Research Associate - Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC)

Competition 1776

This position is located on the Augustana Campus in Camrose.

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

This position has a term length of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal.

Location - Work primarily takes place at Augustana Camrose. This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person.

Working at the University of Alberta

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.

Working for the Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC)

The Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC) at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus has, since its founding in 2009, assisted rural communities in meeting diverse challenges across many areas of public policy through fostering constructive dialogue, promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and developing partnerships.

The Centre’s mission is to link the research, outreach and educational capacity of the University of Alberta with students, researchers, rural communities, rural community organizations and policymakers at multiple levels across the province, nationally, and internationally in order to support the improved sustainability of rural communities and populations.

To read more about us and the work we do, please visit uab.ca/ACSRC.

Position 

Reporting to the Director of the Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC), the Research Associate will be expected to take the lead on multiple, ongoing research projects and work both independently and in conjunction with the Director of the ACSRC.  This position would entail the conducting of both quantitative and qualitative research on a variety of projects focusing on topics related to the sustainability of rural communities, broadly construed.  Hybrid work arrangements are available. 

This is a 12-month position, with the possibility of renewal.  The preferred start date is January 6, 2025.  Some research-related travel may be required.

Duties 

• conducting literature reviews/jurisdictional scans
• contacting and building relationships with potential collaborators and/or study participants
• conducting and analyzing semi-structured research interviews
• designing, administering, and analyzing quantitative surveys
• designing and delivering presentations to diverse audiences
• writing both public and academic reports
• writing grant applications
• working with, and supervising, undergraduate research assistants
• some research-related travel may be required

Minimum Qualifications

A Master's Degree in a related field and significant training in, and experience with, various quantitative and qualitative research methods, a familiarity and interest in “rural issues” relevant to a Western Canadian context, and an openness to working both independently and as part of a group. 

The candidate must also possess strong oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications 

A PhD in a related field would be considered an asset. Current PhD students in a related field nearing completion of their degree would be welcome to apply as well (hours of work per week may be negotiable for those working on completing the final stages of their PhD degree).