Student Research Assistant (Up to 2 Positions) - Department of Sociology and Anthropology - Faculty of Arts
$18.15 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay
December 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology is seeking two senior undergraduate sociology students to support foundational research for an upcoming SSHRC Insight Development Grant application investigating how emotional repertoires – patterned ways of feeling, expressing, and making meaning of emotions – are shaped by social inequality during crises on Prince Edward Island. The successful candidates will contribute to developing comprehensive research materials, including literature reviews, methodological instruments, and community recruitment strategies. This research examines how PEI residents experience and respond emotionally to crises such as Hurricane Fiona, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the housing crisis, with particular attention to how structural inequalities shape these experiences. This position offers valuable research training and experience for students considering graduate school or careers in research, policy, or community development.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Literature Review & Synthesis (Primary focus for Research Assistant #1)
- Conduct intensive literature review on Atlantic Canada crisis documentation (Hurricane Fiona impacts, pandemic experiences, housing crisis)
- Review emotional health research in Maritime contexts, community resilience in island jurisdictions, and methodological approaches to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)
- Explore emotional geography research in Canadian settings
- Develop comprehensive annotated bibliography (40-50 sources) with critical summaries and synthesis
- Identify key themes and gaps to inform research design
Methodological Design & Community Engagement (Primary focus for Research Assistant #2)
- Develop complete interview protocols tailored to Island communities and diverse demographic groups
- Create Experience Sampling Method (ESM) tools appropriate for PEI contexts
- Design recruitment strategies across geographic regions (urban/rural) and demographic groups
- Develop community engagement materials and communication strategies
- Prepare research infrastructure for immediate implementation if grant funded
SSHRC Application Support
- Assist with final application preparation including budget formatting, reference checking, and document compilation for February 2nd SSHRC deadline
- Support preparation of supplementary research materials
- Maintain detailed research documentation
Research Training & Collaboration
- Participate in weekly supervision meetings with PI
- Collaborate with research partner to ensure integrated project development
- Potentially assist with pilot interviews (2-3) if REB approval is obtained
- Develop skills in qualitative research methods and grant writing
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required Qualifications
- Currently enrolled UPEI undergraduate student
- Strong writing, methodological, analytical, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Interest in sociology, emotions, inequality, and/or crisis response
Preferred Qualifications
- Senior-level student (3rd or 4th year) in Sociology, Anthropology, or related social sciences
- Enrolled in or completed SOC-3310: Methodology and Research I or equivalent qualitative research methods training
- Experience with literature review and academic research
- Knowledge of PEI communities and recent crisis experiences
- Interest in pursuing graduate studies or research careers
- Familiarity with reference management software (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley) is considered an asset
Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.
Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link below.
If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number 902-894-2895.
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If you require accommodation in any part of the process, please direct your inquiries, in confidence, to our HR Officer, hrofficer@upei.ca. Applications will not be accepted via email.
Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.
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