RESEARCH: Research Assistant – Ph.D Graduate Position

Job Overview:

The Research Assistant will support Dr. Carolina Bergonzoni (Principal Investigator, Cape Breton University) in investigating leading practices in live Audio Description (AD) for dance in Canada. AD is the practice of describing the visual for audience members who are Blind or Low Vision (BLV). This research will culminate in the development of an open-access toolkit for educators, artists, stakeholders, and producers to ensure live dance becomes more accessible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct a literature review on AD for live dance performances and its intersection with pedagogical practices, Disability Justice (DJ), and inclusive arts within Canada and abroad.
• Conduct interviews with audience members who have experienced AD for live dance to gather qualitative data on current leading practices and potential improvements.
• Analyze collected data to provide insights and recommendations.
• Prepare an open-access toolkit summarizing findings and highlighting leading practices.
• Mentor and support a graduate (MA or MEd) research assistant throughout the project.
• Work closely with the PI and other team members to ensure the research aligns with DJ values and principles.
• Work closely with the PI to write academic articles and conference presentations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree (PhD) in a related field such as Education, Disability Studies, Community Arts, Social Work, or a related field.
• Strong research skills, including experience with qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Proficiency in using digital tools for research and data collection.
• Understanding DJ practices and principles, as well as the use of the arts, is an asset.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote team environment.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful research work
• Gain experience in research, academic writing, knowledge mobilization, leadership and mentorship, and program development.
• Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate academic commitments.

Timeline:

• July 2025 – January 2026. Possibility to extend to July 2026.
• Compensation: $26/h, approximately 8h/week for 26 weeks (possibility to extend to 52 weeks)

How to apply:

• Please send a cover letter outlining your interest and previous experience as it relates to this position and a current CV to Carolina_bergonzoni@cbu.ca
• Candidates from equity-deserving groups, including BLV, Black, Indigenous and racialized people, people facing accessibility barriers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people and people from low-income backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Current CBU students will be given priority.
• Application Deadline: The closing date for applications is July 4, 2025