Research Assistant IV

at  McMaster University

EDUCATION LEVEL

Completed a relevant post-secondary degree

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Made possible with a Partnered in Teaching and Learning Seed Grant, this position is to support a project exploring the creation of interactive educational offerings that provide learners the opportunity to gain critical media literacy skills rooted in historical thinking, visual theory, and case analysis. With the launch of artificial intelligence-generated image applications (e.g., Midjourney, Copilot), there has been a flurry of generative AI images proliferating the mediascape, bringing with it a storm of controversy and anxiety. The successful candidate will bring educational and/or experiential knowledge on emergent issues related to generative artificial intelligence, particularly photorealistic generative AI, visual culture and media literacy. They will be expected to work collaboratively with the project leader to support partnership building and knowledge gathering from different campus faculties and from teaching and learning stakeholders at McMaster, including students. The seed project’s three main goals include: 1) identifying curriculum gaps or interests related to this topic, 2) assessing the feasibility of format options related to content and expected audiences, and 3) ensuring rich student learning experiences. At a time when visual evidence/truth, dis/misinformation and academic integrity are at stake, there is no time like the present to gain a solid foundation on visual literacy.

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides specialized research support to faculty members in their teaching/ laboratory activities. Work is performed independently.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Designs, adapts and performs specialized research procedures.
• Carries out complex statistical analysis.
• Assists with recruiting participants for studies.
• Coordinates and conducts structured project participant interviews and focus groups.
• Conducts literature reviews and synthesis.
• Coordinates the use of laboratory equipment.
• Records, classifies, and summarizes research data according to established procedures.
• Performs other related tasks as outlined by the research coordinator.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Completed a relevant post-secondary degree.
Experience: Minimum of 12 months experience.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY STATEMENT

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Please refer the Job description for details