Job Title
Research Assistant 1, Youth Participation Project
Job Type
Flexible
Union
MRSA
Salary Grade
RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026)
RA 1 : Grade 12 ($15.45 - $19.44 per hour)
Hybrid Work
This position is ineligible
Position End Date
3/15/2028
Location
MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)
About This Position
About the Role
Research Assistant – The Power of Voice: Youth Participation in Systems Change. The project examines how participation in the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Youth Council influences young people’s leadership capacity, sense of agency, civic engagement and developmental outcomes over time. The study uses a qualitative longitudinal design grounded in Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory, and includes interviews, researcher journaling, Youth Research Collaborative meetings, and arts-based mural creation. The RA will assist with literature review and thematic analysis of the de-identified data. They will also participate in the YPAR process.
This is a flexible Research Assistant position whose work schedule is variable and may include an irregular schedule of not less than three (3) hours per shift and up to thirty-five (35) hours per week.
Responsibilities
- Participate in coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo or similar software.
- Assist with literature reviews
- Actively participates as part of the YPAR process
- Contribute to drafting summary documents, reports, presentations, or other dissemination activities.
Qualifications
Required:
- Familiarity with qualitative research methods
- Excellent interpersonal communication and cultural humility when working with data involving vulnerable participants.
- Open to learning analytical skills using NVivo software
Preferred
- Current enrollment in the Bachelor of Social Work or related programs at Mount Royal University (Preferably entering 2nd or 3rd year)
- Familiarity with research ethics in qualitative studies
- Interest in learning how to work with qualitative data through thematic analysis.
- Understanding of how to complete a literature review
- Ability to work independently and manage emotional or sensitive material.
Closing Date: October 16, 2026
A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 4321, 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.
