analysis, Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), violence prevention frameworks, and NVivo software.
The RA Will Gain Experience In
- Qualitative research and constructivist grounded theory
- Policy and environmental scans
- Health-Promoting Universities and the Okanagan Charter
- Research ethics and data management
- Knowledge translation and research dissemination
- Development of an emerging institutional assessment tool
The RA’s work will directly contribute to the development of the Campus Social Determinants of Health Cohesion Index (CSDH-CI) and to a comprehensive map of health-promotion as well as violence prevention policies, services, and systems at Mount Royal University. The position offers an opportunity to walk alongside research with potential academic and applied impacts, including conference presentations, scholarly publications, institutional briefing materials, and future grant development.
There are a total of 60 hours available for this position.
Responsibilities
- Conduct systematic searches and organize institutional documents relevant to student health including policies, strategic plans, guidelines, and service frameworks.
- Assist with reviewing documents produced between 2018 and 2025 across the SDoH
- Assist with developing and refining a qualitative coding framework in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
- Support the analysis of interview and service-design workshop materials as assigned.
- Prepare brief summaries of emerging findings for discussion.
- Contribute to the development of the campus-wide policy and service map.
- Assist with preparing research materials, summaries, and knowledge-translation products.
- Maintain confidentiality and follow all research ethics and data-management procedures.
Qualifications
- An interest in social work, social policy, public health, violence prevention, psychology, sociology, education, or a related field.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to critically read and synthesize policy and research documents.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Previous experience with NVivo is an asset but not required; training will be provided.
- An ability to work independently while communicating effectively.
- Commitment to confidentiality and responsible handling of research data.
- Current undergraduate student status at Mount Royal University preferred.
Closing Date: October 14, 2026
A resume and cover letter should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name]_[Requisition Number]_[Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith_1234_CV.pdf).
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page.
If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request.
About MRU
Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.
