Research Assistant

**About Western**:
Researchers from the School of Occupational Therapy are currently seeking a research assistant for a study titled ‘Initiating a Participatory Action Research (PAR) process with South Asian Older Immigrants’. The aim of this research is to create and mobilize a collective of South Asian older immigrants to set research priorities relevant to community participation and to explore the successes and challenges of using PAR with older immigrants.

**About Us**:
Western's School of Occupational Therapy believes in the transformative power of occupation. Through a commitment to social justice, social inclusion, and health and wellbeing, faculty members and students engage in teaching, research and learning that creates positive change
locally, nationally and internationally. Teaching and research in the School of Occupational Therapy is enhanced through a network of international and interprofessional collaborations that broadens the understanding of occupation and motivates students impact the world at individual and societal levels.

**Responsibilities**:
The Research Assistant will support the research activities for qualitative and quantitative projects in adherence with ethics protocols and guidelines. The incumbent will handle the day-to-day research duties required for the operation of the laboratory or research centre, and may be a liaison between the research team and study participants. The incumbent will assist in the dissemination of research results arising from these projects, and perform qualitative and quantitative data collection, entry and processing. The Research Assistant may also assist with the preparation of any required documents, coordinate travel, and organize meetings for the research team.
- Contribute to aspects of a scoping review
- Assist research team with coordination of project including arranging meetings, taking notes, communicating with team members and participants
- Recruit participants, including visiting community locations to post notices and screening potential participants
- Develop and maintain relationships with community partners
- Contribute to data analysis
- Create knowledge mobilization materials and participate in knowledge mobilization activities

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant area of focus

**Experience**:
- Currently enrolled in a Masters program at the University of Western Ontario
- Familiar with gerontology research literature
- Excellent communication, organization and project management skills
- Located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) or available to be present in GTA as needed

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

- Background in occupational therapy, gerontology, sociology
- Experience in/courses in qualitative research
- Fluency in a South Asian language(s) (e.g., Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, etc.)
- Likely to continue to be a graduate student at Western for 2-3 more years
- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
- Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
- Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research
- Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Familiarity with experimental design and analysis
- Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information

**Why Western?**:
**Background Checks**:
While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory prior to any offer of employment.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

**Western Values Diversity**:
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.