Research Assistant, Indigenous Faculty Advisory Council

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 Office of Indigenous Initiatives is responsible for championing and/or supporting through advice and counsel Indigenous initiatives across a broad range of areas including: student affairs, academic programs, workforce planning, space planning, policy and implementation, and training and development etc... Through collaborative and community-engaged processes, the Office will facilitate partnerships that increase Indigenous voices and presence across all levels of work, study and research at Western.

Office of Indigenous Initiatives Priority areas

• Institutional Indigenous strategic planning
• Indigenous communications
• Indigenous community engagement and advisories
• Indigenous space planning and management
• Indigenous access and recruitment strategies
• Indigenous curriculum and training development
• Indigenous faculty and staff recruitment and retention strategy

Western recognizes the vital role that Indigenous scholars play in Indigenizing the University. The purpose of the Indigenous Faculty Advisory Council (IFAC) is to support Indigenous faculty members by holding a culturally safe space for them to meet regularly, nurture a sense of community, and discuss needs and challenges relevant to their success. The Council also provides guidance to the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII) in the identification, development, and delivery of Indigenous strategies that support and advance Indigenous faculty members in their teaching, research, and service.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant, Indigenous Faculty Advisory Council will support research and related administrative activities for both the individual IFAC members and the larger membership collectively. The role will assist members with a variety of day-to-day research duties to support their research needs, and to facilitate the achievement of innovative research results. The Research Assistant will complete literature reviews that benefit the full IFAC group or individual members, assist with compiling and analyzing research results, and support knowledge translation and dissemination. The role will draft budget documents based on direction from IFAC members, compile materials for reports, and provide general research administrative support (e.g., creating and circulating IFAC agendas, taking minutes, scheduling meetings, etc.).

Qualifications

Education:
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant area of focus

Experience:
- 3 years’ experience supporting research administration

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
- Proficiency in academic writing and preparation of manuscripts
- Knowledgeable of Indigenous pedagogies and ways of knowing
- Ability to be a self-starter and take the initiative on projects
- Superior project management and communication skills
- Ability to be flexible in working hours to accommodate project deadlines and priorities
- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
- Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
- Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research
- Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Familiarity with experimental design and analysis
- Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information

Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit) from Turtle Island and can affirm claims of Indigenous identity through relational accountability that demonstrates lived-experience, and proof of Indigenous ancestry and identity that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, in accordance with MAPP Policy 1.58.

Why Western?

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Background Checks

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they may be requested prior to any offer of employment.

Affirmation Policy

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

Applying at Western

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume.

Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.