Research Assistant 3, Youth Transitions Study (Graduate Lead / PAR & Photovoice)

Calgary, AB
On-site
Posted Oct 9, 2026
1 position

$28–$35 / hour

Opens LinkedIn

Employment type: Part-time
Experience level: Mid-level · 2+ years
Minimum education: Master’s degree
Posting language: English
Working hours: 35 hours per week
Seniority: Mid-Senior level

Job summary

Lead and coordinate a 14-week Participatory Action Research and Photovoice project, including recruiting youth co-researchers, facilitating weekly sessions, and maintaining project documentation and logistics. Collaborate with youth and the national research team to analyze findings and develop recommendations and a community knowledge-mobilization activity.

Job details

Job Title Research Assistant 3, Youth Transitions Study (Graduate Lead / PAR & Photovoice) Job Type Flexible Union MRSA Salary Grade RA Salary Grade (Jul 2026) RA 3 : Grade 19 ($27.61 - $34.97 per hour) Hybrid Work This position is ineligible Position End Date 6/30/2027 Location MRU Main Campus - Calgary, AB T3E 6K6 CA (Primary) About This Position About the Project The Youth Transitions Study (YTS) is a national longitudinal research project examining the experiences of young people transitioning from child welfare services into adulthood. As part of the project, each jurisdiction will conduct a Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Photovoice initiative with young people who have lived experience of child welfare involvement. The PAR project will engage approximately 8–10 youth co-researchers aged 18+ in a series of facilitated sessions focused on exploring factors that support or hinder successful transitions to adulthood. Through photography, discussion, reflection, and collaborative analysis, participants will identify key themes and recommendations for policy and practice. The project will culminate in a community knowledge mobilization activity or public exhibit. The PAR projects will be supported nationally by Dr. Melanie Doucet, who will provide training, mentorship, and methodological guidance. The position will report to Christina Tortorelli, Academic Director, Associate Professor – Social Work at Mount Royal University. About The Role We are seeking a graduate (Masters or Doctoral) student to serve as the local PAR Research Lead. The successful candidate will coordinate and facilitate the PAR process within their jurisdiction and work closely with local project partners, youth participants, and the national research team. The project will run over approximately 14 weeks, with weekly participant sessions, preparation time, participant follow-up, and project coordination activities. 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 PAR and Photovoice training provided by the national team. Assist with participant recruitment and retention. Facilitate weekly PAR/Photovoice sessions with youth co-researchers. Foster a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and youth-centred environment. Support youth participants in photography, reflection, discussion, and collaborative analysis activities. Maintain project documentation and field notes. Coordinate participant honoraria and project logistics. Work collaboratively with youth co-researchers to identify themes, findings, and recommendations. Support the development of a community presentation, exhibit, or other knowledge mobilization activity. Participate in meetings with the national YTS team and Dr. Melanie Doucet. Qualifications Preferred: Current Master's or PhD student in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Education, Public Health, Community Development, or a related field. Experience working with youth and/or young adults. Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or community engagement activities. Familiarity with qualitative research methods. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work independently while collaborating with a larger research team. Assets Experience with Participatory Action Research (PAR), Photovoice, community-based research, or arts-based methodologies. Experience working with youth involved in child welfare systems, homelessness services, or related community sectors. Lived or living experience relevant to the project is welcomed and valued. Closing Date: October 14, 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

A current master's or doctoral student in social work or a related field is preferred, along with experience working with youth, facilitating groups or community activities, and familiarity with qualitative research. Strong communication and collaboration skills are sought; experience with PAR, Photovoice, community-based research, or relevant youth-serving sectors is an asset.