Job Description

Research Associate

We are hiring a research assistant/associate for the SSHRC Insight Development Grant-funded project "Confronting Contemporary Eugenics: Resistance and Redefinition" led by Dr. Audra Mitchell (Laurier) and Dr. Kelly Fritsch (Carleton). This position is suitable for early career scholars (advanced doctoral or recent post-doctoral) with significant experience of qualitative research techniques and ethics, in fields such as: science and technology studies (STS); critical disability studies; sociology and anthropology; human geography; social movement studies; gender, sexuality, and trans studies; Indigenous studies; Black studies; and related fields.

This interdisciplinary project examines transformations not only in the tools and techniques of eugenics in contemporary Canada and the USA, but also the ways that communities targeted by these processes are redefining and critically deploying concepts of (anti-)eugenics. These groups and movements include but are not limited to Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, disabled (including d/Deaf, Mad and neurodivergent) and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, incarcerated people and other marginalized groups. The project will involve an exploratory scoping and knowledge synthesis review of the multi-disciplinary and multi-media sources of this knowledge (including academic work, social media, the arts, and social movement communications). It will also involve a series of interviews with key informants from academic and community-based networks; and an online speaker series of public talks featuring scholars and community-based knowledge-makers.

Its aims are to map out major discursive formations surrounding changes concepts of eugenics and to track patterns of change in how this framework is being used and transformed by those it affects most intensely. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out a scoping/knowledge synthesis review planning and undertaking a series of key informant interviews developing the REB application and implementing its terms supporting the planning and execution of the speaker series knowledge mobilization (e.g. co-writing with the PIs, presenting findings at conferences).

The successful candidate will work closely with both Mitchell and Fritsch, and will receive support and training in all of the tasks listed above. It is anticipated that the successful applicant will have the opportunity to present at one or two national or international conferences and co-author project outputs.

Accountabilities:

• Designing and undertaking a scoping/knowledge synthesis review of multi-disciplinary and multi-media sources related to changing ideas of eugenics
• Planning and carrying out interviews with c. 40 key informants (including scheduling and obtaining informed consent)
• Transcribing interview data using NVivo software and manual adjustments
• Preparing and implementing the project's REB application
• Assisting the co-PIs in developing a codebook for analysing the data
• Participating in data analysis
• Participating in writing-up of outputs, including co-authoring outputs with the co-PIs
• Participating in knowledge mobilization through conference participation
• Supporting an MA-level RA in planning the speaker series

Qualifications Required:

• Holds a MA by research or equivalent; working towards or has recently completed a PHD in relevant disciplines/fields (see above)
• Significant experience of conducting interview-based research, including design, planning and regular in-process evaluation of progress.
• Has completed rigorous training in qualitative social science methodologies
• Has proven experience of effective research management and communication (e.g. regularly communicating progress, deliverables, identifying and communicating problems in advance).
• Has proven experience of working effectively in an independent, remote setting.

Advantageous:

• Has experience of research in the specific subject areas covered by the project
• Has experience of working with community-based key informants and/or has substantial community-based networks related to the subject area.

Hours of Work:

This is a Part-time, Limited-term opportunity with an anticipated end date of August 31, 2027. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. If the successful candidate is located in a different time zone than the co-PIs, this will be taken into account. When possible, the manager will adjust hours to ensure no more than 10 hours are worked in a week Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to the likelihood that interviews may need to be scheduled based on the availability of interview participants. The successful candidate will have an opportunity to negotiate when they work their weekly hours, but consistent hours will be expected except in unusual circumstances. This role is eligible for a remote work arrangement, as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy). All arrangements must be approved by the direct manager. In-person attendance for events, as required to meet operational needs, is expected. On occasion, this arrangement may need to be adjusted to meet operational requirements.

Compensation $27.81-$44.29 per hour.

Considerations for new hire placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors. Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier's core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities.

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