Date/Time
Date(s) - 17/11/2022
12:00 am

Community-Engaged Research (CER) Graduate Student Internship Program

The Community-Engaged Research (CER) Graduate Student Internship Program, facilitated through the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Community Research Platform (CRP), provides opportunities for MA and PhD students to work with CRP partner organizations on research projects that support organizational needs and priorities and have tangible benefits for communities.

Inter Job Posting

Project: Developing a Centre for Feminist Research and Evaluation at the YWCA of Hamilton

Job Description: YWCA of Hamilton is working with McMaster University’s Community Research Platform (CRP) and the School of Social Work to develop a community based intersectional feminist research centre. The aim of the centre is to strengthen the capacity of
the YWCA Hamilton (inclusive of decision-makers, front-line staff and service participants) and their community partners, to advance feminist action-orientated community-based research and policy advocacy from a Gender-Based Plus Analysis (GBA+). The YWCA of Hamilton is seeking an MA or Phd student intern to support several key activities related to the centre’s visioning and development. Key tasks include (but are not limited to):

1. Conducting an environmental scan of feminist and community-based research centre models, particularly those that are led by community organizations and that focus on action-oriented research and policy advocacy.
2. Work with YWCA staff to develop a space on the YWCA website to house and make accessible information about their ongoing research activity including an archive of past and current research projects and associated research outputs (e.g. reports, policy briefs, research resources, etc).
3. Participating in regular team meetings to support other aspects of the Feminist Research Centre Development.

Required skills and experience:

• Strong qualitative research skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience with online content development
• Demonstrated interest in community based, action-oriented research
• Excellent time management, organization and interpersonal skills
• Experience working in Feminist organizations or working from a feminist perspective
• Knowledge of critical race, Black feminist, anti-colonial theories, and methodologies

As part of the work of YWCA Hamilton against sexism, racism and other oppressions, we strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Woman identified and non-binary persons, who are Indigenous, immigrant, refugee, lesbian, bisexual, Two Spirit, queer, racialized, with disabilities, and/or who experience any other oppressions are strongly encouraged to apply.

Duration of Internship: 7.5-10 hours per week for approximately 26 weeks.

Value of Award:$8,000

Application Deadline: November 17, 2022

To Apply: Please ensure that you have discussed your interest in this opportunity with your supervisor. As part of your application, we require an email from your supervisor confirming that they support your application. If your supervisor has any questions about the graduate internship program, please encourage them to reach out to the Community Research Platform Program Manager Leora Sas van der Linden (sasvandl@mcmaster.ca). We are happy to meet with you and your supervisor to discuss the CRP graduate internship program.

Please email completed applications to sasvandl@mcmaster.ca. Ensure the subject line includes the internship posting title and attach a Resume and Cover Letter as a PDF.

In the body of the email, include the following:

• Internship Posting Title
• First and Last Name
• Pronouns
• McMaster Email Address
• MacID
• Student Status (MA or PhD)
• Department/Program

The Cover letter (1-2 pages) should describe how your work, volunteer and academic experiences prepare you for this specific internship position. Please include any relevant research experience, highlight knowledge/experience related to working in the community or with a community partner, and highlight other relevant experience as it pertains to the community agency and/ or to the specific job posting. Please also confirm that you are in good academic standing (not on academic probation) and financial standing (no outstanding financial accounts on your student record) with the university.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis based on opportunities available.  All applications will be reviewed by a Community Research Platform committee comprised of McMaster and community organization representatives. Applicants will be notified of a decision within 3 weeks of submitting their application.

For general inquiries about the program, please contact Leora Sas van der Linden, CRP Program Manager at: sasvandl@mcmaster.ca