Job Title

Research Assistant, O’to Po’pa Community Development Field School

Job Type

Flexible

Union

MRSA

Salary Grade

RA Salary Grade

RA 2 : Grade 13 ($21.23 - $26.81 per hour)

Hybrid Work

This position is ineligible

Position End Date

3/31/2027

Location

MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary)

About This Position

About the Role

This research project is a collaborative ethnographic study examining the development and inaugural delivery of INTS 3330: O’to Po’pa Community Development Field School in June 2025. Grounded in Blackfoot teachings and shaped through interdisciplinary and intercultural collaboration at Mount Royal University, the project explores how land-based, experiential learning rooted in Traditional Ecological Knowledge can support transformative, relational, and respectful education. Guided by the wisdom of Blackfoot Elders and informed by Indigenous scholarship and intercultural frameworks such as Two-Eyed Seeing and Ethical Space, the research brings together reflections from Elders, faculty, administration, community partners, and students. As the field school becomes a permanent course offering, the project will document how Indigenous Knowledge systems, oral traditions, and community partnerships can inform enduring post-secondary pedagogy while generating practical insights for future land-based learning initiatives.

The research assistant will support the development of a final report intended for students who participated in the 2025 cohort of the course. This report will synthesize findings, highlight student contributions, and communicate key themes in a clear and engaging format. The position offers hands-on experience in qualitative research, collaborative writing, editing, and applied community-based scholarship. The tasks assigned provide the research assistant with practical experience in ethnographic research, academic and public-facing writing, qualitative analysis, and collaborative knowledge mobilization.

This is a flexible role where the 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

The undergraduate research assistant will support the project by:

Assisting in organizing and reviewing research materials generated through the 2025 and 2026 course cohort. Synthesizing field notes, reflections, interviews, and related course outputs into clear thematic summaries. Supporting collaborative ethnographic analysis through coding, memo-writing, and interpretation of qualitative data. Drafting sections of the final student report in accessible and engaging language. Editing and formatting written materials for clarity, consistency, and professional presentation. Assisting in the creation of visuals, timelines, tables, or other materials to enhance the final report. Helping prepare summaries or short communications to share project outcomes with students and stakeholders. Participating in regular meetings with the faculty supervisor and contributing to project planning and timelines.

Qualifications

Must be a current undergraduate student at Mount Royal University (MRU). Must have participated in the 2025 cohort of the course (INTS 3330: O’to Po’pa Community Development Field School). Strong writing, research, and communication skills. Demonstrated ability to synthesize information and write clearly for diverse audiences. Interest in ethnography, community-engaged research, Indigenous studies, anthropology, sociology, or related fields. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines independently. Ability to work collaboratively while also managing assigned tasks independently. Experience with qualitative research methods, transcription, coding, or report writing is an asset but not required. Familiarity with O’to po’pa / Sitting Don project context is strongly preferred.

Salary: $24.81 per hour

Closing Date: Open until suitable candidate is found.

A cover letter, resume, an unofficial MRU transcript, and the name and contact information of one academic reference should be submitted in one .pdf formatted document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Smith, Coordinator, 1234.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.