Research Associate

at  Western University

ABOUT WESTERN

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the “Western Experience” - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

ABOUT US

The Faculty of Education will transform education and transform lives by leading and contributing to teaching excellence in research-intensive academic and professional programs, and through world-class research that produces measurable and high-quality social impact that benefits society. We are committed to enhancing equity and accessibility for all learners, and culturally and socially responsive knowledge brokering and mobilization.

Education:

• Bachelor of Education (with French Second Language as a teachable) required
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in French Studies preferre

Experience:

• 3 years experience teaching French as a Second Language in Ontario K-12 schools (ideally both Core and Immersion)
• Experience teaching in Pre-Service unit at a Faculty of Education
• Experience in Pre-Service course design and/or curriculum developmen

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Neurolinguistic Approach and Phonetic Correction Practitioner Certifications (or equivalent) completed or in progress
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with the CEFR and action-oriented pedagogies for language learners
• Fluent in French; native-speaker or C1+ proficiency
• Preferred holders of DELF Examiner-Scorer and Trainer Certifications (B2 or C1)
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are require

The Research Associate – Curriculum Development will utilize research-backed principles and pedagogies of second language learning (including, but not limited to, the CEFR, the action-oriented approach, phonetic correction, and the neurolinguistic approach) to consult on course design and curriculum development for the Teacher Education program, in support of a research project surrounding FSL teacher recruitment and retention in Ontario. This branch of the overall research project seeks to improve linguistic proficiency and confidence in FSL Teacher Candidates through a variety of strategies, such as the inclusion of targeted oral-based activities that promote authentic and spontaneous communication, the application of phonetic correction techniques, and more. Additional tasks may be requested throughout the contract at the discretion of the research supervisor.
Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Education (with French Second Language as a teachable) required
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in French Studies preferred

Experience:

• 3 years experience teaching French as a Second Language in Ontario K-12 schools (ideally both Core and Immersion)
• Experience teaching in Pre-Service unit at a Faculty of Education
• Experience in Pre-Service course design and/or curriculum development

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Neurolinguistic Approach and Phonetic Correction Practitioner Certifications (or equivalent) completed or in progress
• Comprehensive knowledge of and experience with the CEFR and action-oriented pedagogies for language learners
• Fluent in French; native-speaker or C1+ proficiency
• Preferred holders of DELF Examiner-Scorer and Trainer Certifications (B2 or C1)
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes

• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required

• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy- Familiarity with University research policies and practices

• Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges

• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals