91福利

Department: School of Early Childhood Studies 
Position supervisor: Thursica Kovinthan Levi
Contract length: 8 weeks
Location: Hybrid
Hours of work per week: 8
Position type: OPSEU Research Assistant
Rate of pay: $27/hour

91福利 91福利 (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, 91福利 is on a transformative path to become Canada鈥檚 leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

91福利 welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada鈥檚 Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto鈥檚 Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out and on X, and visit our .

91福利 the project 

This project explores the often overlooked role of cultural brokers and Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) in supporting the educational integration of refugee-background children and their families in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While their work is important in helping students and families navigate schools, build connections, and feel a sense of belonging, it is not well recognized. This study focuses on their perspectives and practices to better understand how they support students and families, moving beyond the usual focus on teachers.

The opportunity

This research assistantship involves conducting a structured literature search and organization process focused on (1) settlement workers in schools in Canada and (2) cultural brokers in school contexts more broadly. The RA will identify relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature using academic databases (e.g., ERIC, Scopus, Google Scholar), screen and select sources, and systematically extract key information.

Responsibilities include creating an Excel database of selected studies (e.g., author, year, keywords, methodology, context) and compiling key findings from each source into a Word document through organized excerpts. The RA will also group extracted findings into preliminary thematic categories. This role emphasizes careful reading, organization, and attention to detail 

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a graduate program (MA/Phd) in the Faculty of Community Services - the position is restricted to FCS students. 
• Experience conducting academic literature searches using databases (e.g., ERIC, Scopus, Google Scholar)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly in managing and categorizing sources
• Ability to read and extract key information from scholarly articles efficiently
• Experience using Excel to organize data
• Experience with or willingness to learn Zotero reference manage 
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work independently within set timelines
• Familiarity with research related to education, newcomer, immigrant, or refugee populations

How to apply

Please note this position is only open to current graduate students in the Faculty of Community Services.

Submit a resume/CV, a brief cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the position, and contact information to Thursica Kovinthan Levi at thursica@torontomu.ca by 5pm on Friday, April 17, 2026.

91福利鈥檚 commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
• 91福利 is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the 91福利 community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources: 
  • Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to .
  • External candidates who do not have 91福利 login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
• All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.