Student Research Assistant - Open to Lethbridge Polytechnic Students

Lethbridge Polytechnic; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 22,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Lethbridge Polytechnic invites applications for a Student Research Assistant to support two SSHRC Explore Grant funded projects addressing rights of people with mental illness and involuntary treatment for addictions. Responsibilities include literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and preparing reports and presentations.

Eligible applicants must be Lethbridge Polytechnic students. Strong writing, organizational skills, and knowledge of qualitative methods are essential, with the ability

Qualifications

• Pursuing a diploma or bachelor’s degree in arts, sciences, or sociology.
• SOC 2260, Social Problems completed.
• Knowledge of qualitative methods and qualitative coding software.
• Familiarity with sociological theory and the social construction of social problems.
• Excellent time management and ability to balance concurrent studies with research duties.
• Strong attention to detail and good communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and data analysis software.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with mental health and scholarly professionals in person, in writing and over the phone or in video conference calls.
• Conduct library search for and systematically organize scholarly readings as well as, read, analyze and summarize findings in written and oral formats.
• Perform data collection and analysis using specialized software and databases.
• Maintain detailed records of research processes, analysis and findings.
• Collaborate with primary researchers and community partners to assess needs and develop solutions.
• Contribute to writing reports and preparation of presentations on research findings in multiple genres and formats.
• Other duties as necessary.

Skills

Qualitative methods

Sociology

Communication

Time management

Independent work

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Research databases

Education

Diploma or bachelor’s degree in arts/sciences or sociology

Tools

Qualitative coding software

Bibliographic management software

Job description

Position Information

Job Title: Student Research Assistant - Open to Lethbridge Polytechnic Students

Appointment Type: Casual Position

Dates: September 14, 2026, to April 30, 2027

Hours per week/FTE: Up to 10 per week

About the Position

We are seeking a detail-oriented student research assistant to work with us on two SSHRC Explore Grant funded research projects regarding rights of people diagnosed with mental illness and involuntary treatment for people experiencing addictions. The projects build on past work developing a national set of contacts working on mental health rights and advocacy, as well as involuntary treatment for people diagnosed with mental illness.

The successful candidate will have familiarity with scholarly work in the aforementioned areas as well as the social construction of social problems perspective and institutional ethnography. The student research assistant will be responsible for assisting to grow our network of established community partners as well as coordinating communications and work based on our collaborative needs. The research assistant will also exercise their strong critical thinking skills and attention to details by independently and collaboratively conducting library searches to write literature reviews, collect qualitative data sources, analyze data, write reports, prepare presentations, and speak publicly.

This part-time position offers up to 10 hours per week to a maximum of 255 hours in total. Hours will vary over the appointment, generally averaging 5 hours per week during the literature review and planning phases, with more concentrated evening and overnight shifts during the spring 2027. This position is an excellent opportunity to develop professional skills as sociologist and an opportunity to attend the Canadian Sociological Association Annual Conference.

To be eligible for this role, you must be a Lethbridge Polytechnic student.

Key Responsibilities

• Communicate with mental health and scholarly professionals in person, in writing and over the phone or in video conference calls.
• Conduct library search for and systematically organize scholarly readings as well as, read, analyze and summarize findings in written and oral formats.
• Perform data collection and analysis using specialized software and databases.
• Maintain detailed records of research processes, analysis and findings.
• Collaborate with primary researchers and community partners to assess needs and develop solutions.
• Contribute to writing reports and preparation of presentations on research findings in multiple genres and formats.
• Other duties as necessary.

Required Qualifications Preferred Qualifications

• Working towards a diploma or bachelor’s degree in general arts and sciences or sociology. Must have completed SOC 2260, Social Problems.
• Knowledge of qualitative methods, qualitative coding software, bibliographic management software.
• Knowledge of sociological theory and the social construction of social problems perspective in particular.
• Familiarity with current debates in mental health and illness, and addiction, particularly related to involuntary treatment.
• Exceptional time management skills are needed to balance concurrent studies with research assistant expectations and conference preparations.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and specialized software for record management and data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours, as needed.

Salary

$19.00 per hour

Working Here

A Culture of Care at Lethbridge Polytechnic embraces a workplace that both protects and empowers employees by creating an environment that promotes psychological, cultural and physical safety. All employees play an important role in building a safe and supportive campus dedicated to learning and growing.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: C26-00482

Open Date: 09/14/2026

Close Date: 09/21/2026

Open Until Filled

No Special Instructions to Applicants

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.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Optional Documents

• Letter of Recommendation