Graduate Research Assistant (2 Positions) - Faculty of Education
$27.81 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay, as per PSAC Local 86000
November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027
The Faculty of Education is looking for a graduate student to assist with a project which explores expressions of joy in educational leadership. This research explores the ways in which school principals experience and find joy in their work. It addresses increasing concerns surrounding work intensification amongst school principals. It seeks to highlight the joys which emerge within the work of principalship, a concept which has not been explored within principal work. This research project will be conducted on Prince Edward Island.
The primary activities of the successful candidate will involve promoting the research project amongst school leadership organizations and school boards. You will be asked to interact with potential participants and provide information about the project and respond to any queries they might have. You will be part of a team designing two day-long workshops for principals on the island. You will be asked to facilitate these workshops alongside the PI. You will also be asked to engage in data analysis. Connected projects include the creation of a website and social media account to share findings and provide guidance.
For more information about this posting please contact Dr. Ken MacKinnon kenmackinnon@upei.ca
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Bi-weekly meetings with PI to discuss progress
- Contacting school leadership organizations and school board personnel to promote the project and recruit participants
- Manage social media posts to recruit participants
- Interact with potential participants and manage informed consent processes
- Engage in research activities connected to participatory narrative inquiry
- Data analysis
- Knowledge mobilization projects – website creation
QUALIFICATIONS:
Please note: Candidate may be asked to provide a writing sample to demonstrate fulfillment of some of the criteria below.
- Preference will be given to a current Graduate student at UPEI
- Ability to write clearly and concisely in English for academic purposes and adjust writing based on mentoring and editing from supervisor
- Strong attention to detail in research and writing
- Excellent organizational skills
- Creative and effective problem-solving abilities
- Superior oral communication skills
- Interest in educational leadership
- Actively study of educational leadership, as it relates to the work of principals and vice principals in Canada, is considered an asset
- A well-informed understanding of, and engagement with, issues related to equity and educational leadership is considered an asset
- Experience working within the K-12 public education system is considered an asset
This position is covered by a Collective Agreement between the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the University of Prince Edward Island. Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students.
Please submit electronically an application form, a cover letter, quoting the competition number, and a resume to be received no later than the closing date via the link posted on the UPEI Human Resources website (www.upei.ca/hr/). Applications will not be accepted via email.
If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number 902-894-2895.
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If you require accommodation in any part of the process, please direct your inquiries, in confidence, to our HR Officer, hrofficer@upei.ca. Applications will not be accepted via email.
Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.
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