Research Assistant III

Spark: a centre for social research innovation within McMaster University’s Faculty of Social Sciences is hiring a person with lived experience of juvenile incarceration to join Brighter Spark Applied Research and co-lead research and quality improvement projects within juvenile detention facilities and in the community.

Spark connects researchers to the people, skills, and tools needed to stand at the forefront of social research innovation. Social research methods are expanding rapidly, and the potential for creative, impactful research is vast. It is Spark's mission to engage with researchers and community organizations to harness the full power of social research to build a brighter world.

Brighter Spark Applied Research is an applied research, evaluation, and organizational change team brings the best of practical applied social science research to those seeking to create a brighter world. As an applied research, evaluation, and organizational change team, Brighter Spark provides robust research that is directly actionable in helping organizations continuously grow their impact.

Helping coordinate work across a small and collaborative team, the RA III will provide substantive research support on multiple projects with opportunities for leadership across several. Research tasks will be tailored to the combination of the skills of the person hired and the needs of the team. They will include some combination of the following: Conducting interviews, focus groups, arts-based research, or observation, and engaging in statistical analysis, qualitative data analysis, and literature reviews. We also focus heavily on excellent data visualization of both qualitative and quantitative information.

Successful candidates will offer skills and experience in trauma-informed and youth-appropriate data gathering, data analysis, communication of research findings, and the application of findings to various complex organizational contexts. We have flexibility around the qualifications for this position. Formal education is less important than the combination of lived experience, some research experience/other experience working with young people engaged with the criminal justice system, and a pragmatic nature willing to engage in step by step efforts toward improvement.

Hours will average at 15 per week, with some weeks requiring more time as you are available, and some requiring less. We expect at least one of the projects the successful applicant would work on would be ongoing for 2-3 more years, so are seeking someone that would like to become part of our team long term.

For more information, check out our website: https://spark.mcmaster.ca

Job Summary:

Provide research support for faculty members in their teaching, research and laboratory activities. Work is performed independently, with the availability of direction and guidance from Research Staff or Manager.

Accountabilities:

Assets:

• Experience, ideally both personal and professional, with juvenile incarceration.
• Experience in data collection (e.g., interviewing, focus groups, observation, arts-based)
• Experience in quantitative data analysis methods and statistical software (R) and/or experience in qualitative data analysis methods (NVivo, Dedoose)
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Flexibility and adaptability within a changing environment
• Experience or interest in supporting the not-for-profit, social enterprise, and government sectors

Additional Information:

Spark is a highly diverse, interdisciplinary team of students, staff, and faculty working collaboratively, creating an environment that gives everyone the space to openly communicate and form meaningful bonds. We seek team-players that fit our collaborative and flexible work culture, and that will actively work with the team to balance commitment to the work with ensuring personal and team wellness, and thriving across all areas of our lives.

We know that spending some time onsite each week is beneficial for our collaborative teamwork approach. We also appreciate the flexibility that working at home offers. Our team enjoys both types of work arrangements.

All employees are expected to spend at least 1 consistent day a week (7 hours) in shifts covering Spark’s CoLab coworking space at McMaster. During this time, you can engage with work for Brighter Spark or other priorities, with fairly minimal duties for covering the space.

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ .

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.