Graduate Student Research Positions
Sustainability Education Research Institute
College of Education/School of Environment and Sustainability
Description: The University of Saskatchewan is looking for one Master’s and one PhD student to work on the Sustainability and Education Policy Network (SEPN). This is an exceptional opportunity to gain experience working with an active, vibrant group of graduate students, researchers, and community-based organizations at a national and international scale.
Project: SEPN is a large-scale research project on environmental sustainability education policy and practice in Canada (EC-12 and post-secondary). SEPN is housed by the Sustainability Education Research Institute (SERI), a research centre with the overarching goal to further research and action on land, place, environment, and sustainability in relation to educational research, policy, and practice.
Responsibilities will vary but may include: (1) data entry and management, (2) assisting with surveys and interviews, (3) conducting background research and report writing and (4) other clerical and organizational duties as required.
The Master’s student will focus their thesis research on a
national survey that will collect data on the relationships between
sustainability practices and communities and sustainability policy in EC-12 or
post-secondary education in Canada. The
PhD student will focus their research on in-depth site analyses at the EC-12 or
post-secondary levels to examine existing place and community practices as they
inform understandings of the impact and gaps of sustainability policy in
education in relation to multiple sectors. One or more students may be paired
to work closely with lead partner organizations.
More information on the Sustainability and Education Policy Network (SEPN) and Sustainability Education Research Institute (SERI) may be found at www.sepn.ca and www.seri.usask.ca.
Qualifications:
Education: A
Bachelor degree is required and students must be currently enrolled or applying
to a graduate program at either the Master’s or PhD level at the University of
Saskatchewan.
Experience: Knowledge and experience in conducting research; Familiarity with research methods; Experience interacting with collaborators and working with multidisciplinary teams; Experience in policy analysis, survey research, and/or site analyses research are an asset.
Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills; Excellent communication skills (written and verbal); Ability to work productively, both individually and in groups; Ability to work independently, following timelines to complete work in efficient manner.
Conditions: Students will undertake research assistant work on the project, as well as undertake their thesis research on one aspect of the project. Graduate student researcher stipends are $15,000 (Master’s) and $18,000 (PhD), plus benefits, or as negotiated in terms of contract. Current hiring is for positions commencing September 2013, with up to two years of funding for Master’s students and three years of funding for PhD students. Students are expected to complete thesis research on the project during this period.
Academic Study: Students will work with faculty in Educational Foundations or the School of Environment and Sustainability (SENS) at the University of Saskatchewan (with a preference for the Master’s student to work out of Educational Foundations and the PhD student to work out of SENS). If not current students, students will need to also apply to one of those units by the application deadline of February 15th (applications submitted past that deadline may be reviewed).
Successful applicants will need to meet the admission requirements and be admitted to a graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan, as well as fulfill all program requirements upon entry. Please see the following websites for information on admission and program details and requirements: www.usask.ca/education/efdt/integrated-med/index.html and www.usask.ca/sens/graduate_programs/index.php.
Interested individuals are asked to contact Nicola Chopin, SEPN Project Manager, nicola.chopin@usask.ca for further information.
Upon indication of interest, individuals will be provided with an application package.
Application review will begin February 15, 2013. Applications submitted past this date will be reviewed.
Only individuals to be interviewed will be contacted.
The University of Saskatchewan is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that empowers all employees to reach their full potential. All members of the university community share a responsibility for developing and maintaining an environment in which differences are valued and inclusiveness is practiced. The university welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
