Research assistant – casual position
Start date: May 01, 2025
Application deadline: Will remain until filled
Supervisor: Dr. Kharah Ross
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview
Disrupted childhood family structure is associated with poor adult health and wellbeing. One pathway through which childhood family structure could affect adult outcomes is through social support. However, there are two hypotheses as to how childhood family structure and resilience (social support) could be associated with adult health and well-being: As mediator (disrupted childhood families are associated with lower social support, and lower social support is associated with poor adult health and wellness) and as moderator (disrupted childhood families are associated with poor adult health and wellness, but higher social support buffers or attenuates this association). No studies have tested both hypotheses in the same sample. The purpose of this study is to (1) test associations between childhood family structure and adult health and well-being, and (2) assess whether social support moderates and/or mediates the association between childhood family structure and adult health and well-being.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to
The purpose of this study is to (1) test associations between childhood family structure and adult health and well-being, and (2) assess whether social support moderates and/or mediates the association between childhood family structure and adult health and well-being
The primary job duties for the research assistant (Research Assistant 1, AUPE, R-5) will include:
- Assisting with data download and cleaning, in preparation for analyses
- Literature review to support the Introduction
- Writing a draft of an Introduction, Methods and Discussion section and contributing to the Results section
- Assisting in preparing the manuscript for submission for publication (i.e., adjusting formatting, writing a cover letter draft)
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Kharah Ross at Athabasca University. Dr. Ross will provide adequate training for the data cleaning, literature review and writing that will be required.
Qualifications
- Athabasca University Psychology Program Student in the final year of their program.
- Completed Research Methods and an Introduction to Statistics course
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word
- Previous experience with academic writing (manuscripts, abstracts) is an asset
How to apply
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Kharah Ross at kharahr@athabascau.ca. Applications should include (as a single PDF file) a brief cover letter that summarizes your skills, interests and experience; a current resume or curriculum vitae; an unofficial copy of your transcript; and the contact information for 1‐2 references.
Evaluation of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a suitable candidate is found. All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Athabasca University and the researchers are committed and seek to support equity in employment and research opportunities. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous people, people of colour, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people, women, and other historically marginalized groups. Applicants are welcome, but not required, to self‐identify in their letter of application.
For more information on this Research Assistant Opportunity, please contact Dr. Kharah Ross, PhD at the coordinates below.
Hours per week are approximate and may vary based upon activity. This position has a maximum of 40 hours.
Assistantship