Research Associate

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.

The mission of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is to foster and enhance best practices in teaching and learning at Western University. To achieve its mission, the Centre utilizes an evidence-based approach to create and deliver programs that support the teaching and learning activities of faculty members, librarians and archivists, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students.

Please note: this position is expected to be filled by re-internal appointment.

Responsibilities:

The Digital Learning Team at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is undertaking a project that involves gathering, analyzing, and synthesizing information about the current state and trends in the use of learning analytics to improve teaching and learning. The first stage of this project involves an environmental scan that seeks to provide answers to a series of guiding questions, such as:

• What are learning analytics?
• What are the benefits of using learning analytics to support teaching practices?
• What are the potential concerns of using learning analytics to support teaching practices?
• How are other institutions using learning analytics to better understand and improve learning?
• What are the tools used to gather learning process data? What information can an LMS provide to support a better understanding of how students learn?

In support of the CTL's Digital Learning team, the Research Associate will lead an environmental scan on the use of learning analytics to enhance teaching and learning in higher education. The incumbent will conduct a comprehensive review of the literature, market trends, institutional practices, and stakeholder feedback. Responsibilities may also include developing and administering surveys, and facilitating focus groups with stakeholders, including faculty and students. Responsibilities also include analyzing data and writing a detailed report with actionable recommendations.

The successful candidate will explore current practices, trends, and tools in learning analytics within higher education.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate degree in Education or relevant discipline, or equivalent degree with training in qualitative data analysis
• PhD preferred

Experience

• Experience analyzing qualitative data
• Experience conducting environmental scans and/or literature reviews
• Experience in preparing presentations and reports for varying audiences
• Experience teaching at the university level would be an asset

Skills, Abilities, & Expertise:

• Working knowledge of relevant qualitative and quantitative research design principles and methods
• Knowledge of learning analytics and related concepts is an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• 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

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: The policy can be viewed at: POLICY Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

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

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

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

This position is an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.