Job Description

Research Assistant, College of Arts & Science

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About the Pornography, Platforms & Play Project

The Pornography, Platforms & Play Project (PPPProject) is an SSHRC Insight Development Grant-funded study of the social, cultural, legal and economic factors that shape the production, distribution, and consumption of pornographic video games. The main objective of the project is to understand the interconnected and multi-directional ways that 1)

platforms'

technological affordances and governance, 2)

developers

' creative and political practices, and 3)

players'

influence and play practices 4)

Sociolegal forces

(e.g., internet regulation and moral panics) shape the (un)availability of pornographic video games.

Overview of the Position

While all work on the project will be collaborative, the Graduate Research Assistant - Game Jams, will be primarily responsible for working with partners and the research team to organize a game jam (where the research team will conduct event-based interviews) in July 2026. They will also participate in platform walkthroughs and assist the research team in conducting and analyzing surveys and qualitative interviews. The Research Assistant - Game Jams will support the PI and Graduate Research Assistant - Survey and Interviews to prepare a conference paper to be delivered at the Canadian Game Studies Association (CGSA) conference in July 2025.



The Research Assistant will work under the supervision of Dr. Jean Ketterling, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Studies - Women's and Gender Studies Program at the University of Saskatchewan. Work may be done on campus or virtually.

Education

Applicants must be full-time graduate students at a Canadian university.

Key Duties

Participate in research team meetings With support from the research team, take the lead on game jam logistics, including working with partners, recruitment, and logistics. Assist with survey and interview recruitment. Assist the research team in conducting an online survey and qualitative interviews and analyze data. Work closely with the PI and Graduate Research Assistant - Survey and Interviews to prepare and deliver conference paper. Support the work of team members

Required Skills

This research project includes analyzing explicit sexual content and conducting research with producers and consumers of pornography. Applicants must be comfortable discussing these topics openly and professionally. Experience with games or game jams is an asset. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time-management skills and ability to meet deadlines. The successful candidate will value collaboration, respectful communication, and accountability to team members. Proficiency or willingness to develop proficiency in project management (including using Excel to maintain a database, administrative tasks such as emailing, scheduling interviews, etc.). Ability to synthesize information, and strong communication skills.

How to Apply

Submit 1) A cover letter that details your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. The cover letter should include the names and contact information of two references, and 2) a CV to the Career Centre USask by September 12th. Questions about this position can also be directed to Dr. Ketterling (jean.ketterling@usask.ca)



Where a graduate student at USask is appointed to this position, it will be in-scope of PSAC. International students outside of USask will need a valid work permit for the duration of the appointment. Study permit is sufficient for international students studying at USask.



We anticipate that the start date for this position will be October 1.

Department:

Political Studies

Status:

Term 12 months with the possibility of extension

Employment Group:

Research Positions - Non-union

Shift:

3 hours/week (156 hours total)

Full Time Equivalent (FTE):

0.08

Salary:

The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.37 - 28.52 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Phase/Band:

Salary Band 4

Posted Date:

9/5/2025

Closing Date:

9/18/2025

Number of Openings:

1

Work Location:

May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines




The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve:

EDI Framework for Action

.

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the

deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy

and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact

Human Resources

for assistance.