Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is Canada’s only polytechnic university, proudly serving the South Fraser region for more than 40 years. With campuses in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, and Cloverdale, KPU is deeply connected to the communities it serves and to the diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences of its students. Through academic excellence, applied learning, innovation, and robust industry and community partnerships, KPU prepares students for meaningful futures.

As an open-access university, KPU is powered by the people who live and work here. We believe every employee plays a meaningful role in supporting student learning and success. We are honoured to carry the name of the Kwantlen First Nation and are committed to equity, inclusion, reconciliation, and respectful relationships.

As one of BC’s Top Employers, KPU is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and engaged workplace where employees feel valued, connected to purpose, and empowered to make an impact.

We invite you to explore your next career opportunity at KPU and discover how your work can contribute to a university where thought truly meets action.

Competition ID: 4790

Internal Closing Date: Open Until Filled

External Closing Date: Open Until Filled

# of Openings: 5

Salary Information: Casual Employee - Hourly Rate

Employment Type: Temporary Part Time

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Travel Frequency: Occasional travel between campuses is required.

Employee Group: Casual Employee

Days of Work (BCGEU):

Hours of Work (BCGEU):

Hours per Week (BCGEU)

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This position reports to Dr. Asma Sayed, Canada Research Chair in South Asian Literary and Cultural Studies.

Summary

This is a part-time position for a Research Assistant to work with and report to Canada Research Chair, Dr. Asma Sayed, on a number of research and writing projects based on South Asian literature and cinema.

This position requires occasionally working in-person with the supervisor from KPU's Surrey campus.

A major or minor in English, Creative Writing, Asian Studies,



Film Studies, Social Justice will be given preference. Knowledge of South Asian languages such as Hindi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Urdu, etc. is an asset.

Key Responsibilities

- Assisting with organizing conferences, workshops, and symposiums
- Collaborating with the Research Associate and supporting them
- Researching/Locating, collating, and annotating key literature
- Research, editing and typing of academic journal articles and books
- Develop and maintain files on issues related to the current project
- Conduct library and online research as required
- Assist with photocopying, typing, filing, and overall organization of materials
- Communication with faculty, peers, relevant internal and external partners as directed
- Prepare summary reports
- Supporting with writing, citations, and document layout
- Co-authoring short pieces (author profiles, book reviews) with the supervisor
- Creating infographics of key findings
- Support with revising, editing, and analyzing written pieces
- Amplifying research findings and other relevant details through social media

Qualifications

- Qualified candidates will have an interest in and/or knowledge of South Asian literature and cinema, and social justice issues
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Completing tasks within assigned deadlines
- Regular and consistent delivery of assigned tasks
- Experience with researching, writing, editing
- Ability to follow direction with minimal supervision
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail
- Ability to use MS Office tools including databases for tracking or qualitative and/or quantitative studies
- Good interpersonal, organization, research skills




- A professional and positive attitude

APPLICATION PROCESS A Complete Application Includes

- A resume
- A statement of interest (300-500 words) that explains why you would like to work on this project
- A writing sample

Please combine the required documents into one single document when submitting your application.
- SALARY INFORMATION

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $22-$27

Total Rewards

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!

Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.

Note to Applicants

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

📌 Research Assistant, Office of Equity and Inclusive Communities - Competition ID: 4790 (Surrey)
🏢 Kwantlen Polytechnic University
📍 Surrey