Senior Research Assistant, Observation of Jury Selections Across Canada

Competition Number: RC94.24
Department: Criminal Justice
Researcher: Dr. Michelle Bertrand
Location: Winnipeg, MB
Job Type: Term
Date Posted: 08/14/2024
Salary: $25.00 plus 6% vacation pay

Senior Research Assistants are normally graduate students, or University of Winnipeg undergraduate students, employed to assist in the execution and evaluation of research projects in their area of study. The positions may oversee Research Assistants in areas such as the use of proper techniques, analysis, and documentation.

Senior Research Assistants work under the general supervision or direction of more senior researchers or faculty members, and are expected to exercise judgment in prioritizing, planning and organizing their own work within defined parameters.

Position Overview:

Our research team - Dr. Michelle Bertrand (University of Winnipeg, Department of Criminal Justice) and Dr. Richard Jochelson (University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law) - is seeking to hire several Senior Research Assistants across Canada.

The R.A.s will attend jury selections at a courthouse within their city and collect observable information about prospective jurors using a standardized checklist developed by the researchers. Mandatory training will be provided on how to use the checklist. The R.A.s will also be responsible for recording the information from the completed checklists into a standardized spreadsheet after each selection.

Interviews will take place virtually. We anticipate starting interviews in August 2024, but the posting will remain open until all positions are filled.

We are seeking R.A.s in the following cities:                     

  • Vancouver                            
  • Montreal                                       
  • St. John                               

Duties:

  • Complete training via provided online platform 
  • Print copies of checklist (printing costs will be reimbursed)
  • Attend the courthouse in your city to observe jury selections
  • Complete the informational checklist for each prospective juror and take general notes about jury selection proceedings
  • Record the information from the completed checklists in a standardized Excel and/or SPSS file, and record the general notes in a Word document.

Qualifications:

  • At a minimum, must be in the final year of a 4-year B.A. or B.Sc. Honours in a social science program. Preference will be given to applicants who are enrolled in and/or have completed graduate-level programs in a social science program.
  • Have completed the required research methods class(es) in your program
  • Able to work independently
  • Able to travel to and from courthouse within your city
  • Must be adaptable to change as required, e.g., based on local courthouse procedures
  • Flexible schedule and availability to spend full days at courthouse on jury selection days
  • Ability to sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to take handwritten notes at a fast pace
  • Access to, and proficiency in, Microsoft Word as well as either Microsoft Excel or SPSS Statistics
  • Completion of SSHRC TCPS-2 CORE 2022 version (if you have not already completed this, it may be done prior to starting the position: https://tcps2core.ca/welcome)
  • For applicants in Montreal: must be bilingual (English & French)
  • Previous research experience, whether degree-based or as an R.A. would be an asset
  • Familiarity with a courthouse setting and/or court proceedings would be an asset

To apply, please submit:

  • a cover letter
  • C.V.
  • names and contact information of two academic references
  • a copy of transcripts (unofficial is fine)
  • a copy of SSHRC TCPS-2 CORE certificate of completion (if already completed)

For any questions about this position, contact Devon Medeiros, Research Associate, at: de.medeiros@uwinnipeg.ca

Condition(s) of Employment:

  • Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The period of work will be from August 2024 - April 2025, and the estimated total hours of work will be 30-60 hours.

Note: This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit.

Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted remotely, with in-person attendance at courthouses for jury selections required.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.

The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.

The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant’s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca.