The Sanguatsiniq project focuses on cultural and economic change in two Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic, Kangiqsujuaq and Ulukhaktok. Current themes of our work include investigating the role of changing economic conditions in Inuit traditional food harvesting and sharing practices, the contribution of traditional cultural practices to health and well-being, and the role of environmental variability in affecting traditional hunting activities.
We are looking for a field research assistant to work with us in Kangiqsujuaq to collect data relating to Inuit well-being and experiences of stress. The research assistant will complete semi-structured interviews focused on exploring Inuit concepts of well-being and questionnaires assessing stress and cultural consonance. The anticipated dates of the work are flexible, but we are currently planning on August to October 2025. Renumeration is provided as a lump-sum service contract.
Subsequent research/employment (e.g., PhD or postdoctoral) with the project may be a possibility for interested candidates. There is scope for student(s)/scholar(s) to develop their own research interests (using quantitative and/or qualitative methods), within the context of a community-engaged research program in which research questions are ultimately determined in collaboration with and approved by local partners.
Requirements
Essential:
– Willingness to conduct extended research in an Arctic community
– Ability to build rapport with community members and to collaborate closely with community stakeholders
Desirable:
– Knowledge of Inuktitut
– Experience with digital data collection platforms (e.g., Kobo Collect)
– Previous experience conducting ethnographic or community-based research
Applications
Please address questions and send applications by email to Elspeth Ready (elspeth_ready@eva.mpg.de) by June 1, 2025.
Applications should include:
1. A cover letter describing motivation and relevant experience
2. A curriculum vitae with names and email address of three professional references