Student Research Assistant - Department of Political Science - Faculty of Arts

Competition Number:
136S25
Position Type:
Student Position
Closing Date:
Date of Posting:
Department:
Department of Political Science
Position:
Student Research Assistant
Contract:
Hours of Work:
Up to 10 hours per week
Salary:

$18.15 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay

Term:

January 5 - April 6, 2026

Dr. Sébastien Parker (Political Science and Sociology & Anthropology) and Dr. Don Desserud (Political Science) are seeking an undergraduate Student Research Assistant to support a research project funded by a SSHRC Seed Funding Grant. The project examines how regional economic opportunity and community characteristics shape civic engagement across Atlantic Canada. This position supports early-stage research planning for a larger grant application investigating why neighboring Atlantic communities with similar economic conditions can produce very different levels of civic engagement and cohesion. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to foundational research development, working closely with the Principal Investigators to advance a multi-year project that will eventually include large-scale surveys and analysis of intergenerational mobility data through Statistics Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific responsibilities will be determined in consultation with the supervisor based on project priorities, timeline, and the Student Research Assistant's interests and skillset. Depending on these factors, work may include:

  • Support grant application development through documentation and material preparation
  • Assist with survey instrument development, measurement scale research, and related methodological tasks
  • Contribute to maintenance of organized research documentation
  • Currently enrolled UPEI undergraduate student
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to work independently with general supervision
  • Interest in social science research
  • Experience with data analysis, visualization, or statistical software (Excel, R, or similar)
  • Coursework in political science, sociology, statistics, or related fields
  • Familiarity with Atlantic Canada regional and political contexts
  • Previous research experience (course-based or independent)
  • Strong writing and communication skills

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Qualifications

  • Currently enrolled UPEI undergraduate student
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Ability to work independently with general supervision
  • Interest in social science research

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with data analysis, visualization, or statistical software (Excel, R, or similar)
  • Coursework in political science, sociology, statistics, or related fields
  • Familiarity with Atlantic Canada regional and political contexts
  • Previous research experience (course-based or independent)
  • Strong writing and communication skills

Priority will be given to University of Prince Edward Island students in accordance with Recruitment, Selection, Hiring and Employment Policies and the Procedures manual.

Application Instructions:

Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link below.

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.

Note that this site is not compatible with some mobile browsers (e.g. iPad, iPhone). Upon successful submission of your application, you will receive an auto-reply to your email address advising your application has been received. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam folder and/or try submitting your application via a different web browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc).

Apply for Student Research Assistant - Department of Political Science - Faculty of Arts (136S25)

UPEI encourages all qualified applicants to apply for job openings; however, in keeping with the terms and provisions of the university’s various employment and collective agreements, first priority will be given to internal candidates.