Research Associate

**About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: The Faculty of Education will transform education and transform lives by leading and contributing to teaching excellence in research-intensive academic and professional programs, and through world-class research that produces measurable and high-quality social impact that benefits society. We are committed to enhancing equity and accessibility for all learners, and culturally and socially responsive knowledge brokering and mobilization. **Responsibilities**: The Research Associate will collaborate with the Principal Investigator to design, implement, and evaluate AI-driven teacher training simulations. The incumbent will conduct systematic literature reviews on artificial intelligence, game-based learning, and immersive educational technologies in teacher education to support the development of an agentic AI prototype using a design-based research methodology (DDIE loop). The Research Associate will assist in participant recruitment, data collection (including chat logs and user interaction histories), and research ethics processes. They will analyze qualitative data (e.g., journal reflections, focus group transcripts) and support the synthesis of findings. The incumbent will contribute to the preparation of academic manuscripts, conference presentations, and knowledge mobilization materials. The Research Associate will participate in project meetings, providing updates on research progress and technical developments, and will support SSHRC grant proposal development and long-term project planning. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - Master's degree in a relevant discipline; PhD in a relevant discipline preferred (e.g. Curriculum Studies) - Research focused on game-based learning, AI integration in education, or virtual reality simulations in education is an asset - Demonstrated understanding of educational research design, including design-based research and actor-network theory **Experience**: - 3 years' working experience in a related academic research environment Skills, Abilities & Expertise: - Proficiency with digital tools and platforms for simulation-based or AI-enhanced instruction - Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles - Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit - Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports - Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required - Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy - Familiarity with University research policies and practices - Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies - Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges - Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment - Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities - Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work - Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner - Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals - Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems **Why Western?**: 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. Please note that we intend to fill this position internally.