CPSAR Student Research Assistants

The Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) is a dynamic hub at Lethbridge Polytechnic where students collaborate with professionals in policing, corrections, courts, and community organizations to tackle real-world public safety issues. Through hands-on research projects, students gain valuable experience while contributing to innovative solutions that support safer communities. We’re expanding our research teams for three exciting projects this fall and are hiring four student research assistants. Eligible applicants include current Lethbridge Polytechnic students or recent graduates (since May 2026). These four positions offer hands-on experience supporting applied research through tasks such as data collection, analysis, logistics coordination, and sharing research findings. In your cover letter, please identify which project/s you are applying for; you can apply for more than one project with one application.

Project #1 Title: Safeguarding Youth in Sport (SYS): Preventing Sexual Violence through Evidence-Informed Interventions

This project is focused on creating safer sport environments for youth in southern Alberta by strengthening awareness and preventing sexual violence. Working alongside youth, community partners, and sport organizations, the project develops and evaluates accessible resources that promote awareness, bystander intervention, and access to support. Through applied research and community collaboration, the project aims to strengthen safeguarding practices and contribute to safer, more supportive sport environments for youth. Because of its focus, the project involves working with sensitive content related to sexual violence; supports and training are built into the role.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with data collection and analysis, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and quantitative and qualitative data.
• Contribute to the development and testing of digital applications, websites, podcasts, and other project resources.
• Support research activities, project coordination, meetings, and documentation using project-management tools.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing through presentations, reports, and community engagement activities.
• Complete required training, including TCPS 2: CORE research ethics training and Safe Sport training, prior to beginning project work.

What You’ll Gain:

• Practical experience in applied research, including data collection, analysis, and evaluation.
• Skills and knowledge to recognize, prevent, and respond to sexual violence in sport.
• Experience supporting the development and evaluation of digital and community-based resources.
• Mentorship from experts in applied research, youth-serving organizations, and related fields.
• Opportunities to contribute to publications, presentations, and knowledge-sharing activities.
• Experience collaborating with youth, community partners, and sport organizations.
• Certifications in research ethics (TCPS 2: CORE) and Safe Sport, along with trauma-informed practice training, that carry forward into future research and practice roles.

What to Expect:

This project addresses sexual violence, and the research assistant will encounter sensitive content, including participant accounts, survey and interview data, and resource materials related to sexual violence and its impacts. We take the wellbeing of our team seriously. Trauma-informed training will be provided before work with sensitive content begins, and ongoing supports are available throughout the project, including regular check-ins with the research lead, access to debriefing, and referral to campus and community support services. All required training is provided at no cost and is completed on paid time.

Who Should Apply:

Current Lethbridge Polytechnic students (or recent graduates) in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, marketing, child and youth care, or related programs who are interested in applied research, youth-serving organizations, and community engagement. No prior research experience is required. We are looking for someone with a willingness to learn, collaborate, and contribute to creating safer sport environments for youth. Applicants should be comfortable engaging thoughtfully with sensitive subject matter with the training and supports provided.

Expected hours: approximately 150 hours (part-time). Weekly hours are flexible

Hourly rates: Diploma students – $19/hr; Degree students – $22/hr

Number of positions: 2

Project #2 Title: Braiding Knowledge Systems: Scaling MicroResearch to Build Community-Led Applied Research Capacity in Western Canada

This initiative brings research into the hands of communities by building community-led research capacity across Western Alberta and surrounding regions. Through partnerships with Red Crow Community College (RCCC) and MicroResearch Canada, the project provides practical research training, mentorship, and support to help community members identify local priorities and develop evidence-informed solutions. It integrates Indigenous Ways of Knowing, Indigenous Storywork, and community governance while fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, public safety, health and social services, and other community sectors.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with workshop coordination and logistics, including scheduling meetings, booking spaces, coordinating presenters, and organizing supplies and resources.
• Support research activities, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Support and coach MicroResearch (MR) teams as they develop and carry out their community-based research projects.
• Assist with knowledge mobilization activities, including project materials, presentations, and other knowledge-sharing resources.
• Communicate and collaborate with research partners and the project team to support project activities and provide progress updates.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on training in the MicroResearch (MR) approach, including problem identification, proposal development, interdisciplinary teamwork, and knowledge translation.
• Practical experience in applied and community-led research, including data collection, analysis, and working with diverse partners and groups.
• Opportunities to develop coaching, communication, and project coordination skills, with mentorship from researchers and community partners.
• Opportunities to contribute to presentations, publications, and knowledge mobilization activities.

Who Should Apply:
Students (or recent graduates) enrolled in general arts & science, criminal justice, nursing, Indigenous studies, psychology, sociology, or related programs who are interested in applied research, community engagement, and working collaboratively with diverse communities and partners. We are looking for someone with a willingness to learn, contribute to community-led research, and support others throughout the research process.

Expected hours: approximately 300 hours (part-time). Weekly hours are flexible

Hourly rates: Diploma students – $19/hr; Degree students – $22/hr

Number of positions: 1

Project #3 Title: Exploring the Development of a Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Youth Prevalence Instrument

This project addresses a critical gap in understanding technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF-GBV) among youth in southern Alberta. Working with community and public safety partners, the research team will pilot the TF-GBV prevalence survey that was developed in an earlier phase of this research. Once the data is collected, the research team will assess the prevalence survey for validity and reliability, as well as analyzing the data provided in terms of calculating a prevalence rate and identifying important contextual information and behaviour patterns related to TF-GBV among youth

What You’ll Do:

• Support project coordination, assist in data collection through the TF-GBV prevalence survey, contribute to analysis of quantitative survey data, and collaborate on interpreting the results of the pilot survey.
• Contribute to knowledge dissemination through report writing, conference presentations, and other research activities.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in applied research, including survey deployment, user testing, and quantitative data analysis.
• Mentorship from experts in public safety, youth-focused research, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
• Experience working with community and public safety partners on research addressing a real-world issue affecting youth.
• Opportunities to contribute to reports, conference presentations, publications, and other knowledge dissemination activities.

Who Should Apply:
Lethbridge Polytechnic students (or recent graduates, as of May 2026) in child and youth care, criminal justice, corrections, or related programs with an interest or background in youth and justice-related issues. Ideal candidates are interested in applied research, public safety, and working on issues affecting youth. No prior research experience is required, just a willingness to learn and contribute.

Expected hours: approximately 150 hours (part-time). Weekly hours are flexible

Hourly rates: Diploma students – $19/hr; Degree students – $22/hr

Number of positions: 1

Duties & Responsibilities

Overall, your duties and responsibilities as a Student Research Assistant may encompass any or all of the following tasks, in addition to the specific duties and responsibilities listed for each project:

• Assist with applied research projects focused on public safety, justice, and community well-being.
• Collaborate with professionals, researchers, and community partners across public safety, health and social services, education, and related sectors.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting activities under the guidance of CPSAR researchers.
• Contribute to knowledge mobilization efforts, including presentations, publications, and community outreach.
• Participate in team meetings and interdisciplinary discussions to help shape project direction and outcomes.

Skills & Qualifications

You are not expected to be fully proficient in all the listed duties and responsibilities at the start of your appointment. These roles are designed to support hands-on learning, and you will receive guidance as you develop your applied research skills. However, certain foundational skills are required from the outset. In addition to project-specific qualifications, Student Research Assistants should:

• Have an interest in public safety, social justice, or community-based research.
• Have strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work respectfully across diverse groups.
• Have a basic understanding of research methods and a willingness to learn new tools and techniques.
• Demonstrate the ability to manage time effectively and meet project deadlines.
• Exhibit a commitment to equity, reconciliation, and inclusive practices in research and community engagement.

Lethbridge Polytechnic is committed to inclusive recruitment practices by providing reasonable access and accommodations to applicants. If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]. Private information received in relation to the request will only be used to facilitate the recruitment process and will be kept confidential and shared only as needed with the selection committee.