Student Research Assistant - Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture - Faculty of Arts

Competition Number:
29S26
Position Type:
Student Position
Closing Date:
Date of Posting:
Department:
Applied, Communication, Leadership and Culture
Position:
Student Research Assistant
Contract:
Hours of Work:
Up to 12 hours per week
Salary:

$18.15 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay

Term:

As soon as possible to June 26, 2026

A research project in economic history and maritime history is seeking a Student Research Assistant to support work on shipwrecks, navigation infrastructure, and maritime trade in 19th-century Prince Edward Island. The project examines how repeated shipwrecks influenced institutional responses such as lighthouse construction and other navigation investments, and whether these investments affected maritime safety, shipping activity, and trade patterns. The student will assist in gathering historical data, constructing and analyzing a database of shipwrecks, and preparing descriptive statistics and visualizations related to the number, time period, and geographic distribution of wrecks around Prince Edward Island.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Collect historical data from archival and published sources
  • Compile and digitize records of shipwrecks into a structured database
  • Record key attributes for each shipwreck, such as year, location, and vessel information when available
  • Produce summary statistics on shipwreck patterns (e.g., number of wrecks by period and by location)
  • Compile data on shipping traffic and port activity (e.g., number of vessels entering and leaving PEI ports, vessel tonnage when available, and annual port activity reported in customs or port records)
  • Collect historical trade statistics and export values associated with maritime commerce (e.g., annual export totals, quantities of major commodities such as fish, timber, or agricultural products, and trade returns reported in customs tables or Colonial Blue Books)
  • Organize research materials and datasets in a clear and structured format
  • Prepare charts, tables, and simple maps illustrating historical patterns

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be a current UPEI student
  • Interest in economic history, maritime history, or regional development
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Experience working with spreadsheets (Excel or similar)
  • Ability to work independently and manage research tasks

Assets:

  • Experience or interest in working with historical or archival materials
  • Experience with data analysis or visualization
  • Familiarity with GIS or mapping tools, or willingness to learn
  • Interest in the history of Prince Edward Island or Atlantic Canada

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.

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Apply for Student Research Assistant - Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture - Faculty of Arts (29S26)

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.