Research Assistant - Refugee Education

Department: School of Early Childhood Studies, Faculty of Community Services
Position supervisor: Thursica Kovinthan
Contract length: 7 weeks
Hours of work per week: 10 hours/week
Position type: Non-union Research Assistant
Rate of pay: $35/hour

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca , check out @TorontoMet (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link)  .

This project examines the experiences of teachers working with students from refugee backgrounds in K–8 settings, with the goal of understanding these students’ strengths and needs, as well as identifying how educators can best support their learning.

The Research Assistant will support a qualitative research project examining how K–8 teachers support students from refugee backgrounds. The role involves transcript verification, qualitative coding using NVivo, and conducting literature reviews relevant to refugee education and teacher practices.

The Research Assistant will:

• Review and verify the accuracy of interview transcripts.
• Code qualitative data using NVivo software in alignment with the project’s coding framework.
• Conduct comprehensive literature reviews on topics such as refugee student experiences, culturally responsive pedagogy, multilingual language learners (MLLs) and teacher support strategies.
• Summarize findings from literature reviews in written memos or annotated bibliographies.
• Maintain organized records of data, coding decisions, and research materials.
• Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to data analysis discussions.
• Work can be completed remotely/hybrid

• Enrollment in a PhD program in education, social sciences, or a related field.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in NVivo or a willingness to learn quickly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines.
• Academic or practical experience related to refugee or immigrant education (preferred).

Please submit a resume/CV, a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position, and contact information for one reference to thursica@torontomu.ca with the subject line “Application - Research Assistant” by July 14, 2025.

• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca .
• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources: 
• All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.