Senior Research Assistants are normally graduate students, or University of Winnipeg undergraduate students, employed to assist in the execution and evaluation of research projects in their area of study. The positions may oversee Research Assistants in areas such as the use of proper techniques, analysis, and documentation.
Senior Research Assistants work under the general supervision or direction of more senior researchers or faculty members, and are expected to exercise judgment in prioritizing, planning and organizing their own work within defined parameters.
Position Overview:
This research project examines the intersection of religion, artificial intelligence, and ethics, with particular attention to how AI technologies are being interpreted and critiqued by the Vatican, and especially Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas. The successful candidate will support a multidisciplinary research program exploring topics such as AI ethics and the social and political implications of emerging technologies. The position offers opportunities to contribute to a major scholarly publication.
Duties:
- Conduct literature reviews in religion, theology, philosophy, ethics, and artificial intelligence.
- Identify and summarize relevant scholarly publications and emerging developments in AI.
- Prepare annotated bibliographies, research summaries, and draft reports.
- Participate in regular research meetings with supervisor.
- Perform other research-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Current MA student in Religion, or a closely related discipline.
- Demonstrated interest in religion and technology, AI ethics, digital humanities, or related fields.
- Excellent research, analytical, and academic writing skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and meet project deadlines.
- Familiarity with generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) is an asset.
- Previous research assistant experience is considered an asset.
Condition(s) of Employment:
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
The period of work will be from asap - September 13, 2026, and the estimated total hours of work will be 0-80 hours.
Note: This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit.
Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted remotely with some in person work required.
The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application.
The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].
The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant’s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or [email protected].
