Research Assistant - Climate Change Migration and Policy

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

Research Assistant - Climate Change Migration and Policy

Job ID

65925

Central Campus

Open Date

10/28/2024

Job Type

Short Term Employee

Close Date

11/10/2024

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

ENG SEPT Graduate

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 6

Salary Range

$21.95 - $35.24 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12 Months

Hours per Week

35

Job Description

The Research Assistant will support a project investigating law, policy, and data surrounding climate change-induced migration into Great Lakes cities. The role involves gathering and analyzing legal frameworks, city policies, demographic data, and environmental trends to better understand how cities in the Great Lakes region can prepare for the challenges related to climate change-induced migration.

The Research Assistant will take the findings from the literature review to craft surveys and interviews to improve the understanding of municipal preparedness and needs regarding increased population pressures as a result of climate change-induced human migration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct literature reviews on climate change, migration, and relevant legal/policy frameworks.
• Analyze federal, provincial, and local laws or policies impacting climate migration and urban planning.
• Collect and interpret data on demographics and environmental trends.
• Support the development of policy recommendations for sustainable urban planning in response to migration.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and academic papers.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful research at the intersection of environmental policy, migration, and urban planning.

Job Summary:

• Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.
• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
• Conduct structured project participant interviews.
• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters.
• Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.
• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Write a variety of letters and memos.
• Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance.
• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.
• Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures.

Supervision

• No formal supervision of others is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

**Key Skills and Qualifications:**

Research Skills

• Strong ability to conduct thorough literature reviews and synthesize information from a wide range of sources (academic papers, legal documents, policy reports, etc.).
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methods, including data collection and analysis.

Policy Analysis

• Knowledge of climate change, environmental law, urban policy, or migration law.
• Ability to interpret and analyze legal frameworks and policies.

Writing and Communication

• Strong writing skills for drafting reports, summaries, and policy recommendations.
• Ability to present complex ideas clearly and concisely to various audiences, both in writing and verbally.

Collaboration and Independence

• Ability to work independently on research tasks while collaborating effectively with a research team.
• Time management skills to meet deadlines and balance multiple responsibilities.

Additional Information

A demonstrated interest in climate change, migration, urban planning, Great Lakes and/or public policy.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

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.