Undergraduate/Graduate Research Assistant (Part-time)

LaSiren — SSHRC Insight Development Grant Application Support

Project Details: A faculty member in OCAD University's Faculty of Art is preparing a SSHRC Insight Development Grant application for a research-creation project at the intersection of media theory, performance and movement studies, and Black and Caribbean diasporic thought. The project rethinks what counts as "media" and "technology" by taking Afro-Caribbean performance and cultural practice seriously as systems of transmission and knowledge and brings that inquiry into dialogue with contemporary debates about data, extraction, and AI. This is a desk-based, application-preparation role; the RA will help assemble a strong, submission-ready application for the February 2027 competition. 

Responsibilities:

• Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator, Esery Mondesir, in support of the project's research goals and objectives 

• Conducting literature review and building an annotated bibliography across media and performance theory, Black studies, Caribbean and diaspora studies, and decolonial approaches to technology 

• Gathering and compiling scholarly and creative sources; maintaining a working source library 

• Building and maintaining a Zotero library; formatting and verifying citations and references 

• Gathering cost data to support the grant budget and its justification, in coordination with the OCAD research office 

• Helping assemble and format required SSHRC application sections (summary, description, research questions, knowledge mobilization and training plans), CV, and support-material list to program specifications 

• Proofreading and preparing the final application package for the OCAD internal deadline 

Qualifications:

• Graduate-level training or current graduate enrollment 

• Strong academic research and writing skills, and familiarity with scholarly sources and databases 

• Excellent organization, reliability, and attention to detail; able to work independently to deadlines 

• Comfort with citation and reference management (e.g., Zotero) or willingness to learn quickly 

• Background or genuine interest in media theory, performance and movement studies, Black studies, Caribbean and diaspora studies, research-creation, or decolonial approaches to media and technology is a strong asset 

• Sensitivity to research that engages living cultural and spiritual traditions is an asset 

• Prior experience with grant preparation, annotated bibliographies, or bibliographic research is an asset 

• Reading knowledge of French and/or Haitian Kreyòl is an asset but not required 

Hours of Work: Approximately 100 hours total over the period of Fall 2026 to March 26, 2027 

Work Environment: The position will include remote work. 

Compensation: $37.28 (Grad Rate) ¹ per hour with an additional 4% in lieu of vacation and 6% in lieu of benefits 

Please note the following:

• The period of employment may be extended, conditional upon continued funding of the Project by OCAD U's external funding partner(s), and upon satisfactory execution of duties. 

• Full-time graduate students may not accept research assistantships or other university-related employment in excess of 10 hours per week (or 130 hours per semester), as mandated by the Ontario Council of Graduate Studies (OCGS). 

Application Process:

Applications should include: a one-page covering letter explaining the candidate's interest, a curriculum vitae, and contact information for three (3) referees. 

Interested applicants are invited to submit their application in confidence addressed to Esery Mondesir, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Art, online by clicking the "Apply for this Position" button below. 

The review of applications will begin on August 31, 2026, and will continue until the position has been filled. 

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. 

OCAD University is committed to providing inclusive and free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information or refer to OCAD U's Policy on Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities. 

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.