Hiring a research assistant for Black History at SFU project
The SFU Black Caucus, in partnership with SFU Archives, SOCA and the ASA, is hiring a Research Assistant who will assist with a broad range of research activities related to uncovering, capturing and reporting on Black / African Diaspora history at Simon Fraser University. These activities include conducting interviews, archival research and literature scans, and ultimately documenting and collecting stories about the accomplishments and contributions of Black students, faculty and staff throughout SFU’s history.
For more information about this position and how to apply, please see below or download the job description here.
Research Personnel Job Description
Details
Position Title: Research Assistant
Employer: Simon Fraser University, Beedie School of Business
Reporting To: June Francis, Associate Professor, Beedie School of Business
Duration: 4 months, with the possibility of extension to 8 months
Pay: $27 / hour
Hours: 15 hours per week
Location: Remote work arrangement (requirement to attend SFU Burnaby for regular in-person Archival work)
Summary
The Research Personnel (RP) will assist with a broad range of research activities related to uncovering, capturing and reporting on Black / African Diaspora history at Simon Fraser University. The Research Personnel will work under supervision of Dr. June Francis and in collaboration with the SFU Black Caucus, SFU Archives, SOCA and the ASA to understand the accomplishments and contributions of Black students, faculty and staff throughout SFU’s history.
The RP will be responsible for conducting interviews, archival research and literature scans, and ultimately, document and collect stories in the final report that contribute to the body of Black / African Diaspora history at Simon Fraser University. The RP should understand trauma-informed research methods and apply an anti-Black racial equity lens to the research. The research findings will be used to support a future project to disseminate the histories and stories early in 2023.
The successful candidate will have opportunities to learn about the contributions of Black students, faculty and staff from throughout SFU’s history, hone their research, interview and reporting skills, build relationships and learn from a diverse team featuring scholars, archivists, student activists and communications professionals.
Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the team to conceptualize and develop project proposal, research direction, report, and other materials
- Conduct archival research and summarize findings
- Plan and coordinate research-related meetings
- Identify and interview key people related to the project
- Organize research information and maintain accurate records of interviews
- Perform literature and archival searches and reviews
- Manage and respond to project-related emails
- Prepare and submit bi-weekly progress reports to project team
- Oversee other project-related logistics
- Manage project schedule and resources
- Collaborate with SFU’s Black Caucus, SOCA, ASA, SFU Archives and SFU Communications and Marketing, as needed
Qualifications
- Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills
- Excellent interviewing, recording and writing skills
- Excellent time management skills
- Experience conducting qualitative research and developing reports that synthesize findings
- Experience conducting archival research considered a major asset
- Candidate should be a current graduate student, or an undergraduate student with research background experience equivalent to a graduate student.
Interested candidates should send their CV and cover letter to blackcaucus-contact@sfu.ca (and cc adjuaa@sfu.ca) before the 12th of April, 2022.