Description
The Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Research Assistant role. This Fixed Term Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 2 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Calgary is accepting applications for a highly motivated Research Assistant in Post-secondary Mental Health & Well-being. The successful candidate will collaborate with a national team of researchers to understand and advance mental health and well-being in the post-secondary context.
The Research Assistant will be part of a larger national research team studying resilience in the post-secondary context through a social-ecological perspective, with a particular interest in the experiences of marginalized and under-represented students. The SSHRC-funded study is co-led by Dr. Jennifer Thannhauser (UCalgary) and Dr. Marion Brown (Dalhousie University).
The Research Assistant reports to Dr. Jennifer Thannhauser in the Department of Psychology. This position plays a critical role in completing a scoping review on resilience in higher education. The Research Assistant will collaborate with research assistants from across the country. This is an hourly position, ranging from 10 - 20 hours/week depending on the project phase. The position has potential for extension, depending on availability of funding and project phase.
The primary purpose of this position is to support the completion of a scoping review in collaboration with national research partners. This position will play a key role in contributing to literature searching, study screening, and data extraction. The position may have opportunity to contribute to synthesis of findings and preparation of research outputs in accordance with established scoping review methodologies and reporting standards. This requires working independently to achieve target deadlines and respectful collaboration with team members.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Research and Analysis:
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Conduct comprehensive literature searches across multiple academic databases.
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Screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles against predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
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Manage references and research records using citation management software.
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Perform data extraction, charting, and organization of study findings.
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If opportunity allows, assist with evidence synthesis, thematic analysis, and identification of research gaps.
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Maintain accurate documentation and audit trails throughout the review process.
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Participate in project meetings and support ongoing research activities.
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Ensure adherence to scoping review methodologies and reporting guidelines.
Qualifications / Requirements:
The successful candidate will have:
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A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Education).
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1-3 years of research experience in healthcare or mental health field. A combination of experience and education will be considered.
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Exceptional communication (written and verbal) and organizational skills.
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Demonstrated ability to work to target deadlines.
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Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in teams.
Research & Technical Skills
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Strong understanding of research methods and literature review processes.
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Experience conducting scoping review and proficiency with Covidence.
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Ability to critically appraise and analyse research.
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Ability to synthesize information from diverse fields.
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Experience conducting searches using popular academic databases (e.g., MEDLINE/PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, etc.).
Coordination & Organization Skills
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Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
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Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in organizing research activities, managing documentation, and tracking progress.
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Comfort with complexity, with the ability to problemâ€`solve and adapt as needs and priorities evolve.
Collaboration & Partner Engagement
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Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within transdisciplinary teams, including researchers, students, and other community partners.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills to support relationship-building, facilitation, and collaboration.
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Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and ethical research practices.
Application Deadline: September 11, 2026
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
