Research Assistant

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

The Department of Sociology at Western offers undergraduate, Masters, and PhD degrees in Sociology. Our faculty members are excellent researchers, award-winning teachers, and engage with policymakers and leaders in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Our undergraduate and graduate programs focus on the department’s core strengths: Health and the Life Course; Power and Justice; Social Demography and Migration; and Work and the Economy.

Dr. David Calnitsky is looking for a research assistant to help with his research project. The Research

Assistant (RA) will have familiarity with quantitative data analysis in Stata, especially (1) the merging

of datasets, (2) graphical presentation of evidence, and (3) Stata programming skills to, for example,

pull regression results to be used in graphs or produce multiple graphs at once. In particular, the RA

will be responsible for downloading, cleaning, and merging data into large datasets. This project

provides an opportunity for an RA to familiarize themselves with multiple sources of cross-national

data (World Values Survey, OECD Social Spending dataset, CEPALSTAT, the Varieties of

Democracy dataset, the ISSP Work Orientations survey, the Database of Political Institutions, Cross-

National Time-Series Data Archive, Comparative Welfare States dataset) and pooled time series data

analysis. Although the RA may not dive deeply into any one dataset, they will familiarize themselves

with the whole gamut of available international time series data on political, economic, and social

topics.

Additional skills would include the following: broad knowledge of cross-national time-series data

analysis, an understanding of the history of welfare states and social democracy in OECD countries,

familiarity with instrumental variables analysis, writing/editing skills.

Qualifications

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline; Master's degree (or being a PhD candidate) in a relevant discipline preferred

Experience:

• 3 year's working experience in a related academic research environment

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• 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

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!

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application.

Please forward a cover letter, CV, and names of 1-2 references.

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

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.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.