B.C.-Alberta Research Alliance on the Social Economy (BALTA)
The BC-Alberta Research Alliance on the Social Economy (BALTA) is seeking qualified students to fill several paid research assistant (RA) positions as part of its 2008-2009 research program.
About the BALTA Project
BALTA is a regional collaboration engaged in research initiatives to strengthen the foundation of the social economy in BC and Alberta. It includes eight Alberta and BC universities and colleges (Athabasca University, Newman Theological College, Royal Roads University, Selkirk College, Simon Fraser University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria), 14 social economy stakeholder organizations in the two provinces and other research collaborators outside the two provinces. BALTA is a five-year research project (2006-2011) funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). The overall project is working towards the reinsertion of social goals, reciprocity and solidarity into economic thinking and decision-making.
The project consists of three Social Economy Research Clusters (SERCs), focused on the following areas:
Social Economy Research Cluster I: Social Enterprise in Human Services and Affordable Housing
Social Economy Research Cluster II: The Social Economy in Rural Revitalization and Development
Social Economy Research Cluster III: Analysis, Evaluation, and Infrastructure Development
For further information, see our interim website: http://www.socialeconomy-bcalberta.ca
BALTA is interested in preselecting applicants to conduct research related to the social economy in one or more of the following areas.
- Community Renewable Energy
- Local Food Systems
- Land Trusts/Land Tenure
- Forestry/Non Timber Forest Products
- Affordable Housing
- Social care and services
- Public policy
- Infrastructure and financing
Further areas of research may emerge in planning, so it is worth applying if you have a general academic interest in the social economy.
It is expected that the research will entail one or more of the following:
– Surveying and mapping social enterprise activities and best practices in BC and Alberta as related to one or more of the key research themes listed above
– Conducting case studies of existing social enterprises in the key areas in BC and Alberta
– Review of municipal, provincial and/or federal legislation which are directly relevant to one or more the above research areas
This is a pre-selection process whereby interested applicants can be added to a qualified applicant pool. Selection will be based on the applicant’s demonstrated research experience and theoretical and/or practical experience in the social economy or social enterprise.
Term: Terms of employment will range from 6 months to 1 year, depending upon the capacity and availability of the Research Student. Some positions may be renewed after the initial term.
Anticipated pay scale:
Junior Researcher – Level 1 – $14.00 per hour
Junior Researcher – Level 2 – $17.50 per hour
Senior Researcher – Level 1 – $20.00 per hour
Senior Researcher – Level 2 – $22.00 per hour
Qualifications: Current enrollment in a BC or Alberta graduate program, or final year of undergraduate studies.
Application guidelines
- All applications must be submitted electronically.
- Applications for all positions should be sent via e-mail to Sara Jane Brocklehurst, BALTA Academic Coordinator at sjbjoat@shaw.ca
- Please provide an up-dated CV including names and contact information for 3 references with a cover letter clearly identifying your particular research interests. The cover letter should also indicate why you feel you are a strong candidate for an RA position as well as the relevance of your studies to the position.
CLOSING DATE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS for this posting is April 11th, 2008.
Applications received after the deadline may still be considered.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only the highest ranked applicants will be contacted for a follow-up interview.
If you have any additional questions about the RA postings or about the BALTA project, please contact: Sara Jane Brocklehurst, BALTA Academic Coordinator at sjbjoat@shaw.ca.