Research Assistants Wanted! People's Archive of Rural Ontario

DEADLINE: Monday, January 23, 2023 by 12:00 noon

The People’s Archive of Rural Ontario (PARO) is a knowledge mobilization initiative led by faculty at the University of Guelph. It mobilizes and amplifies rural voices and stories to contribute to the revitalization of rural Ontario. PARO takes inspiration from the rural archives of India (PARI) and Nova Scotia (PARNS) with the aim of establishing a freely accessible online archive and community, where
everyday people can tell everyday stories about everyday lives in and about rural Ontario.

We are currently recruiting two paid student Research Assistants to solicit, and curate (South) Asian stories based in rural Ontario. The positions are funded by the Canada India Research Centre for Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) and a SSHRC Insight grant. The positions are available from February 2023 to April 2023 with the possibility of extension until June 2023. Hours of work will be between 5 to 7 hours per week. It is anticipated that all/most work will be done remotely. This position pays $22 to $25 per hour.

The RAs will work with the PARO editorial team to follow a story (one’s own idea or following an assigned lead) from inception to the final editorial stages. Stories may be produced for the archive in written, audio, video, and/or photographic methods depending on the interest and expertise of the Research Assistant and the preferences of the storyteller(s). Research Assistants will receive training from the PARO team and build skills in research ethics, oral history methods, and journalistic editing. There will be opportunities for RAs to extend their contracts if interested in producing multiple stories with PARO after the initial contract.
Tasks for the position include but are not limited to:
- soliciting a (South) Asian story (or following a story lead) in a rural Ontario context - documenting a story via interviews/oral history narratives or written methods
- working with the editorial team in editing and producing stories for the archive
Interested candidates must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate study program at the University of Guelph; must have excellent writing skills; and have an interest in storytelling and listening to/ valuing the lived experiences of others. Prior experience in interviewing and content editing (writing, audio/podcasting, videography, or photojournalism) are considered an asset.

The position will enhance the Research Assistants’ knowledge about racialized minorities and rural Ontario, skills in interviewing, ethical research, and editing/producing content (written, audio, video, photography).

To apply please submit:
1.  up-to-date CV;
2.  short statement of interest (not exceeding 250 words) describing relevant experience and your interest in PARO;
3.  writing sample (or a sample of your audio, video, or photographic work).
Please email your application to: paro@uoguelph.ca with the subject heading “Application for Research Assistant” by January 23, 2023.

Visit: https://www.ruralontario.org/