Gender and Sexual Violence Research Assistant  

Location: St. Catharines, Main Campus, Canada

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.

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Post End Date:October 15, 2026 at 11:59 PMThis job advertisement is to fill an existing vacancy in the Part-Time Contract Positions (Employee Group) Gender and Sexual Violence Research Assistant

Student Employment Opportunity: Human Rights and Equity

Anticipated start date: October 12th, 2026

Positions available: 1

Hourly rate: $17.95/hour (5-10 hours/week)

Joining the Human Rights and Equity Office

The Gender and Sexual Violence (GSV) team is a part of Brock’s Human Rights and Equity (HRE) Office. HRE supports students, staff, and faculty by addressing human rights, harassment, and discrimination concerns that are connected to the Ontario Human Rights Code and by promoting equity, inclusion and belonging across campus.

We are seeking one Research Assistant to support the Manager of Gender and Sexual Violence Intake in the review of Brock University’s Sexual Violence Policy. The Research Assistant will assist with coordinating focus groups with staff, faculty, and students, including dedicated affinity spaces to support participants in sharing perspectives within communities of shared identity or experience. The role will also involve qualitative data analysis and contributing to the development of a final report summarizing the findings and recommendations.

The successful candidate will be offered a 60-hour contract from October 2026 through December 2026. They will be expected to be available for in-person program delivery at the St. Catharines campus of Brock University.

The successful candidate will report to and work with the Manager of Gender and Sexual Violence Intake.

For more information about the HRE office, applicants are encouraged to review the HRE website.

Duties & Responsibilities

Research & Data Collection

Support the Manager of Gender and Sexual Violence Intake in the review of Brock University’s Sexual Violence Policy.

Assist with the planning and coordination of focus groups with students, staff, and faculty to gather feedback and perspectives on the Sexual Violence Policy.

Attend focus groups as a research assistant and take detailed, accurate, and objective notes to document participant feedback, discussion themes, and key insights.

Support affinity-based focus groups by providing dedicated note-taking and research support in spaces designed to allow participants with shared identities or experiences to contribute their perspectives.

Assist with the development and organization of research materials, including recruitment materials, discussion guides, participant information, and note-taking templates.

Support participant recruitment and outreach in collaboration with campus partners, student groups, and underrepresented communities.

Data Analysis & Reporting

Organize and review qualitative data collected through focus groups and other feedback mechanisms.

Assist with identifying key themes, patterns, and areas of concern emerging from participant feedback, with attention to diverse and intersectional experiences of gender-based and sexual violence.

Support the development of a comprehensive report summarizing research findings, key themes, and recommendations to inform the review and revision of Brock’s Sexual Violence Policy.

Maintain organized and confidential research records in accordance with applicable privacy, ethical, and institutional requirements.

GSV Research & Learning

Review relevant research, policies, and best practices to support the analysis and interpretation of findings.

Contribute to discussions with the Manager of Gender and Sexual Violence Intake regarding emerging themes, research findings, and implications for policy and practice.

Outreach & Engagement

Liaise and collaborate with campus and community partners, student groups, and underrepresented communities to support research participation and engagement.

Develop promotional and recruitment materials to support awareness of the policy review and opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to participate.

Support presentations or other engagement activities related to the policy review and research findings, as appropriate.

Qualifications

Experience

Understanding of gender-based and sexual violence and a commitment to supporting survivors

Commitment to ending sexual violence as demonstrated through previous or current professional, community-based, or volunteer work is strongly desired

Previous work/volunteer experience in the GSV field is appreciated but not required. Area of academic concentration is not a factor in this hiring.

Preference will be given to individuals with lived experience as members of Indigenous, racialized, 2S&LGBTQIA+, and disabled communities, those who have experienced GSV, those with lived experience of sex work, or other marginalized communities.

Eligibility

Must be a current Brock University student as of September 2026

Provide a clear Vulnerable Person Police Check upon hiring

Required Skills

Strong interpersonal communication skills

Documentation and