Research Assistant 1, Youth Participation Project

Calgary, AB
On-site
Posted Oct 10, 2026
1 position

$15–$19 / hour

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Employment type: Part-time
Experience level: Entry, Junior · 0+ years
Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Seniority: Entry level

Job summary

Code and conduct thematic analysis of de-identified qualitative data using NVivo or similar software, and assist with literature reviews. Participate in the Youth Participatory Action Research process and help prepare summary documents, reports, presentations, and other dissemination materials.

Job details

Job Title Research Assistant 1, Youth Participation Project Job Type Flexible Union MRSA Salary Grade RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026) RA 1 : Grade 12 ($15.45 - $19.44 per hour) Hybrid Work This position is ineligible Position End Date 3/15/2028 Location MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary) About This Position About the Role Research Assistant – The Power of Voice: Youth Participation in Systems Change. The project examines how participation in the Office of the Child and Youth Advocate Youth Council influences young people’s leadership capacity, sense of agency, civic engagement and developmental outcomes over time. The study uses a qualitative longitudinal design grounded in Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR), informed by Constructivist Grounded Theory, and includes interviews, researcher journaling, Youth Research Collaborative meetings, and arts-based mural creation. The RA will assist with literature review and thematic analysis of the de-identified data. They will also participate in the YPAR process. This is a flexible Research Assistant position whose work schedule is variable and may include an irregular schedule of not less than three (3) hours per shift and up to thirty-five (35) hours per week. Responsibilities Participate in coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo or similar software. Assist with literature reviews Actively participates as part of the YPAR process Contribute to drafting summary documents, reports, presentations, or other dissemination activities. Qualifications Required: Familiarity with qualitative research methods Excellent interpersonal communication and cultural humility when working with data involving vulnerable participants. Open to learning analytical skills using NVivo software Preferred Current enrollment in the Bachelor of Social Work or related programs at Mount Royal University (Preferably entering 2nd or 3rd year) Familiarity with research ethics in qualitative studies Interest in learning how to work with qualitative data through thematic analysis. Understanding of how to complete a literature review Ability to work independently and manage emotional or sensitive material. Closing Date: October 16, 2026 A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 4321, CV.pdf). We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others currently legally authorized to work in Canada will be given priority. Please note only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. After the close date, you can check on the status of your application through your Career Centre. New career opportunities arise frequently and are posted as they become available. Please check back often to view our latest postings on our Career Opportunities page. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify erecruiter@mtroyal.ca and we will work together on your accommodation request. About MRU Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. MRU serves approximately 15,782 students, including 11,752 full-time and 4,030 part-time learners. MRU offers 13 bachelor's degrees encompassing 37 majors across faculties such as Arts, Business, Communications, Health, Community & Education, and Science & Technology. With over 74% of its student body drawn from the local area, Mount Royal University primarily serves Calgary and its surrounding region. MRU is a diverse yet close community with over 1,800 employees. Mount Royal provides employees the support they need to lead and advance institutional goals. Learn more about MRU's Academic Plan and Strategic Plan.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Applicants should be familiar with qualitative research methods and demonstrate strong interpersonal communication and cultural humility when working with sensitive data involving vulnerable participants. The role requires openness to learning NVivo and analytical skills; enrollment in a Bachelor of Social Work or related program at Mount Royal University, familiarity with qualitative research ethics, and literature review experience are preferred.