Futuring Lab Research Assistant – Indigenous Relations
Discover
The Opportunity
Position |
Futuring Lab Research Assistant – Indigenous Relations |
Position Type |
Part time. Contract; possible option to continue in role during Fall 2025 and/or as Lab-funded MA student |
Work Schedule |
10 hours per week. The work schedule will be set at the beginning of the contract through consultation. |
Location |
On-site or online with occasional visits to Wolfville, NS |
Application Deadline |
As soon as possible |
Salary |
$20.50 / hour |
What You’ll Do
Responsibilities
The Futuring Lab Research Assistant (Indigenous Relations) will work under the supervision of the Director of Education for Ministry Innovation to support research activities within the Futuring Lab’s Sandbox. The primary responsibility of the Research Assistant (RA) is to assist in archival and historical research regarding Indigenous / Baptist relations in Atlantic Canada. The RA will explore questions such as the following: What is the history of Indigenous / Baptist relations in Atlantic Canada? Specifically, what is the history of those relations within Canadian Baptist churches, Acadia University, and/or Acadia Divinity College? How might archival and historical research of these relations help shape ADC’s best next steps in right relations with Indigenous students?
Key responsibilities of this role include:
- Assist with the development of research questions and protocols
- Conduct archival and historical research
- Create literature reviews
- Consolidate learnings into an annotated bibliography(ies) or report(s)
- Engage with ChatGPT 4o and other AI resources to inform research
- Attend project meetings and provide updates on progress
- Participate in training and professional development activities as required
- Practice ethical conduct and adhere to all research protocols
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Education for Ministry Innovation
What You’ll Need
Qualifications
Applicants must have:
- Experience engaging in research studies (e.g., archival research, literature reviews)
- Currently pursuing bachelor’s degree in history, theology, sociology, education, or related field (and in or nearing final year of that degree)
- Familiarity with diverse contexts and perspectives
- Interest in AI applications for research
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred but not required:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field (history, theology, sociology, education, etc.)
- Familiarity with qualitative research methods and theological reflection
- Heart for decolonization work
- Heart for the church
- Experience with AI applications for research
- Familiarity with research ethics and regulations
The Futuring Lab emphasizes decolonized, student-centred learning and creative approaches such as human-centred design, improvisation, and play. All activities within the Futuring Lab adopt an anti-racism and anti-oppressive perspective. The successful candidate is expected to have the ability to work in a manner that reflects these values, be detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team.
Note on Intellectual Property: The RA acknowledges that any intellectual property created during the research role, including any inventions, discoveries, or innovations, will be the property of the Futuring Lab. The RA agrees to assign all rights, title, and interest in such intellectual property to the Lab and agrees to cooperate fully in obtaining any necessary patent, copyright, or other intellectual property protection.
A Little Bit About Us
Acadia Divinity College
Acadia Divinity College, located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq nation, is a warmly evangelical seminary located on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada. We welcome people from all church backgrounds to study in a faithfully innovative Christian community. As both the seminary of the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada and the Faculty of Theology for Acadia University, ADC offers degree programs at the bachelor, master, and doctoral level, as well as continuing education programs for pastoral leaders and congregational lay ministers.
ADC is an accredited seminary of the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The College is an accredited member of the Canadian Council for Christian Charities.
We are located only one hour from the city of Halifax in Nova Scotia’s beautiful Annapolis Valley in the Town of Wolfville. Wolfville offers residents an affordable lifestyle, outstanding recreational opportunities, internationally acclaimed restaurants, a healthy economy, and the best weather in the Atlantic provinces. The Town of Wolfville is one of the fastest-growing communities in Nova Scotia where people find the perfect mix of small-town livability and urban energy. It’s a place that people love to live, and those who do not live here love to visit.
Are You Interested?
Work With Us
TO APPLY
To apply for this opportunity, email electronically in PDF format:
- A letter of application succinctly addressing the required qualifications and attributes;
- Curriculum vitae; and
- Names of at least three referees and their contact information.
to: Dr. Jodi Porter, Director of Education for Ministry Innovation
We thank all applicants in advance and advise that only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The College reserves the right not to fill this position. The College invites applications from all qualified individuals; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.