Volunteer as a research associate at McMaster’s Research Shop

The McMaster Research Shop works with public, non-profit, and community organizations in and beyond Hamilton to provide plain-language answers to their research questions. Research teams work with organizations to refine their research questions, then prepare rapid research reviews. The reviews are short plain-language reports — 10 to 20 pages.

Why volunteer?

• Enhance the transferability of your academic research skills by responding to a community-identified question or need.
• Explore possibilities for employment inside and outside the university.
• Make connections with Hamilton community organizations.
• Build your CV and portfolio by co-authoring a research report with teammates and a community partner.
• Learn and practice research methodologies from other academic disciplines.
• Work with graduate students from other departments.
• Earn a Certificate or Statement of Professional Learning upon project completion.

What will you do?

• Work independently and as a member of a small team to produce research products according to set deadlines.
• Attend team meetings every 2 weeks and schedule and lead meetings with community organizations, as appropriate.
• Expected commitment: an average of 5 hours/week for 8-10 weeks.

Summer projects begin in July. Fall projects begin in September. Approximately 15 student volunteers are needed as Research Associates.
Summer and Fall project topics include:

• Evaluating the impact of a Hamilton arts magazine (involves ethics review, survey design and analysis, literature review, policy analysis)
• Assessing the feasibility of implementing a specific poverty reduction strategy (involves an environmental scan and possible interviews)
• Best practices for engaging parents of children in grades 6-8 regarding post-secondary education possibilities for their kids (involves literature review, ethics review, focus groups)
• Evaluating the impact of partnerships between Neighbourhood Hubs and post-secondary institutions
• Determining donation patterns of young adults and how to attract young adult donors to social services (involves literature review, possible focus group)