Student Research Assistant - Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR)

Lethbridge Polytechnic; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 26,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-campus work

Casual appointment

Job summary

Lethbridge Polytechnic seeks a Student Research Assistant for the CPSAR project focusing on VR-based ethical decision-making in policing. You will contribute to data collection, analysis, and knowledge sharing while collaborating with policing, corrections, courts, and community partners on campus.

You will gain hands-on experience in applied research, VR development, and equity-focused evaluation, with mentorship from criminology and spatial technology experts, and opportunities to contribute

Qualifications

• Interest in public safety or community-based research.
• Strong communication and teamwork across diverse groups.
• Basic understanding of research methods and willingness to learn.
• Ability to manage time and meet project deadlines.
• Commitment to equity, reconciliation, and inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with applied research on public safety, justice, and community well-being.
• Collaborate with policing, corrections, courts, and community partners.
• Support data collection, analysis, and reporting under CPSAR guidance.
• Contribute to knowledge mobilization through presentations and publications.
• Participate in meetings to shape project direction.
• Assist in designing and testing VR scenarios that simulate ethical decisions.
• Collaborate with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and public safety professionals.
• Ensure scenarios reflect equity and inclusion.
• Available to work on campus for the project duration.

Skills

Interest in public safety

Strong communication and teamwork

Basic understanding of researchMethods

Time management

Commitment to equity inclusion

Education

Current student

Job description

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 [e-mail]. 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.

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title: Student Research Assistant - Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR)

Appointment Type: Casual Position

Dates: October 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027

Hours per week/FTE: 8-10 per week

About the Position

Join an innovative research project at Lethbridge Polytechnic that uses virtual reality (VR) to assess ethical decision-making in police applicants. This project focuses on creating immersive, inclusive digital scenarios that reflect diverse identities and real-world challenges in public safety.

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.

This position offers hands‑on experience supporting applied research through tasks such as data collection, analysis, logistics coordination, and sharing research findings.

Position Details

Duties & Responsibilities

Overall, your duties and responsibilities as a student research assistant on the project may encompass any or all of the following tasks (in addition to specific duties and responsibilities listed by each project):

• Assist with the applied research project focused on public safety, justice, and community well‑being.
• Collaborate with professionals and community partners in policing, corrections, courts, 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.

Project‑Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in designing and testing VR scenarios that simulate ethical decision‑making situations.
• Collaborate with community partners, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and public safety professionals.
• Help ensure the scenarios reflect intersectionality and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Available to work on campus for the duration of the project.

Required Qualifications

Skills & Qualifications

You are not expected to be fully proficient in all the listed duties and responsibilities at the start of your appointment. This role is 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.

Preferred Qualifications Salary $19/hr - $22/hr accordingly

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience in applied research and VR development.
• Skills in data analysis, community engagement, and ethical assessment design.
• Mentorship from experts in criminology, psychology, spatial technologies, and EDI.
• Opportunities to contribute to publications, presentations, and knowledge sharing.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number C26-00478 Open Date 08/17/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes