Project and Research Lead, Live Actor Simulation

Department: Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT), Experiential Learning Hub/Live Actor Simulation Program
Position supervisor: Manager, Live Actor Simulation & Experiential Learning
Contract length: As soon as available to March 2025
Hours of work per week: Maximum 20 hrs per week
Position type: Non-Union Casual
Rate of pay: $27/hr

About Toronto Metropolitan University

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Met is on a transformative path to becoming Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

In April 2022, the university announced our new name of Toronto Metropolitan University, which will be implemented in a phased approach. Learn more about our next chapter.

About Live Actor Simulation

Live Actor Simulation (LAS) is a long-standing and established program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Situated within the Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching’s Experiential Learning (EL) Hub, LAS supports internal and external clients by providing tailored simulations intended to develop interpersonal and professional skills via reduced-risk encounters with highly trained actors. Simulations are delivered to a wide range of clients, and are designed to meet different learning objectives in ways that are impactful and challenging while remaining true to life. Our roster of actors reflects the diversity of identities and life experiences that are found on and off campus, and roles are written and cast to meet a high standard of realism and cultural safety.

The Opportunity

Over the last 25 + years, Live Actor Simulation has grown and developed with a repertoire of simulations building into a robust catalogue over that span of time. Our goal is to offer simulations that maintain a high standard of applicability, authenticity and cultural safety. Many of our simulations incorporate personal and cultural elements, both in the characters and scenarios presented, and our program needs to ensure that all materials used in simulation are fully up to date and reflect accurate, sensitive portrayals based on current information and understandings.

The purpose of this role is to support the Live Actor Simulation team in assessing the current catalogue of simulations, and develop an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) framework that can be applied as standard practice going forward to ensure that all current and future simulations meet a high standard of EDIA principles and practices. The framework will be rooted in current research, developed via consultations with faculty and students, and developed with input and direction from the Live Actor Simulation team. Funding for this position has been made available by TMU’s Learning and Teaching Grants, which seeks to enhance student learning through the development of new strategies or course materials, and address priorities in the 2020-25 Academic Plan.

The Research and Project Lead will work closely with the Principal and Co-Investigator (an Instructor of Social Work and the Live Actor Simulation Manager, respectively), and in collaboration with the Live Actor Simulation Writer/Trainer and administrator team to:
Simulation Catalogue Review
- Review and become familiar with key entries in the Live Actor Simulation catalogue of simulations
- Work with the Writer/Trainer and Administrative team to build an understanding of the processes and systems that are used internally to deliver simulations
- Gain an understanding of how simulations are developed, and how they are used once they are developed
- Select simulations via an EDIA lens for revision

Qualitative and Quantitative Research
- Synthesize research on topics including simulation, equity, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, cultural safety and communication in order to inform development of the simulation framework (will have access to TMU library collection)
- With the Principal and Co-Investigator, will recruit and convene/manage advisory groups of students and faculty to inform project outcomes and sharpen understanding of impact of simulation on participants
- Develop and administer surveys, and analyze data
- Will meet with LAS team and PrincipaI/Co-Investigator to discuss findings and finalize work

Framework Development
- Using findings from research and consultations, work with PrincipaI/Co-Investigator and Live Actor Simulation team to develop a framework for EDIA that can be applied to the development and delivery of simulations for all clients
- Incorporate feedback from key stakeholders (advisory group, LAS team, simulation clients) to hone and finalize framework
- Creation of one to three new simulations based on findings from focus group discussions/advisory group in collaboration with the writer/trainers

Other Duties