Job Postings

Research Assistant

The BC-Alberta Social Economy Research Alliance (BALTA) is seeking a qualified PhD or senior Master’s student for a research assistant (RA) position in its mapping program.   The lead researchers will be meeting in mid-December to consider candidates.  Applications will continue to be accepted until that time.  (Those who have previously submitted applications need not reapply as those applications will automatically be considered.)

Job Description

• Assist the mapping project team in increasing the sample size of social economy organizations.
• Continue literature review; reviewing and reporting on what other nodes are doing; summarizing methods and findings from other mapping projects;
• Collaborate in developing a proposal for a collection of articles dedicated to SE; consult with BALTA members and AU Press to develop a special series on the Social Economy; and/or mapping book/issues book related to SE;
• Conduct more in-depth case studies based on review of the mapping data
• Write case study reports and/or other reports/articles related to the project.

RA Skills and Qualifications

• Interest in Canadian social economy and related issues; and familiarity with social economy research;
• Experience with surveys and both qualitative and quantitative methodologies;
• Computer literacy
• Excellent interpersonal skills to be used in contacting potential survey/case study participants and for conducting case studies;
• Excellent analytical, writing, and presentation skills;
• Ability to both work independently and to follow directions;
• Current PhD or senior Masters student.

Other important details

• Start date: Early 2010. 
• Contract to run until April 2010, with possible option for extension
• Time commitment – approximately 8 hours per week / 32 hours per month
• Compensation - $800 per month + 4% vacation pay

Application guidelines

Interested and qualified students should submit via email an up-to-date CV and cover letter (including names and contact information for 3 references) to the following:

Lena Soots BALTA Student Program Coordinator Simon Fraser University lsoots@sfu.ca

Mike Gismondi Mapping Project Supervisor Athabasca University mikeg@athabascau.ca

• All applications must be submitted electronically.
• The cover letter should clearly indicate why you feel you are a strong candidate for the position as well as the relevance of your studies to the position.