Research Assistant, College of Arts

**Research Assistant, College of Arts & Science**:
**About the Pornography, Platforms & Play Project**

The Pornography, Platforms & Play Project (PPPProject) is an SSHRC Insight Development Grant-funded study of the social, cultural, legal and economic factors that shape the production, distribution, and consumption of pornographic video games. The main objective of the project is to understand the interconnected and multi-directional ways that 1) **platforms’**technological affordances and governance, 2)** developers**’ creative and political practices, and 3) **players’**influence and play practices 4) **Sociolegal forces**(e.g., internet regulation and moral panics) shape the (un)availability of pornographic video games.

**Overview of the Position**

While all work on the project will be collaborative, the Graduate Research Assistant - Game Jams, will be primarily responsible for working with partners and the research team to organize a game jam (where the research team will conduct event-based interviews) in July 2026. They will also participate in platform walkthroughs and assist the research team in conducting and analyzing surveys and qualitative interviews. The Research Assistant - Game Jams will support the PI and Graduate Research Assistant - Survey and Interviews to prepare a conference paper to be delivered at the Canadian Game Studies Association (CGSA) conference in July 2025.

The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Jean Ketterling, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Studies - Women’s and Gender Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan. Work may be done on campus or virtually.

**Education**

Applicants must be full-time graduate students at a Canadian university.

**Key Duties**
- Participate in research team meetings
- With support from the research team, take the lead on game jam logistics, including working with partners, recruitment, and logistics.
- Assist with survey and interview recruitment.
- Assist the research team in conducting an online survey and qualitative interviews and analyze data.
- Work closely with the PI and Graduate Research Assistant - Survey and Interviews to prepare and deliver conference paper.
- Support the work of team members

**Required Skills**:

- This research project includes analyzing explicit sexual content and conducting research with producers and consumers of pornography. Applicants must be comfortable discussing these topics openly and professionally.
- Experience with games or game jams is an asset.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to synthesize information, and strong communication skills.

**How to Apply**

Where a graduate student at USask is appointed to this position, it will be in-scope of PSAC. International students outside of USask will need a valid work permit for the duration of the appointment. Study permit is sufficient for international students studying at USask.

We anticipate that the start date for this position will be October 1.

**Department**: Political Studies
**Status**: Term 12 months with the possibility of extension
**Employment Group**: Research Positions - Non-union
**Shift**: 3 hours/week (156 hours total)
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE)**: 0.08
**Salary**: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.37 - 28.52 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
**Salary Phase/Band**:Salary Band 4
**Posted Date**: 9/5/2025
**Closing Date**: 9/18/2025
**Number of Openings**:1
**Work Location**:May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve**:EDI Framework for Action**.**
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact **Human Resources**for assistance.