Research Assistant

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

We are actively seeking a Research Assistant in Indigenous Women's Health to be responsible for supporting three research studies that seek to advance Indigenous-led, rights-based approaches in health research and medical education. The role ensures rigorous, culturally safe, and community-engaged research processes across all projects.

Key Studies Supported:

• Effectiveness of the Indigenous Admissions Pathway – Evaluating the impact of the pathway on equity, retention, and outcomes in the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program (funded by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada).
• Distinctions-Based Indigenous Women's Health Priorities – Engaging First Nations, Métis, and Inuit women to identify their health research priorities and co-develop rights-based research frameworks (funded by the Women and Children's Health Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta)
• Pragmatic Trial on Birth Alerts – Conducting Rendering Visible: Disruptive and Anti-Colonial Interventions for Indigenous Women and Children in Alberta, a participant-led trial addressing the ongoing impacts of birth alerts and child welfare surveillance (funded by the HDRN and Western University).

The Research Assistant will play a central role in literature review, participant recruitment, data collection, thematic analysis, and knowledge mobilization. Preference will be given to candidates with experience or interest in Indigenous health, education policy, qualitative research methods, or decolonizing research practices.

The Research Assistant will be under the direction of the Principal Investigator (Dr. Tibetha Kemble (Stonechild), Director, Indigenous Clinical Trials; Project Lead, ACT Consortium (Indigenous); Academic Lead Indigenous Women's Health, Women and Children's Health Research Institute (WCHRI)) and the Clinical Research Program Lead, Women's Health.

This position is a hybrid role, combining remote work with in-office time at the WCHRI and/or Clinical Trials offices (University of Alberta North campus).

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world's top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

• Conduct targeted literature reviews on Indigenous admissions pathways, distinctions-based Indigenous women's health priorities, and equity in postgraduate medical education; and, summarize key findings to inform study frameworks and contextual analysis.
• Support identification and contact of potential participants and assist with communications, scheduling, and coordination for Talking Circles and one-on-one interviews.
• Take detailed notes and/or transcribe audio from Talking Circles and interviews; organize and securely manage qualitative data.
• Support qualitative data coding and thematic analysis in collaboration with the research team and contribute to internal memos, interim reports, and findings summaries.
• Assist with administrative tasks to ensure adherence to approved ethics protocols and maintain strict confidentiality and follow all data protection guidelines.

• Help develop presentations, reports, and knowledge-sharing materials; support engagement with Indigenous communities, academic audiences, and other stakeholders.

• Undergraduate degree in any discipline, preferably in Native Studies, Education, Health Sciences; Masters degree in any discipline an asset

• Demonstrated knowledge of, or interest in, Indigenous health and Indigenous women's health, medical education.
• Experience with qualitative research methods and data management.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a culturally safe and ethical manner.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or in community-based research contexts.
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis (i.e. thematic analysis)
• Understanding of OCAP principles or distinctions-based research ethics.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.