Abundant Intelligences POD Research Assistant—Master’s Student

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Research Assistants (RAs) are a key part of the Abundant Intelligences Project and the Haudenosaunee POD at the OTEKH Lab at Western University. In this role, RAs collaborate on interdisciplinary research-creation projects, contributing to the design, development, and production of installations and media arts works. You will work alongside a diverse team of researchers and creatives, helping to integrate academic research with artistic expression. RAs will assist in various aspects of project development, from concept design to execution, and will have access to lab facilities for personal research. This role offers flexibility around academic schedules and opportunities for leadership, including mentoring undergraduate students and guiding projects. RAs are expected to bring creative ideas, collaborate effectively, and contribute to the overall success of lab initiatives.

About the Lab: The Otekhnòtshera Ratirihwisaks Etho:onhwentsyáke (OTEKH) is a new research lab at Visual Arts (Western University) that will facilitate key activities and long-term initiatives focused on advanced Indigenous arts and technology research; it functions in conjunction with Indigenous Studies, the Wampum Learning Lodge and Indigenous organizations in the region. Hybrid in character, multidisciplinary in scope, and innovative in ambition, Otekh is the central hub for Indigenous-led research-creation activities at Western, supporting all projects and initiatives related to artistic production, student training, dissemination and public/community engagement. Core research-creation areas include: media arts production; 3d scanning and data visualization; artificial intelligence; virtual reality applications; video & audio installations.

About the Global Programme: Abundant Intelligences is an ambitious, large-scale six-year research program exploring how to integrate Indigenous Knowledges and Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems. It is conducted by an international research team, co-directed by Prof. Jason Lewis at the Indigenous Futures Research Centre (IFRC) at Concordia University, Montreal, and Prof. Hemi Whaanga at Massey University in New Zealand. The research team currently consists of 48 co-investigators and collaborators at 13 universities/research institutes and 8 community-based organizations in Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. The Haudenosaunee POD is located in the OTEKH Lab at Western University and focuses on integrating Haudenosaunee knowledge and AI. The POD’s research activities are focused on the Lawson Site and community engagement in Six Nations of the Grand River. The POD is currently engaged in expanding community engagement in the region.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the creation, testing, and deployment of interactive art installations that incorporate AI, computer vision, or generative systems
• Assist with data management, and issues concerning Indigenous data sovereignty
• Contribute technical expertise to team brainstorming sessions and collaborative art research-creation projects
• Assist with interdisciplinary research creation for Pod/Lab research activities
• Provide technical expertise with new and on-going projects
• Assist with project leadership that involve undergraduate RAs
• Support general administrative activities, and participate/ help organize in POD events

Requirements:

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter. The CV should detail relevant professional experience, education, skills, and achievements, with emphasis on community engagement, research interests and research experience. Knowledge of computer languages, Indigenous knowledge systems and experience with administration will be considered assets.

Eligibility:

Appointed by the OTEKH lab/AbINT POD Director; must be a master student enrolled full time or anticipating being enrolled full-time within 6 months of appointment; must be on campus and available for hybrid working conditions. Preference for Indigenous students with local membership.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.