Call For Applications: Mitacs Accelerate Industrial Postdoctoral Award

Mitacs accelerate industrial postdoctoral award Saskatchewan Arts Alliance / University of Regina Canada 

The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) and the University of Regina are seeking candidates for a 3-year interdisciplinary postdoctoral internship in the area of arts ecology, cultural policy, and community cohesion beginning in May 2019. Total compensation is $55,000 (Canadian dollars) per year, which includes $50,000 (salary plus benefits) and $5,000 (personal research-related costs and/or travel). The successful candidate will complete an internship-focused postdoctoral fellowship with a dual focus on research and knowledge mobilization. The terms of this position require full-time residency in Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada) with time divided between offices at the SAA and the University of Regina.

The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance

The Saskatchewan Arts Alliance (SAA) is an inclusive coalition of arts organizations that pro- vides a collective voice for the arts community of Saskatchewan. Formally established in 1986, the SAA seeks to strengthen, support and advance the arts and cultural industries in Saskatche- wan through proactive leadership, advocacy, public education, research, and policy development. The organization is committed to undertaking rigorous, primary research that will inform SAA’s advocacy efforts, increase its understanding of the arts ecosystem and direct policy making.

SAA research

SAA was a lead partner in the Saskatchewan Partnership for Arts Research (SPAR) which was awarded a SSHRC Partnership Development grant for the study, Understanding the Arts Ecology of Saskatchewan (UAES). The study provided data specific to Saskatchewan which is important for our understanding of the arts sector. SAA’s part-time Research Officer was also the post doc- toral Research Assistant to the SPAR study. In support of the Arts Ecology study the SAA also developed an Artist Registry, which has become a valuable tool for exploring other research questions, including the Mitacs study, and a model for other organizations interested in developing a similar registry.

Mitacs study

The Mitacs study will build on knowledge gained through the Understanding the Arts Ecology of Saskatchewan study. The overall focus is the role of artists and the arts in Saskatchewan communities including focus areas on arts education; the arts economy; the values, impacts and out- comes of the arts sector; and geographical and spatial dynamics. Methodology will include both qualitative and quantitative methods to be conducted in a community setting.

Position description

Required activities for the intern include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting literature reviews and maintaining currency in relevant literature;
• Carrying out research design, data collection, and data analysis (qualitative and quantitative);
• Preparing research reports and drafting scholarly papers;
• Preparation of publicly accessible materials;
• Presentations to a variety of organizational, academic, and public audiences;
• Contributing to daily SAA operations, including communications activities, building and maintaining community partnerships;
• Contributing to a collegial

The ideal Mitacs fellowship Intern will have:

• A PhD (discipline open) completed within the past 5 years;
• Significant expertise in qualitative and quantitative research methods, including community- based research;
• Background in the arts and/or cultural practices;
• Research experience in the area of community studies, regional studies, and/or social cohe- sion, broadly construed;
• Ability to plan research activities, carry out data collection in communities (e.g., focus groups, interviews), analyze data (qualitative and quantitative), and draft reports and publica- tions;
• Skill in knowledge mobilization and composition of public education materials;
• Strong communication skills in English (speaking and writing);
• Ability to work independently;
• Enthusiasm to contribute to the daily operations of a nonprofit

A background or interest in the development of arts and cultural policy would be an asset. Queries and applications should be addressed to:

Marnie Gladwell, Executive Director Saskatchewan Arts Alliance
101-1150 8th  Avenue
Regina, SK. Canada S4R 1C9

(306) 780-9824; director@artsalliance.sk.ca

Applications should include a CV, the names and contact information of 3 referees, and a letter outlining the nature of previous research work and other experience related to the credentials out- lined above. Applications will be accepted until 22 April, 2019.

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