##About Western

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

##About Us

About the Lab: The Otekhnòtshera Ratirihwisaks Etho:onhwentsyáke (OTEKH) is a new research lab at Visual
Arts (Western University) that will facilitate key activities and long-term initiatives focused on advanced
Indigenous arts and technology research; it functions in conjunction with Indigenous Studies, the Wampum
Learning Lodge and Indigenous organizations in the region. Hybrid in character, multidisciplinary in scope, and
innovative in ambition, Otekh is the central hub for Indigenous-led research-creation activities at Western,
supporting all projects and initiatives related to artistic production, student training, dissemination and
public/community engagement. Core research-creation areas include: media arts production; 3d scanning and
data visualization; artificial intelligence; virtual reality applications; video & audio installations.

About the Global Programme: Abundant Intelligences is an ambitious, large-scale six-year research program
exploring how to integrate Indigenous Knowledges and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. It is conducted by
an international research team, co-directed by Prof. Jason Lewis at the Indigenous Futures Research Centre
(IFRC) at Concordia University, Montreal, and Prof. Hemi Whaanga at Massey University in New Zealand.
The research team currently consists of 48 co-investigators and collaborators at 13 universities/research
institutes and 8 community-based organizations in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The
Haudenosaunee POD is located in the OTEKH Lab at Western University and focuses on integrating
Haudenosaunee knowledge and AI. The POD's research activities are focused on the Lawson Site and
community engagement in Six Nations of the Grand River. The POD is currently engaged in expanding
community engagement in the region.

##Responsibilities

Research Assistants (RAs) are a key part of the Abundant Intelligences Project and the Haudenosaunee POD at the OTEKH Lab at Western University. In this role, RAs collaborate on interdisciplinary research-creation projects, contributing to the design, development, and production of installations and media arts works. You will work alongside a diverse team of researchers and creatives, helping to integrate academic research with artistic expression. RAs will assist in various aspects of project development, from concept design to execution, and will have access to lab facilities for personal research. This role offers flexibility around academic schedules and opportunities for leadership, including mentoring undergraduate students and guiding projects. RAs are expected to bring creative ideas, collaborate effectively, and contribute to the overall success of lab initiatives. The role will:

• Assist with the creation, testing, and deployment of interactive art installations that incorporate AI, computer vision, or generative systems

• Assist with data management, and issues concerning Indigenous data sovereignty

• Contribute technical expertise to team brainstorming sessions and collaborative art research-creation projects

• Assist with interdisciplinary research creation for Pod/Lab research activities

• Provide technical expertise with new and on-going projects

• Assist with project leadership that involve undergraduate RAs

• Support general administrative activities, and participate/ help organize in POD events

Qualifications

Educations:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant area of focus (preference for computer science)

Experience:

• 1 year of work experience supporting research in a related technical field or equivalent research experience

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Advanced Computer Skills, including knowledge of coding in languages such as Python, JSON and C languages
• Intermediate Knowledge of AI/LLM research design
• Expertise with AI/LLM coding paradigms and methods
• Knowledge and expertise of code debugging
• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
• Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
• Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
• Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
• Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research
• Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
• Familiarity with experimental design and analysis
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information

##Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

##Applying at Western

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter. The CV should detail relevant professional experience, education, skills, and achievements, with emphasis on community engagement, research interests and research experience. Knowledge of computer languages, Indigenous knowledge systems and experience with administration will be considered assets.

Appointed by the OTEKH lab/AbINT POD Director; preference for graduate level education. Must be available for hybrid work (in-person and virtual).

##Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

##Please Note:

This is an existing vacancy.