Research Assistant

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

**STUDENT LIFE, STUDENT AFFAIRS**

**Competition No.** 24.11.371

**CATEGORY**

**SALARY**

**CLOSING DATE**
- Casual (less than 35 hours per week)
MSA Band C (Steps 1-8): $22.189 - $32.280 per hour.
- **About Us**:

- MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.

Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 55 programs to more than 19,000 full
- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.**Opportunity**:
MacEwan University is seeking a Research Assistant for a casual appointment opportunity with our Student Life department. This work is expected to last until April 30, 2026. Reporting to the Manager, Student Success, you will support student retention by collecting, analyzing, and evaluating data on first-year transition programs. By compiling insights and feedback, you will guide evidence-based decision-making, foster a positive university experience, and inform strategies for optimizing student success. In collaboration with stakeholders, you will play a vital role in enhancing program effectiveness and fostering a supportive environment for first-year students.

Key responsibilities include:

- Collaborating with the department’s leadership, staff, and program coordinators to identify data collection needs for all student retention and first-year transition initiatives;
- Employing appropriate quantitative and qualitative methodologies, such as surveys, participation records, and focus groups to collect relevant information from students;
- Organizing and compiling the collected data from multiple retention projects and activities, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the information gathered;
- Using appropriate statistical methods and software tools to interpret collected data and conducting comprehensive analysis to identify trends, patterns, and key insights related to student retention and success;
- Conducting literature searches and maintaining citation databases;
- Maintaining accurate and detailed records;
- Summarizing findings and establishing key performance indicators to support continuous improvement efforts, making recommendations for program enhancement;
- Ensuring compliance with university research ethics guidelines and protecting the privacy and confidentiality of the collected data;
- Coordinating the ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of various retention programs and first-year transition initiatives;
- Preparing and contributing to the preparation of annual reports on student retention and first-year transition programs; and
- Responding to inquiries received from key stakeholders regarding relevant project issues and procedures.

**SKILLS**:
You will have:

- Knowledge of research methodologies, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures;
- Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical software including Excel, Google Forms, SPSS, etc;
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively;
- The ability to meet deadlines;
- A high level of attention to detail and accuracy in data collection and documentation;
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal;
- A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; and
- A demonstrated commitment to research ethics and data privacy; and
- Familiarity with student retention strategies.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- A minimum of a master’s degree.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience with data collection and analysis, preferably in an educational or research setting.
- Experience in a post-secondary setting specific to student affairs, student engagement, or a related area, would be considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

**BENEFITS**:
When you become part of the MacEwa