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Research Assistant – Leveraging ADT in skills training, labour market entry, and employer support

Position Title: Research Assistant – Leveraging ADT in skills training, labour market entry, and employer support

Supervisor: Rupa Banerjee

Contract length: 6 months (with possible renewal)

Hours of work per week: 10 hours/week

Deadline: February 17, 2024

Project Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified Master's/PhD student to join a new research project being undertaken under Bridging Divides. This project investigates the relationship between advanced digital technologies (ADT), such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), and the labour market integration of immigrants in Canada. Focusing on the perspectives of three key stakeholders - newcomers, institutions involved in (re)training and (re)skilling immigrants, and employers - the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how ADT shapes and influences the dynamics of immigrant workforce integration. Under the supervision of Dr. Rupa Banerjee, this research aims to explore the benefits and potential risks of ADT for immigrant labour market integration.

Research Objectives

1. Analyze the Experience of Newcomers:

  • Explore how immigrants perceive and engage with advanced digital technologies in job search.
  • Assess the impact of ADT on the skill acquisition and overall employment integration experiences of newcomers.

2. Evaluate Institutional Strategies:

  • Examine how institutions involved in (re)training and (re)skilling immigrants adapt to and incorporate ADT into their services.
  • Assess the effectiveness of existing programs and identify how ADT could be better leveraged to prepare immigrants for the Canadian job market.
  • Identify the potential risks of ADT use for (re)training and (re)skilling and how these risks may be mitigated. 

3. Investigate Employer Perspectives:

  • Understand how employers navigate the integration of immigrants into the workforce amidst advancements in digital technologies.
  • Examine the effectiveness of using digital technologies in hiring, onboarding and retaining immigrant employees.
  • Identify the potential risks of ADT use for hiring, onboarding and retaining immigrants and how these risks may be mitigated. 

Research Design and Methodology

The research will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of ADT on immigrant employment integration and understand how the risks of ADT can be mitigated.

Responsibilities of the Research Assistant

The selected candidate will play a crucial role in the research process, specifically focusing on:

  1. Assisting in the preparation of the Research Ethics Board (REB) application.
  2. Conducting thorough literature reviews to contribute to the theoretical framework.
  3. Collaborating with the research team in designing data collection instruments and strategies.
  4. Supporting the data collection process as needed.

The position is for 10 hours per week with a 6-month contract with possible renewal. The rate of pay is $28.75/hour.

Qualifications

  • Master’s/PhD student with a background in migration studies, policy studies, or related fields.
  • Strong research skills, including experience with literature reviews and research ethics applications.
  • Familiarity with mixed-methods research design.
  • Excellent responsibility, communication and collaboration skills.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining their research experience and interest in the project, and contact information for two academic references. Applications should be sent to banerjee@torontomu.ca before February 17, 2024.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team consisting of senior TMU researchers and contribute to impactful work in the field of immigrant employment integration.