Research Assistant - School of Earth, Environment & Society
Regular/Temporary
Temporary
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
2026/11/05
Job Type
Limited Term (=>6months)
Close Date
2026/11/12
Employee Group
Unifor Unit 1, Staff
Favorite Job
Department
Full/Part Time
Part-Time
Job Code
JD0592
Existing Vacancy
Yes - Backfilling as Existing
Contract Duration
4.7 Months
Target Number of Openings
1
10
Schedule Hours of work are anticipated to be 2 hours per day, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Monday to Friday.
Education Level Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
Career Level Requires 2 years of relevant experience.
Job Description # UJD010
Anticipated Fill Date Mid November
Job Description Unit / Project Description The Research Assistant will support research activities within the School of Earth, Environment & Society (SEES) under the supervision of Dr. Allison Williams. The position contributes to research and administration focused on caregiving, carer-employees, caregiver-friendly workplaces, and interventions designed to support caregivers. The RA will support ongoing research activities associated with externally funded projects, including the SSHRC Partnership Grant “The Care Economy, Aging and Policy: A Partnership Approach”, research program. Activities involve participant recruitment and engagement, research administration, data analysis, knowledge mobilization, manuscript development, and coordination with research team members and community partners.
Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.
Purpose and Key Functions Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.
Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.
Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.
Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.
Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
Conduct structured project participant interviews.
Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
Conduct literature searches.




Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.
Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.
Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.
Supervision No formal supervision of others is required.
Requirements Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
Requires 2 years of relevant experience.
Assets Experience or demonstrated interest in caregiving, health, workplace, social science, or community-based research would be considered an asset.
Additional assets include experience with qualitative research and data analysis; reviewing and synthesizing research literature and qualitative data; academic and manuscript writing; participant recruitment and correspondence; preparing research presentations and knowledge mobilization materials; and working collaboratively with academic researchers, community organizations, and research participants.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple research activities with a degree of independence are also considered assets.
Additional Information Primarily supporting the administration of the grant in terms of report writing and development, data management and tracking of administrative processes;
Maintaining spreadsheets tracking project team members and project activity;
Supporting recruitment and ongoing correspondence with research participants;
Coordinating and communicating with research team members and community partners;
Supporting research meetings and project administration;
Reviewing, organizing, and analyzing qualitative research data, including data managed in NVivo/Atlas.ti;
Assisting with the interpretation and synthesis of research findings;
Preparing summaries, briefs, presentations, and other research and knowledge mobilization materials;
Contributing to manuscript development, formatting, revisions, and preparation for publication;
Supporting intervention-related research activities and participant engagement; and
Undertaking other research, administrative, and knowledge mobilization activities as required by the project.
The position requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage competing research priorities,



communicate professionally with research participants and partners, and produce high-quality written materials within established timelines.
Employment Equity Statement McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a solid commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
Interview Experience At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [email protected] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.
AI Statement McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Research Assistant - School of Earth, Environment & Society (Ontario)
🏢 McMaster University
📍 Ontario