Job Description

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies is a dynamic and interdisciplinary department that focuses on issues of social justice and equality. Our expertise encapsulates a wide array of strengths across feminist theory and various feminist approaches to health studies, media studies, history, globalization and development studies, critical race theory, philosophy, law, writing studies and literature, visual culture, as well as significant work in queer theory and sexuality studies.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will support a pilot research initiative focused on LGBTQ+ participation in recreational sport. This developing project examines how queen and trans recreational athletes experience inclusion, exclusion, and community-building within local sport environments, and how these experiences intersect with broader social factors such as gender identity, race, and class. The current phase of the project is focused on establishing a strong conceptual and methodological foundation for a larger, long-term research program on equity, belonging, and community formation in recreational sport settings.

The Research Assistant will play a central role in advancing this early-stage work. Responsibilities include conducting and synthesizing in-depth literature reviews related to LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, community-based recreation, and queer social infrastructure; supporting the refinement of the project's emerging research design; and contributing to the planning, coordination, and facilitation of a campus-based forum on LGBTQ+ participation in recreational sport. This position offers an opportunity to engage in community-oriented research development and to help shape the direction of a growing research agenda.

Qualifications


Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a related field
• Current graduate student (MA or PhD) in Sociology, Kinesiology, Gender Studies, or a related field preferred

Experience:

• 1 year of work experience supporting research in a related field
• Experience participating in recreational or community sports preferred
• Previous research or professional experience related to queer or trans community initiatives, sport organizations, or inclusion policies preferred
• Experience organizing community-facing events or knowledge-mobilization activities preferred
• Experience with qualitative methods preferred

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• 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
• Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
• Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• 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

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.


Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

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 position is an existing vacancy. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Job Tags

Long term contract, Temporary work, Part time, Internship, Work at office, Local area,

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