May 9 GRA position in Zoology
Call for Applications for a Graduate Research Assistant (GRA): Qualitative
data analysis from a biology course.
Hours per week: 6-12 hours per week on average. The number can vary from
week to week, in accordance with the stage of the project and the availability of
the student.
Short background on the project: During the past term, qualitative data were
collected in an upper level biology course with the goal of gaining an insight into
students’ perceptions of their own learning, as well as to identify the kind of
“evidence” that students use to self-assess and determine what they have
learned. Forty-four students filled out learning journals at six time-points during
the course, and their journal entries comprise the current data set that needs to
be organized and analyzed.
Job description: The selected student will be in charge of developing,
documenting and implementing an appropriate data analysis protocol, provide
critical feedback on every aspect of the project, help educate other team
members about the protocol employed, and participate in the dissemination of
the results.
Qualifications: Experience and proficiency with qualitative data analysis,
experience and/or background in education research, knowledge of relevant
analysis tools (e.g., NVivo or Atlas), good communication skills, curiosity, ability
to work independently and as part of a small multi-disciplinary team (a biologist
and one or two quantitative science/biology education experts), patience,
flexibility, and ability to interact effectively with team members who have no
background in qualitative analysis.
Background in biology NOT necessary.
Time frame: Based on available funding, the position is currently for about 100
hours, but may be extended (start and end date are flexible).
Salary: $ 25/hour.
Application: please submit a brief statement of interest with relevant background
and expertise, CV, and names of two references. Review of applications begins
on May 19 and will continue until the position is filled.
Questions and materials should be directed to Pam Kalas,
kalas@zoology.ubc.ca