| Project Title: The Inclusive Communities for Older Immigrants (ICOI) |
Project Description:
Our Inclusive Communities for Older Immigrants (ICOI) partnership will engage in a 7-year multidisciplinary, multi-sector, multi-province project that will build sustainable connections to generate knowledge about social isolation and connectedness among older immigrants, support multidirectional knowledge exchange, and improve older immigrants' lives. Specifically, it will 1) clarify intersecting factors affecting older immigrants social isolation vis-a-vis their social, economic, and political inclusion/exclusion in urban and suburban settings; 2) contribute to models related to social isolation/connectedness based on empirical data unprecedented in its scope and comprehensiveness; 3) design, implement, and evaluate interventions to promote social connectedness; and 4) develop sustainable knowledge-sharing, and research collaborations among key players. Informed by complementary theoretical approaches, ICOI will focus on 3 interconnected research streams: social, economic, and political inclusion. Using critical ethnography and mixed methods, the project will be carried out in 4 phases: 1) establish which social, economic, and political factors most strongly contribute to social isolation/connectedness among older immigrants; 2) identify and assess interventions used in fostering social connectedness; 3) co-design multi-level, multi-component interventions to promote social connectedness among older adults in the three communities and build community capacity via implementation with community partners; and 4) evaluate the interventions' feasibility, fidelity of implementation, and effectiveness. We will engage in multi-directional KMb activities throughout the project, with close and frequent engagement with our community partners. |
RA Position Duties and Resposibilities
(Include Interaction with Research Team Members, Supervisory Arrangements):
The selected RA will engage with the research team in the developmental and data collection stage of the project. The primary responsibility of the RA will be helping the research team with conducting literature reviews, writing summary reports, community development and liaison, as well as expanding online presence by developing and maintaining project website. Depending on the RA's capacity, she/he would also have the opportunity to engage with the research team to develop and implement plans for disseminating preliminary study findings (through, for example, journal articles/conference presentations). Training on research skills will be provided as necessary. |
| How Many Students Are Currently Under Your Supervision: Undergraduate:
29
Masters: 24
Doctoral: 11
|
| Animals Will Be Used In Research:
No
|
| Human Subjects Involved:
No
|
| Hazardous Materials, Equipment, or Processes Will Be Involved
in the Research:
No
|
Research Experience and Opportunites Offered RA:
The RA will engage in the planning and development of the project, from which she/he will learn skills that are necessary for planning and conducting other research projects in their own career. The RA will also have the opportunity to put their research skills acquired in coursework to a practical research project. By engaging in an ongoing research project, the RA will acquire hands-on research experience such as literature review and application for research ethics certificate. If the project receives approval from other participating universities before the contract expires, the RA will also have the opportunity to engage in data collection. The RA will also be able to connect to other members of the research team, many of whom come from multiple disciplines, and learn about different approaches to research. The research team will offer training and guidance to the RA in terms of publications, depending on the RA's interest and capacity. |
Specific Skills / Knowledge / Experience Required
(Include Any Required Courses, Computer Programs, etc.):
Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods strongly desired (through prior coursework, research, volunteer experience etc.). In addition, experience with photo/video editing and website development a definite asset. Familiarity with Word Press, HTML, or XML is particularly desired. English and French bilingualism and/or fluency in an additional language is a definite asset. Please detail your fluency in any other languages on your resume. Also, a TCPS2 certificate is required. Since this position will involve remote work, the RA needs to have access to a personal computer with a camera and mic, as well as a stable internet connection. Any license will be provided by the research team as needed. |