Research and Data Assistant

Research and Data Assistant

Students' Association of MacEwan University (SAMU)
https://www.samu.ca/get-involved/work-with-us/

Posted: March 4, 2026

Job Category | Part-time Term, up to 20 hours/week
Contract | Aug 5, 2026 - Apr 30, 2027

Salary | $18.00/hour
Location of Work | City Centre Campus (CCC)

Posting closes Tuesday, April 7th, 2026, at 4:00 pm (MST)

ABOUT SAMU 

The Students' Association of MacEwan University (SAMU) is a non-profit organization working independently from MacEwan University to support students. Our purpose is to enrich the student experience by focusing on their non-academic needs through an array of student-driven programs and services.

We are governed by elected student representatives who set the strategic vision on behalf of students. With support from over 50 full-and part-time staff, we keep our mandate student-focused to achieve the vision.

OUR VISION

All students benefit from a vibrant student life and culture of empowerment.

OUR MISSION

SAMU builds a positive student experience by creating a place to engage and connect, being a champion for all students, and providing opportunities that allow them to get the most out of their educational journey.

PURPOSE

This position is responsible for supporting the advocacy department with the development and analysis of a variety of student feedback avenues (ie: surveys, focus groups, and other outreach methods) to strengthen the advocacy done by our Executive Committee.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Research Design & Data Collection (40%)

• Collaborate on the end-to-end design of student-focused research projects, selecting appropriate methodologies (surveys, focus groups) to answer specific advocacy, campus life, or operational questions.


• Draft and refine survey questionnaires, ensuring questions are unbiased, accessible to a diverse student body, and optimized for logic/branching (e.g., in Survey Monkey, Qualtrics, or JotForm).
  
  

Data Analysis, Visualization and Reporting (40%)

• Perform data cleaning (validating responses, removing duplicates) to create structured, high-quality datasets ready for analysis.


• Analyze datasets to identify trends, correlations, and key insights regarding the student experience (e.g., campus affordability, mental health, student engagement).


• Translate raw data into accessible formats for non-technical audiences (such as student leaders or university administration). This includes creating charts, infographics, and slide decks that visually represent findings.


• Create comprehensive research reports that summarize findings and offer evidence-based recommendations to inform the advocacy efforts of SAMU


• Organize and maintain SAMU’s internal research repository, ensuring historical data is organized, properly anonymized to protect student privacy, and easily retrievable for year-over-year comparisons.

Other (20%)

• Assist in developing engagement strategies for research initiatives, promoting surveys across campus, and managing booths/tabling at events.


• Provide research support through conducting literature reviews and summarizing findings on topics to support student leaders.


• Other duties as assigned.

VALUES

Students First - SAMU is here for the students. As such our decisions and actions need to be in the best interest of current and future students.

Inclusiveness - All students belong to SAMU and should feel welcomed and safe. Diversity is embraced, and we continue to learn new ways of being respectful and empathetic to all students and each other.

Adaptability - Underlying all the values is SAMU's ability to adjust and respond quickly to meet students' needs.

Relevance - SAMU continually listens to students, monitors trends, builds partnerships and works to be on point to the changing student population.

Accountability - At SAMU, we take responsibility for our actions and decisions. Likewise, we are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us by students

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 
  Preference will be given to current MacEwan Students registered in a minimum of one class during either Fall 2026 or Winter 2027 term.
  

• Enrolled in Computer Science, Statistics, Business Intelligence or related fields preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Data Analysis Tools: Proficiency in data manipulation and statistical analysis using software relevant to the applicant's background. This can include spreadsheet software (e.g., Advanced Excel), statistical packages (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R), or programming languages (e.g., Python/Pandas).

• Data Visualization and Storytelling: Ability to generate clear, engaging, and accurate data visualizations (charts, graphs, dashboards), with a specific ability to translate complex datasets and research findings into clear, actionable insights for student leaders and non-technical audiences.

• Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis: Strong ability to synthesize mixed-method data. This includes statistical analysis of survey results and thematic coding of open-ended text responses or interview transcripts.

• Research Design & Ethics: Understanding of research methodologies, survey design principles, bias mitigation strategies, and basic research ethics (especially concerning the privacy and confidentiality of student data).

WORKING CONSIDERATIONS

• Light Effort – Sitting, Standing, Walking, Lifting up to 20 pounds
  

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Up to 20 hours/week August 5, 2026 - May 30, 2027, with office hours between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Will work around the student's schedule. Some evening work may be required.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please address your application to Larissa Williams, Internal Advocacy Advisor. Please attach both your resume and cover letter with the application.

Application Package must include

• Cover Letter


• Resume

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Interviews will be conducted April 13 - May 30, 2026 in person at the SAMU Office

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position, but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.