Research Assistant

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Supervisor: Dr. María Sierra Córdoba Serrano, Associate Professor (Professional) in Multilingual Digital Communication

Academic Unit: School of Continuing Studies
Start Date: March 23, 2026
Hours: 10 hours a week (negotiable)
Duration: 1 year
Salary: According to McGill research assistant pay scales

Deadline: Open until filled.
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Project Description
The project to which the Research Assistant will contribute examines how linguistic minoritization—particularly among Francophones outside Quebec—affects access to initial information about medical assistance in dying (MAID) across Canada. Building on gaps identified in a 2021 national study, the project investigates:
•    How federal and provincial/territorial policies and procedural frameworks address language as it relates to MAID access.
•    Linguistic accessibility of government MAID webpages through qualitative and quantitative analysis.
•    Perceptions and experiences of families, service intermediaries, and other actors regarding the linguistic support offered to Francophones in minority settings.

The portion of the project funded through the Secrétariat du Québec aux relations canadiennes (SQRC) focuses on Francophones outside Quebec, with data collection in New Brunswick, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Position Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will support both the documentary and the focus group components of the study. Tasks may include:
•    Conducting document and webpage analysis on MAID materials from federal and provincial/territorial governments.
•    Gathering and organizing qualitative data from focus groups involving caregivers, interpreters, navigators, and other relevant stakeholders (recruitment, notetaking, transcription).
•    Assisting with coding and qualitative analysis using tools such as NVivo and LLMs (training provided if needed).
•    Contributing to literature reviews, research memos, and summaries.
•    Supporting project coordination and communication with community partners.
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Required Qualifications

•    Experience with qualitative research methods (e.g., focus group facilitation, content and thematic analysis).

•    Excellent writing and communication skills in French, and proficiency in English. 
•    Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.
•    Demonstrated interest in sociolinguistics, language policy, minority language rights, public policy, or related fields.
•    Familiarity with linguistic minority issues in Canada, health communication, or equity-oriented research, an asset

McGill PhD or post-doctoral students preferred. Master’s students are welcome to apply as well, though priority will be given to students in the M.Sc.A. in Multilingual Digital Communication.
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To Apply
Please submit a CV and a 300‑word statement explaining why you are a good fit for this project to [email protected]. The position will remain open until filled, but review of applications will begin on February 27, 2026.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary:

$18.60

Hours per Week:

10 (Part time)

Location:

Sherbrooke 680

Supervisor:

Assistant Professor (Teaching)

Position Start Date:

2026-03-23

Position End Date:

2027-03-26

Deadline to Apply:

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].