Research Assistant

Psychology

Thunder Bay

Part-time

Contract

Overview

The Research Assistant will contribute directly to Dr. Aislin Mushquash’s research program in the Department of Psychology at the Thunder Bay campus, focusing on mental health and coping. This role supports projects exploring digital mental health initiatives, such as social media, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence. In addition to supporting project delivery, the Research Assistant will assist with various administrative and operational functions, including ethics reporting, grant applications, event planning, manuscript preparation, and project logistics.

Responsibilities

• Support digital mental health research projects, including the multi-method study "Into the Virtual World: How Emerging Adults Use Social Media to Cope".
• Assist in investigating how daily social media use relates to stress and coping mechanisms in emerging adults.
• Support key study phases, including orientation and baseline surveys (Phase 1), daily survey tracking over 14 days (Phase 2), and optional semi-structured qualitative interviews (Phase 3).
• Help collect and organize research findings to aid in identifying trends in stress, problematic internet use, and effective vs. ineffective social media coping strategies.
• Perform moderately complex, technical research tasks by following routine experimental protocols and established guidelines.
• Conduct research activities under supervisory oversight from a Research Associate or senior researcher, applying specialized judgment when required.
• Coordinate project logistics, including arranging meetings, workshops, seminars, and research events.
• Assist with day-to-day administrative tasks, such as drafting ethics reports, preparing grant applications, and helping prepare research manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: 2 to 3 years of post-secondary education.
• Relevant Fields of Study / Training: (Laboratory technician or related science/research program providing exposure to research environments. Office administration or introductory accounting program providing relevant computer skills and administrative foundations. Marketing and communications program providing specialized communication and event-planning skills).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Prior experience working in a research, laboratory, or structured project environment.
• Specialized knowledge, training, or interest in psychology, mental health, coping, or digital mental health tools.
• Ability to execute technical tasks systematically using sound judgment under general supervision.
• Strong organizational and event-planning skills to arrange meetings, seminars, and project logistics.

Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.

We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or [email protected] to make appropriate arrangements.

Why Lakehead University?

Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 11:59pm

$23.27 per hour

No, not eligible for benefits

GEN-26-42

Thursday, August 6, 2026 - 11:59pm

$23.27 per hour

No, not eligible for benefits

GEN-26-42