Student Research Assistant (undergrad or grad)
Researchers at St. Thomas University are seeking two Research Assistants to help with analyzing historic texts from the New England Company in New Brunswick. This project aims to uncover the history of the Sussex Vale Indian Academy, a late 18th century school for Indigenous children that operated on a model similar to the later residential schools that were instituted across Canada. This school’s history has remained obscure until our team’s recent work to identify the Indigenous students that attended.
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Research Assistants will transcribe historic texts, extract data relevant to the subject, and enter data into a database. Students may also be asked to assist with compiling results and preparing academic texts.
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Indigenous students are strongly encouraged to apply.
Project Description
Reporting to Dr. Cora Woolsey, the successful candidates will assist a research team in extracting data from historic documents related to the managing of the Sussex Vale Indian Academy, a proto-residential school in New Brunswick. The successful candidates will be responsible for transcribing hand-written documents, keeping track of document catalogues, identifying key information in transcripts, entering data into databases and taking notes, and communicating activities with the research team. Strong self-motivation and experience with history or social sciences research are essential requirements for this position.
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These positions are funded through St. Thomas University. If you are a STU student, please apply using the STU Job Board on the Learning in Action site, and navigate to "2371 - Research Assistant."
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Requirements
We are seeking two candidates with knowledge of qualitative research, a strong work ethic, and good self-direction.
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Eligibility Requirements:
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Enrollment in or completion of a university degree in social science, or completion within the next year
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Must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program
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Experience conducting qualitative research
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Fluency in English (written and spoken)
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Excellent summarizing and communication skills
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Ability to learn on the job
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Desired Assets:
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Experience with Indigenous history, culture, or related subject matter
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Connections and familiarity with New Brunswick Indigenous communities
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An understanding of colonizing history of Indigenous – Euro-descendant history
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Experience with:
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data coding
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data extraction
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qualitative data analysis methods
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The candidates will sometimes attend meetings with the other team members. Some travel may be required.
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Hours and Pay:
This position is funded by the Harrison McCain Research Grant for 10 hours per week over a period of 12 weeks at a rate of $20.07/hour including 4% vacation pay for a fourth-year undergraduate student. Other levels will be considered; pay is commensurate with level. (See pay levels at STU here.)
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Hours are flexible; some travel around the province may be required (provided by the research team).
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Start Date:
July 17th 2024 or upon hiring the candidate.
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Application:
Please send your application package including cover letter, resume, university transcript (unofficial is fine), and names of two references to Dr. Cora Woolsey, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, by email to cwoolsey@stu.ca. Letters of references are not necessary but will be accepted.
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Deadline to Apply:
July 12th 2024 at midnight. Application review will continue until the position is filled.