Research Assistant, History
Top Benefits
About the role
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!
Competition ID:
4246
Internal Closing Date:
August 12, 2025
External Closing Date:
August 12, 2025
# of Openings:
1
- Salary Information:
Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type:
Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Employee Group:
Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Dr. Kyle Jackson.
SUMMARY
The Research Assistant will be engaged in research with primary and secondary source materials, assisting a faculty member with historical research on Northeast India.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research in various historical databases, online archival repositories, and library catalogues
- Read, analyze, and summarize diverse sources, including journal articles, e-books, historical texts, photographs and film, and physical books
- Review literature as required
- Communicate with external partners and researchers as required
- Identify and pursue research on historical themes of relevance to the project
- Compile data with precision, paying attention to detail and context
- Attend periodic research team meetings (in-person and online) to discuss ideas, research findings, and progress
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to follow directions
- Ability to read large amounts of text closely
- Ability to think organically in an unstructured research environment, developing and following new leads as the project grows
- Good interpersonal, organization, research, and written skills
- A professional and positive attitude
- Ability to think creatively about the past
- Enjoyment of historical research and solitary reading
- Ability to use Word and (basic) Excel
- Ability to read cursive writing an asset
- Demonstrated attention to quality work and precise attention to detail
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with colonial, creative (e.g., graphic history: history-based comics), global and/or South Asian histories is an asset
- Language skills in a Northeast Indian language are an asset, but not required
- Salary Information
Anticipated hourly pay rate: $27.05
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action.
Research Assistant, History
Top Benefits
About the role
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!
Competition ID:
4246
Internal Closing Date:
August 12, 2025
External Closing Date:
August 12, 2025
# of Openings:
1
- Salary Information:
Casual Employee - Hourly Rate
Employment Type:
Temporary Part Time
Workplace Type:
Hybrid
Travel Frequency:
Employee Group:
Casual Employee
Days of Work (BCGEU):
Hours of Work (BCGEU):
Hours per Week (BCGEU):
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This role reports to Dr. Kyle Jackson.
SUMMARY
The Research Assistant will be engaged in research with primary and secondary source materials, assisting a faculty member with historical research on Northeast India.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research in various historical databases, online archival repositories, and library catalogues
- Read, analyze, and summarize diverse sources, including journal articles, e-books, historical texts, photographs and film, and physical books
- Review literature as required
- Communicate with external partners and researchers as required
- Identify and pursue research on historical themes of relevance to the project
- Compile data with precision, paying attention to detail and context
- Attend periodic research team meetings (in-person and online) to discuss ideas, research findings, and progress
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to follow directions
- Ability to read large amounts of text closely
- Ability to think organically in an unstructured research environment, developing and following new leads as the project grows
- Good interpersonal, organization, research, and written skills
- A professional and positive attitude
- Ability to think creatively about the past
- Enjoyment of historical research and solitary reading
- Ability to use Word and (basic) Excel
- Ability to read cursive writing an asset
- Demonstrated attention to quality work and precise attention to detail
QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with colonial, creative (e.g., graphic history: history-based comics), global and/or South Asian histories is an asset
- Language skills in a Northeast Indian language are an asset, but not required
- Salary Information
Anticipated hourly pay rate: $27.05
Total Rewards
As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU also offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, inhouse training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more!
Note: Eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary depending on the employee group the position belongs to and whether the position offered is temporary or part-time.
Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture and total rewards.
Note to Applicants
Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.
If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at talentacquisition@kpu.ca.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.
We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
As Canada’s only polytechnic university, KPU is committed to providing learners with opportunities to develop hands-on, applied skills, in addition to traditional academics. Established in 1981, the university has five campuses across Metro Vancouver (Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale, and Surrey Central City). KPU currently offers a range of degrees, diplomas, certificates, and citations in 120 diverse programs, many of which are unique to the university. Students graduate career-ready and prepared to make a positive impact in their community thanks to a well-rounded education, where thought meets action.