Graduate Research Assistant

SAIT's Teaching and Learning Commons is a vibrant, inclusive and networked Academic Support Service that assists academic leaders and faculty to promote teaching excellence and enhance the student learning experience. The integrated areas of support include enhancing teaching and learning practice – as well as for digital learning, program and curriculum development, quality enhancement and scholarly activity. 

The Opportunity

As a member of the research team, the Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) will lead the literature review and prepare materials for ethics review and data collection. The GRA will also perform activities to facilitate data analysis and dissemination of research findings.

The ideal candidate will be reliable, detail-oriented, and adaptable, with the ability to manage shifting priorities and meet deadlines. A proactive attitude, professionalism, and a collaborative mindset are essential for this role.

The Research Project

Title: Exploring the contribution of a protocol for developmental observation of online teaching in post-secondary education. 

Researchers: Flora Mahdavi (SAIT) and Jennifer Lock (UofC)

Mahdavi created the Developmental Observation of Online Teaching (DOOT) protocol. This protocol provides online faculty with opportunities for meaningful learning and development in manageable and incremental timeframes, especially considering the limited resources of educational development units at post-secondary institutions. The aim of this proposed project is to conduct research on extending the use of the protocol in various disciplines at different post-secondary institutions across Alberta. Their input and feedback after using the protocol will form the study data.  The research question guiding the study is: "How does the DOOT Protocol enhance the quality of online teaching in various post-secondary contexts?"

Understanding the answers to the above question is necessary to effectively promote and implement the DOOT Protocol.

• Lead literature review and synthesis
• Prepare materials for ethics review
• Develop and validate questionnaire items
• Assist with conducting focus groups
• Transcribe focus group proceedings
• Code data and perform qualitative (thematic) analyses 
• Support writing reports for academic and practitioner audiences
• Design and deliver presentations

• Doctoral student in Education 
• Completed the Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2): Course on Research Ethics (CORE-2022) online tutorial and certification 
• Familiarity with academic literature databases.
• Competence with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Proficiency in use of common digital tools used at SAIT for communication and administration (e.g., Outlook, and OneDrive)
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods. 
• Ability to summarize and report on research activity.
• Well-developed skills in organization, coordination, planning, document review, and report writing.
• Interpersonal skills to support smooth communication within the research team and with collaborators
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently to meet deadlines

• Scholarly experience and interest in technology-enabled learning, particularly online learning.
• Prior research experience

Job classification: A5067 - Information Officer I

Hourly rate: $27.10

# of position: 1

Position End Date: July 31, 2026

Posting closing date: November 3, 2025

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta's Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we're looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about EDI at SAIT. 

At SAIT, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We're dedicated to adding diverse perspectives to SAIT - so if your experience is close to what we're looking for, please consider applying.

SAIT is committed to supporting persons with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with applicants to provide accommodations upon request to the Talent Advisor.  

Personal information that you provide is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) section 33(c) and will be used for the purposes of managing the application, selection and interview process. Should you require further information about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, please contact the SAIT FOIP Coordinator at

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