Research assistant – casual position
Start date: September 15
Application deadline: July 15, 2025
Supervisor: Dr. Faria Sana
Faculty: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview
This project investigates how multitasking affects mind wandering and boredom during an online task. We are seeking an undergraduate student with strong technical skills to help build and implement the study on an online platform. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in cognitive psychology, digital learning research, and behavioral data analysis.
Specific activities include, but are not limited to
- Programming the study using Qualtrics, Gorilla, or PsyToolkit
- Setting up experimental conditions, timed prompts, and data capture
- Assisting with participant recruitment and online consent processes
- Coding and analyzing behavioral and self-report data
- Preparing figures and summaries for research dissemination
The primary job duties for the research assistant (Level 1) will include
- Programming the online task and implementing randomization logic
- Monitoring participant progress and data quality
- Conducting initial data cleaning and organization
- Participating in literature review and supporting conference preparation
The successful candidate will work with, and directly report to, Dr. Faria Sana at Athabasca University. Dr. Sana will provide training in areas such as research ethics, literature review, data interpretation, and presentation preparation.
Qualifications
- An undergraduate student in psychology, cognitive science, or related field
- Demonstrated experience programming experiments or surveys using tools like Qualtrics or Gorilla
- Comfortable working with behavioral and survey data
- Self-motivated and able to troubleshoot independently
- Interest in attention research or online learning is a plus
This role provides hands-on experience in experiment design, online research implementation, and scientific communication.
How to apply
Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their application by email to Dr. Faria Sana at fsana@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 Faria Sana, PhD at the coordinates below, on or before July 15, 2025.
Hours per week are approximate and may vary based upon activity. This position has a maximum of 40 hours.
This Research Assistant opportunity is only available to Athabasca University students.
Faria Sana, PhD | Associate Professor
Psychology | Athabasca University
Adjunct Professor | Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University
Adjunct Professor | Psychology, University of Alberta
e: fsana@athabascau.ca
t: @profFariaSana
w: edcog.ca | cogscilearn.ca