About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

About Us

The Department of Sociology at Western offers undergraduate, Masters, and PhD degrees in Sociology. Our faculty members are excellent researchers, award-winning teachers, and engage with policymakers and leaders in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Our undergraduate and graduate programs focus on the department’s core strengths: Health and the Life Course; Power and Justice; Social Demography and Migration; and Work and the Economy.

The “AI and Sex Work” project is a two-year research project that investigates the ways that generative AI tools are being used in online sex work. Over two years (2026-2028), we will be interviewing industry practitioners, talk to AI experts, and perform a systematic literature review on what has already been written on the topic. The project is led by Dr.

Charlotte

Nau, postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Sociology, and Dr.

Kaitlynn

Mendes, professor in Sociology and Canada Research Chair in Inequality and Gender. We receive funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will be a key member in the “AI and Sex Work” project team. Tasks will include managing various stages of the project, including the REB application,



literature management, data collection, data analysis, and writing manuscripts for academic journals and conferences. The RA will also be involved in mentoring and supporting more junior research team members (e.g. undergraduate- and MA-level research assistants) with their tasks. There may be opportunities to travel to national and international conferences.

Qualifications

Education

- Must be enrolled in a doctoral program in Sociology, Media Studies, or related field

Experience:
- Familiarity with qualitative research methods (e.g., in-depth interviewing, focus groups)
- Experience performing research projects with multiple team members across different departments, disciplines, and/or universities

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
- Familiarity with software for qualitative data processing (e.g. NVivo)

- Ability to act as a mentor to MA- and undergraduate-level research assistants and
- Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Willingness to travel—this position may involve conference travel, including to the US in 2027
- Strong academic writing skills
- Ability to work independently
- Enthusiasm for the research topic is essential!

Why Western?





Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work setting that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone (phone hidden).

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

📌 Research Assistant (London)
🏢 Western University
📍 London