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Research Assistant - Affordability and Climate with BC Climate Emergency Campaign, 312 Main Research Shop

Job applications are now closed.

Community Partner: Climate Emergency Unit

Location: 312 Main, Vancouver, BC / remote

 

Job Description:

312 Main Research Shop is a program within SFU CERi that facilitates collaboration between SFU graduate students and non-profits groups. It is focused on supporting research projects that provide plain-language answers to community-driven research questions at low or no cost to the community partner. 312 Main Research Shop is supported by Mitacs and Vancity Community Foundation.

We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant to support our efforts in understanding and analyzing the connection between affordability concerns and the climate crisis in British Columbia (B.C.). This position involves conducting research to examine how politicians, the media, and civil society organizations in B.C. are framing this connection, as well as identifying strategies from other jurisdictions that focus on shifting the public narrative towards viewing climate spending as an investment in the future.

This position will run May-August, 2024. It requires a commitment of at least 15 hours per week. Hourly rate is $30-35/hour commensurate with experience. 

Candidates from equity seeking groups, including Black, Indigenous and racialized people, people facing accessibility barriers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and people from low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. 

**This position is only open to current SFU graduate students.

Responsibilities:

  • Analyze B.C. provincial government statements, speeches, and policy documents related to the connection between affordability and the climate crisis.

  • Review articles from prominent news outlets such as CBC, Global News, and The Vancouver Sun to understand how the media is framing this issue.

  • Identify any existing polling data or public opinion research that sheds light on public perceptions of the affordability-climate nexus.

  • Conduct an analysis of existing research and literature on effective strategies for shifting the public narrative towards viewing climate spending as an investment in the future.

  • Identify case studies or examples from other cities, provinces, or countries where successful framing of the cost of living and climate as interconnected issues has occurred.

  • Explore climate campaigns and platforms of successful climate champions, such as the Green New Deal work in the United States, to gather insights into effective messaging and communication strategies.

  • Prepare a report summarizing research findings, insights, and recommendations.

Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree (MA or PhD) in communication or other related areas (e..g. environmental studies, political science, sociology, psychology, public policy, etc.). MA students who are near completion and current PhD students are encouraged to apply. 

  • Strong research skills, with experience conducting literature reviews and analyzing diverse sources of information.

  • Knowledge of climate change issues, particularly in the context of affordability and public perception.

  • Familiarity with political communication strategies and public opinion research methods.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

  • Passion for climate justice and a commitment to advancing equitable and sustainable solutions.

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