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Research Assistant - AI Research in Healthcare

Department: Ted Rogers School of Information Technology Management
Position supervisor: Dr. Linying Dong (TMU) and Dr. Navaldeep Kaur (UHN)
Contract length: January 2025 - August 2025
Hours of work per week: 5 - 15 hours
Position type: Research Assistant (graduate student)
Rate of pay: $25/hr

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link) , @TorontoMetHR (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the team

The project entitled “Can I trust an AI chatbot with my sensitive health information? An exploratory study on the impact of cultural influence on the perception and sharing of sensitive health information with AI chatbots” is led by a team of researchers from Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Toronto and University Health Network.

The opportunity

The project consists of three phases: pilot study, full survey, and interviews. Through the phased and mixed method approach, we intend to address two research questions: 

(1) What health information is considered sensitive by individuals from different cultural backgrounds? 

(2) What is the impact of culture and global trust on self-disclosure of personal health information?

Working under the supervision of experienced researchers with diverse backgrounds in healthcare, computer science, and information technology management, the Research Assistant is expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

        1. Conduct the pilot study

        2. Administer the online survey 

        3. Perform interviews (either virtual or in person)

        4. Undertake qualitative and quantitative data analysis

The data collection process will start in January 2025 and end in August 2025.

The Research Assistant will gain:

  • a rich understanding of the impact of AI technologies in healthcare 
  • enriched experience in research data collection and analyses (learning from experts in the field)
  • journal publication opportunities

Qualifications

  • Graduate student 
  • Knowledgeable about and experienced with administering surveys and interviews
  • Experience in analyzing quantitative survey and qualitative interview data
  • Deep cultural awareness of the diverse needs of people from different cultural backgroundsSkillful in using common online tools for data gathering and statistical analyses
  • Trained in conducting research complaint with research ethics protocols

How to apply

Interested applicants can email up to date resumes to: Dr. Navaldeep Kaur at navaldeep.kaur@uhn.ca. The hiring process is ongoing and we expect to conclude hiring at the end of December 2024.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.