Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Senior Research Assistant

Research Project Artificial Intelligence Participation in Retail Return Processing

Department/Unit Management Science & Info Systems

Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number S176-26

Employee Group Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001)

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable) Six months with possibility of extension

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0

Salary $28.31 - $35.84 per hour ($51,526 - $65,227 per annum based on 35 hours per week)

Classification

Provisional Statement

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Artificial Intelligence Participation in Retail Return Processing research project attempts to develop insights into the role of AI in retail product return processing. In order to better manage returns, retailers are increasingly applying AI in the processing of product returns, such as detection of fraudulent returns. The research regards the applications of AI and has important implications for both customers and retailers to improve the overall service. Reporting to the Principal Investigators, the Senior Research Assistant will contribute to this developing research project.

Key Responsibilities

Perform literature review and assist in developing a theoretical foundation for the research project. Survey design and data collection. Perform quantitative data analysis, including cleaning data, running descriptive and inferential statistics, and producing results tables and summaries. Prepare knowledge translation outputs, such as assisting in writing academic papers. Assist in preparing grant and fellowship applications.

Note

The successful applicant may work in-person on campus, primarily remotely (from within Nova Scotia with occasional presence in-person on-campus), or perform a hybrid of the two as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

Masters degree in Operations Management, Marketing, Information Systems, or a related area plus at least two years’ relevant experience in social science and management research (or an equivalent combination of training and experience). Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload and multitask with strong organizational skills as well as strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, and careful documentation habits. Strong quantitative data collection and analysis skills as well as experience in completing survey design, structural equation modeling, and systematic literature reviews. Demonstrated knowledge of IT applications in commerce (e.g., artificial intelligence) and their impacts. Strong initiative and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team structure in a professional manner. Proven written and verbal communication skills.

Assets

Enrolled as a doctoral student (part-time status) or All But Dissertation status in Operations Management, Marketing, Information Systems, or a related area. Training or experience in one or more of the following areas: survey and interview-based data collection; empirical research design; consumer behaviour; operations-marketing interface; retail operations.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

Self-Awareness & Professionalism Respect & Inclusion Adaptability Knowledge & Thinking Skills Communication

Additional Information

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies One

Open Date 06/30/2026

Close Date 07/15/2026

Open Until Filled No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/21285