Job Title

Research Assistant, Seeing Themselves in the Mathematics

Job Type

Flexible

Union

MRSA

Salary Grade

Hybrid Work

This position is eligible

Position End Date

12/31/2027

Location

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

About This Position

About the Project A Research Assistant is sought to support a HCE funded research project titled: Seeing Themselves in the Mathematics: Reconceptualizing Teacher Identity and Self-Efficacy Through Games and Narrative led by Dr.

Sarah

Hamilton. This study addresses the critical challenge of creating spaces for all learners to see themselves in the mathematics they learn and do. In particular, it examines the fragile relationship of many pre-service teachers (PSTs) with mathematics.

The study investigates how two specific pedagogical interventions, low-floor, high-ceiling mathematical games and reflective free-writing, enable support PSTs to reconceptualize their identities as mathematics learners and educators and carry this work forward in early career teaching practices.

About The Role The Research Assistant (RA2) position will include assisting the PI with basic literature reviews, recruitment of participants, scheduling and facilitating focus groups, and other research administrative tasks. Furthermore, the Research Assistant position will include data collection and analysis, trend monitoring, and the potential for collaborative preparation of reports and presentations with the PI.

The Research

Assistant will work both independently and collaboratively, with frequent team meetings and work reviewed by the Principal Investigator.

This is a versatile Research Assistant position until December 31, 2027, with varied hours depending on the phase of the research. The RA will work up to a maximum of 200 hours total for the project, with no more than 35 hours on a given week.

Responsibilities

- Training for Ethics (TCPS2), data collection and thematic data analysis




- Administrative research tasks
- Recruitment of participants
- Collection and storage of consent forms
- Participant outreach and scheduling of focus groups

- Data collection and research protocols

- Facilitation of focus groups
- Administration of consent forms
- Note-taking and reflections

- Data preparation and anonymization

- Post-grade appeal, meticulously scrub and anonymize data to the highest degree possible before releasing them to the PI for analysis

- Data Analysis

- Assist the PI in qualitative data analysis, identifying thematic patterns across the data.

- Collaborative preparation and participation in dissemination of research findings with PI (If desired)

Qualifications

- Enrollment in an undergraduate degree program at MRU is preferred
- Successfully completed a Research Methods course that includes qualitative research methods
- Technical skills related to the use of Google workspace; Otter.ai or other transcription tool; and digital tools to manage data (including password protected drives/folders)
- Can obtain police check (including vulnerable sector) in case of school visits if necessary
- High ethical standards and adherence to Research Ethics, including guidelines in TCPS2 and those outlined in the MRU Human Research Ethics Board certificate for this study
- Strong attention to detail, ability to work independently, and strong communication skills

Salary Rate: $21.87 - $27.61 per hour Closing Date: August 30, 2026

A letter of interest should be submitted in one .pdf formatted document. Please title your .pdf document as follows:



[Last Name], [Document], [Requisition Number].pdf (ex. Smith, Letter of Interest, 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 [email protected] 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.

📌 Research Assistant, Seeing Themselves in the Mathematics (Calgary)
🏢 Mount Royal University
📍 Calgary