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Project and Research Lead, LAS

Department: Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching (CELT), Experiential Learning Hub/Live Actor Simulation Program
Position supervisor: Manager, Live Actor Simulation & Experiential Learning
Contract length: August 5, 2024 to March 28, 2025
Hours of work per week: Maximum 10 hrs per week 
Position type: Non-Union Casual
Rate of pay: $27/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 Live Actor Simulation 

Live Actor Simulation (LAS) is a long-standing and established program at Toronto Metropolitan University. Situated within the Centre for Excellence in Learning & Teaching’s Experiential Learning (EL) Hub, LAS supports internal and external clients by providing tailored simulations intended to develop interpersonal and professional skills via reduced-risk encounters with highly trained actors. Simulations are delivered to a wide range of clients, and are designed to meet different learning objectives in ways that are impactful and challenging while remaining true to life. Our roster of actors reflects the diversity of identities and life experiences that are found on and off campus, and roles are written and cast to meet a high standard of realism and cultural safety.

The opportunity

Over the last 25 + years, LAS has grown and developed with a repertoire of simulations building into a robust catalogue over that span of time. Our goal is to offer simulations that maintain a high standard of applicability, authenticity and cultural safety. Many of our simulations incorporate personal and cultural elements, both in the characters and scenarios presented, and our program needs to ensure that all materials used in simulation are fully up to date and reflect accurate, sensitive portrayals based on current information and understandings.

The purpose of this role is to support the LAS team in assessing the current catalogue of simulations, and develop an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA) framework that can be applied as standard practice going forward to ensure that all current and future simulations meet a high standard of EDIA principles and practices. The framework will be rooted in current research, developed via consultations with faculty and students, and developed with input and direction from the LAS team. Funding for this position has been made available by TMU’s Learning and Teaching Grants, which seeks to enhance student learning through the development of new strategies or course materials, and address priorities in the 2020-25 Academic Plan.

The Research and Project Lead will work closely with the Principal and Co-Investigator (an Instructor of Social Work and the LAS Manager, respectively), and in collaboration with the LAS Writer/Trainer and administrator team to:

Simulation Catalogue Review

  • Review and become familiar with key entries in the LAS catalogue of simulations
  • Work with the Writer/Trainer and Administrative team to build an understanding of the processes and systems that are used internally to deliver simulations
  • Gain an understanding of how simulations are developed, and how they are used once they are developed
  • Select simulations via an EDIA lens for revision

Qualitative and Quantitative Research

  • Synthesize research on topics including simulation, equity, diversity and inclusion, accessibility, cultural safety and communication in order to inform development of the simulation framework (will have access to TMU library collection)
  • With the Principal and Co-Investigator, will recruit and convene/manage advisory groups of students and faculty to inform project outcomes and sharpen understanding of impact of simulation on participants
  • Develop and administer surveys, and analyze data
  • Will meet with LAS team and PrincipaI/Co-Investigator to discuss findings and finalize work

Framework Development

  • Using findings from research and consultations, work with PrincipaI/Co-Investigator and LAS team to develop a framework for EDIA that can be applied to the development and delivery of simulations for all clients
  • Apply framework to most-applicable scenarios
  • Incorporate feedback from key stakeholders (advisory group, LAS team, simulation clients) to hone and finalize framework
  • Creation of one to three new simulations based on findings from focus group discussions/advisory group in collaboration with the writer/trainers

Other Duties

  • Develop systems for storing information in line with office processes as well as institutional practices for working with sensitive information
  • Participate in selected events, meetings, etc. to inform project
  • Contribute to mid-point and final reports

Qualifications

  • Candidates with a Social Work (BSW/MSW/PhD) or related degree are encouraged to apply. Please note that degrees can be in progress and that an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to EDIA, shown through contributions to scholarship/publications, volunteer or paid roles in support of EDIA initiatives/organizations, activism or other means, formal or informal
  • Familiarity/knowledge of academic/critical theories and scholarship related to EDIA 
  • Experience conducting research (qualitative and quantitative), and understanding of research methodologies/research project management tools
  • Highly developed ability to work independently, take initiative and organize project work
  • Superior organization and teamwork skills
  • Effective communicator, able to appropriately share ideas across different audiences, and keep all stakeholders informed/involved throughout
  • Familiarity with principles/tools for project management is an asset
  • Familiarity with G Suite is an asset
  • Engagement with simulations is an asset 
  • This role is hybrid, time needed on campus will vary

A note on qualifications:

We know that there are many reasons why candidates who are qualified and suited to this role may choose not to apply, including “...evidence that, on average, women view themselves to be less well-qualified than men, women forecast themselves to have a lower probability of receiving the position conditional on applying than equally talented men, and (that)...qualified women apply at lower rates than qualified men,” ( (PDF file) Whether To Apply, Coffman et al) and similar findings across marginalized/minoritized applicant groups. We understand that not all qualified and talented applicants will have been able to pursue opportunities to gain professional experience, and do not wish to place barriers in their way.

If this is a role that you connect with and can imagine excelling at, even if you do not meet all of the qualifications/may not have what you believe to be sufficient experience in all areas, we still strongly encourage you to apply. 

How to apply

We invite interested candidates to submit their resume/CV and cover letter, as one document, to the LAS, Project and Research Lead Hiring Committee at las@torontomu.ca, with the subject line “Project and Research Lead, LAS Application.”

Please note the deadline to apply is July 19, 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.