Qualitative RA, Health-Promoting Frameworks for Campuses

About the Role

The Research Assistant (RA) will support a qualitative research project, Forging Health-Promoting Frameworks for Post-Secondary Campuses examining how policies, services, and institutional systems at Mount Royal University strengthens overall student health and wellbeing.

The RA will work closely with the Principal Investigator to support the environmental document scan and qualitative data analysis components of the project. The position provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience with qualitative research, policy analysis, Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), violence prevention frameworks, and NVivo software.

The RA will gain experience in:

• Qualitative research and constructivist grounded theory
• Policy and environmental scans
• Health-Promoting Universities and the Okanagan Charter
• Research ethics and data management
• Knowledge translation and research dissemination
• Development of an emerging institutional assessment tool

The RA’s work will directly contribute to the development of the Campus Social Determinants of Health Cohesion Index (CSDH-CI) and to a comprehensive map of health-promotion as well as violence prevention policies, services, and systems at Mount Royal University. The position offers an opportunity to walk alongside research with potential academic and applied impacts, including conference presentations, scholarly publications, institutional briefing materials, and future grant development.

There are a total of 60 hours available for this position.

Responsibilities

• Conduct systematic searches and organize institutional documents relevant to student health including policies, strategic plans, guidelines, and service frameworks.
• Assist with reviewing documents produced between 2018 and 2025 across the SDoH
• Assist with developing and refining a qualitative coding framework in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
• Support the analysis of interview and service-design workshop materials as assigned.
• Prepare brief summaries of emerging findings for discussion.
• Contribute to the development of the campus-wide policy and service map.
• Assist with preparing research materials, summaries, and knowledge-translation products.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all research ethics and data-management procedures.

Qualifications

• An interest in social work, social policy, public health, violence prevention, psychology, sociology, education, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to critically read and synthesize policy and research documents.
• Strong written communication skills.
• Previous experience with NVivo is an asset but not required; training will be provided.
• An ability to work independently while communicating effectively.
• Commitment to confidentiality and responsible handling of research data.
• Current undergraduate student status at Mount Royal University preferred.

Closing Date:      October 14, 2026

A resume and cover letter should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name]_[Requisition Number]_[Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith_1234_CV.pdf).