The Faculty of Health,  Community and Education would like to support and develop undergraduate research at MRU. Here your will find a variety of resources to guide both faculty and students. Importantly, one of the primary goals of this site is to match interested students with faculty conducting research. Students interested in research will be directed here to learn about potential research opportunities. Faculty, please email Eva Gonzalez with research assistant postings to be uploaded to the site.  

Research Assistant Volunteering

Student Research Assistant recommended resource: Volunteer Student (Research) Agreement. The agreement is also available in the ORSCE site.

Employment Opportunties

Research Assistant Jobs

• When there are research assistant opportunities available they will be posted below. If you are interested in a posting you see here, please contact the primary investigator (faculty member) directly. 

• Current job postings on MRU Careers website.  Research Assistant opportunities will be listed under "Academic" as they become available. 

SoTL Research Assistant Job Board

The SoTL Research Assistant Job Board is meant to help connect faculty with MRU students who are interested in being research assistants in the area of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Please note that this is an informal job board and all employment has to be properly vetted through MRU Human Resources and follow MRU policy.

Research Assistant Position for Bachelor of Social Work Student

Position Title: Research Assistant – Birth Alert and Child Protection Narratives Study

Position Summary: The Research Assistant will support a qualitative research project examining the experiences of women in Alberta who were subject to birth alerts and subsequent child removal. The study focuses on the emotional sequelae of these interventions and invites participants to share their stories through narrative, unstructured interviews. The RA will assist with recruitment coordination, ethics-approved participant engagement, interview support, transcription, and thematic analysis. The role requires trauma-informed awareness and a commitment to equity, dignity, and culturally safe research practices.

Key Responsibilities:  

• Assist with participant outreach and scheduling in accordance with approved ethics protocols.

•  Transcribe interviews verbatim and support accuracy checks.

•  Participate in coding and thematic analysis of qualitative data using NVivo or similar software.

•  Maintain secure, confidential research records in accordance with REB protocols.

•  Assist with literature reviews on birth alerts, child protection, and emotional impacts of child removal.

•  Contribute to drafting summary documents, reports, or presentations.

Required Qualifications:

•  Currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Mount Royal University (Preferably entering 3d or 4 th year)

•  Familiarity with qualitative research methods

•  Excellent interpersonal communication and cultural humility when working with data involving vulnerable participants.

•  Open to learning analytical skills using NVivo software

•  Understanding of or willingness to learn about colonial and racialized child welfare practices in Canada.

Preferred Assets:

•  Experience supporting or interviewing individuals who have experienced trauma or system involvement.

•  Knowledge of Indigenous governance, First Nations health systems, or advocacy around birth alerts.

•  Familiarity with research ethics in qualitative studies, especially informed consent and participant safety.

•  Ability to work independently and manage emotional or sensitive material.

Position Details:

• Start Date: August 1, 2025

• Duration: 2025/2026 academic year

• Hours: 5–10 hours per week, flexible schedule

• Compensation: $17hr plus 17% for benefits equivalent

• Supervision: Reports to Dr. Peter Choate, Professor Social Work and Ms. Christina Tortorelli, Associate Professor, Social Work

To Apply:

Please submit a brief cover letter and résumé or CV to: pchoate@mtroyal.ca . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Research, Grant and Award Opportunities

Research Dissemination Fund

• Ridell Library Undergraduate Research Disseminatin Fund

Undergraduate Research Dissemination Fund Program

The Undergraduate Research Dissemination Fund Program (URDF) is designed to expand students' experience in disseminating undergraduate research by funding travel associated with these activities. 

HREB Applications

Here is the link to the HREB website with all of the information you require for your ethics application. If you would like assistance with your application, please do not hesitate to contact Mark Lafave.

Please ensure you allow ample time for review, as the process is expected to take one month minimum.  Your project will undergo initial review followed by a  delegated review (minimal risk). At that point there will likely be changes you need to address and a resubmission and final review. The process described is the quickest and most straight forward.  It will take longer for a more complicated project, full board review, or poorly done application.

Are you working with colleagues at an external University that has ethics clearance? Please note that you will still need to submit ethics to MRU HREB. See TCPS 2 multi-jurisdictional research for more information.

Resources