Student Job: Humanitarian Engineering Research Assistant

July 29, 2019

JOBID8376

Eligibility Requirements: sfs.yorku.ca/work-study-programs

Rate: $16/hour

Hours: Up to 5 hours/week

Start and End date: Sept 4, 2019 – April 24, 2020

Application close date: Sunday August 18^th@11:59pm

Applications are only accepted through the Career Centre. Go to careers.yorku.ca/online-system/ and search for the posting with the JobID.

Description

Project Title: Supporting the Development of a New Program on Humanitarian Engineering & Global Health

Project Summary

The Lassonde School of Engineering (LSE) and the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research (DIGHR) are exploring the development of a new collaborative program of research and teaching in Humanitarian Engineering & Global Health. The proposed program has high-level objectives to:

To mobilize engineering researchers and practitioners to improve the technical effectiveness and public health impact of humanitarian response.
To cultivate, through training and mentorship, a cadre of Canadian engineers for technical and organizational leadership in the humanitarian response and global health world.

To support the development of this new program, the PIs are seeking a RAY student who will help conduct scoping activities.

Specific Activities

Carry out a scoping review (web search/survey) of existing educational, research, and training programs in the area of Humanitarian Engineeringincluding definitions, program goals, curricula, research, accreditation, fees, and other relevant features.
Develop a database of key organizations and potential informants working  in the area of interest.
Literature search and review on the concept of Humanitarian Engineeringand produce an annotated bibliography.
Develop a full and organized bibliographical compilation within a suitable reference document database, e.g., Mendeley.
Prepare subjects for interviews and telephone surveys, and transcription of key informant interviews, to map out training needs and areas of interest with NGO/humanitarian agency personnel.
Support PIs with clerical and administrative duties relating to the development of a short course.
Production of knowledge products including briefings, slide decks, and reports.
Any other assigned activities.

Type of research experience the student will receive

Performing literature searches and bibliographical compilations.
Learning interview techniques.
Learning the dynamics associated with being part of a research team.
Enhancing oral and written communication skills, including conference presentations and manuscripts.
Gap analysis , articulating research questions, and priority-setting.
Developing a compelling research proposal.

Type of training and support

Methodological training on systematic literature review
Subject matter training  in Humanitarian Engineering
Day-to-day supervision by LSE/DIGHR PIs

Supervisors: Dr. Syed Imran Ali (Global Health & Humanitarianism Fellow, DIGHR), Prof. Satinder Brar (Dept. of Civil Engineerinng, LSE), and Prof. James Orbinski (Director, DIGHR)

Qualifications and Skills

Current undergraduate York student  in engineering.
Demonstrable interest in global health, environmental health, and humanitarianism.
Experience working with people from a variety of backgrounds/cultures.
Ability to think conceptually and communicate ideas, thoughts and presentations.
Experience, and familiarity with conducting literature reviews.
Excellent computer skills (word processing, email, database management, spreadsheets); graphic design and layout skills desirable .
Demonstrable eagerness to learn, take on initiative and with good organizational and time  management skills.
Ability and willingness to work both independently and as part of a team with  researchers, students, and staff.