ALGOMA UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSISTANT

Algoma University is committed to undoing systemic and institutional discrimination and being
publicly transparent and accountable. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our
Special Mission. In keeping with the Seven Grandfather teachings that are the core values that
inform our decisions as an institution, we are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive,
respectful, and safe environment where everyone belongs. We live these values through the
strength and richness that diversity brings to our workforce and welcome contributors from
equity-deserving groups including: Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women,
Persons with Disabilities, 2 Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer persons.

JOB TITLE: Research Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies

POSITION STATUS: Part-time - Up to 5 hours per week

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: John Bessai, Assistant Professor

CAMPUS/LOCATION: Sault Ste. Marie

SALARY: $17.60/hr +4% Vacation Pay

TERM: September 15th, 2026 to May 31, 2027

SUMMARY:

The Undergraduate Research Assistant will work with the faculty supervisor on a
connected research program in Community Economic and Social Development, the
social economy, public institutions, public policy, local history, and media. Sault Ste.
Marie provides the main research base, with related work developing in Brampton.

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Conduct research using local archives, digital media, public records, and verified

online sources.

- Locate and review municipal reports, newspaper records, photographs, maps,

organizational records, public databases, and online archival materials.

- Trace claims from YouTube videos, podcasts, and other digital media back to





original or authoritative sources.

- Verify the accuracy of names, dates, facts, and supporting evidence and identify

information that remains uncertain or requires further verification.

- Transcribe approved archival and research materials as required.
- Organize and maintain research files, source records, spreadsheets, and Zotero

libraries.

- Prepare concise source notes, research summaries, and background materials for

scholarly and public-facing outputs.

- Conduct research at Algoma University collections, Sault Ste. Marie Public Library,

museums, municipal records, and other approved research locations.

- Support selected in-person and synchronous online Community Economic and

Social Development (CESD) classes and workshops by locating, organizing, and
verifying research materials under faculty supervision.

- Assist students and faculty with accessing and working with public documents,

databases, organizational evidence, archives, media, and other research sources.
- Support the preparation of background files and institutional contact lists for

approved outreach involving community organizations, Algoma University
programs, Sault College, and secondary schools.

- Maintain accurate research documentation and ensure materials are organized

and accessible for ongoing projects.




- Complete assigned research activities within established timelines and agreed

deadlines.
- Exercise sound source judgment and professional integrity when evaluating and

handling research materials.
- Perform scheduled in-person research assignments in Sault Ste. Marie as

required.
- Perform other related research and administrative duties as assigned by the

faculty supervisor

Interested applicants should submit a résumé and a brief letter of application
(approximately 250–300 words) explaining their interest in the position and
describing one example of research, media, archival, digital, or investigative work
that shows how they found, assessed, verified, or organized information.

Please submit your resume to [email protected] by September 10, 2026.

Algoma University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our
community and is an equal-prospect employer. The university invites and encourages
applications from all qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of
our Institution, including equity-deserving groups that are traditionally underrepresented in
employment (Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and
2SLGBTQQIPA+ persons).

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request,
accommodation will be provided by Algoma University throughout the recruitment, selection,
and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. Algoma University welcomes and
encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request
for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

📌 Research Assistant (Sault Ste. Marie)
🏢 Algoma University
📍 Sault Ste. Marie