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Research Assistant - School of Professional Communication

Department: School of Professional Communication
Position supervisor: Dr. Jane Griffith
Contract length: Approximately 9 months
Hours of work per week: 7 hours/week 
Position type: Research Assistant
Rate of pay: $31/hour

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link, opens in new window)  and @ECItorontomet (external link, opens in new window)  on X, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link, opens in new window) .

About the project

This project is funded by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Engage Grant. It is led by Dr. Jane Griffith (School of Professional Communication, Toronto Metropolitan University) and Dr. Apooyak'ii / Tiffany Hind Bull-Prete (Department of Sociology, University of Lethbridge). 

The opportunity

Dr. Jane Griffith (Toronto Metropolitan University) and Dr. Apooyak'ii / Tiffany Hind Bull-Prete (University of Lethbridge) are co-leading a research project called “Accountability and the Pedagogies of Colonialism: Investigating Residential School Teaching Histories through the Library of the Oblates.” This archival project examines the history of Oblate-run residential schools by researching an Oblate library and its teaching materials. The research assistant position includes helping to identify and classify library materials, digitize materials, attend meetings, draft materials, and other related tasks. Most work will be remotely conducted, but there will be two trips to Richelieu, Quebec (all expenses will be paid). There will be an opportunity for the research assistant to co-present research findings as well at an academic conference. 

Qualifications

  • Bilingual French and English (ability to speak, read, and write in both languages)
  • Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and remotely with own computer and internet access
  • Almost all work will be conducted remotely but ability to travel twice to Richelieu, Quebec is necessary (all expenses will be paid)
  • Ability to work on materials related to residential school history
  • Experience using Excel and an interest in history an asset

How to apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to Dr. Jane Griffith (jgriffith@torontomu.ca). 

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.