Position Information

Job Title

Student Research Assistant Positions (5) for Multiple Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) Projects

Appointment Type

Casual Temporary

Position Dates

October 15, 2025 - June 30, 2026

Hours per week/FTE

Various

About the Position

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 four exciting projects this fall and are hiring five student research assistants. Eligible applicants include current Lethbridge Polytechnic students or recent graduates (since May 2025). These 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.

Position Details

Duties & Responsibilities

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

• Assist with applied research projects 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.

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

Student Research Assistant for Multiple Centre for Public Safety Applied Research (CPSAR) Projects – Positions (5)

Project #1 Title: Enhancing Interviewing with AI-Powered Public Speaking Tool

This project explores how Yoodli, an AI-based public speaking platform, can help police applicants improve their communication and interview skills. By analyzing speech patterns, filler words, pacing, and non-verbal cues, Yoodli provides personalized feedback to users, making it a valuable tool for preparing candidates for high-stakes interviews in public safety.

What You’ll Do:

• Learn to use the Yoodli platform and understand its features through collaboration with the research team and Yoodli representatives.

• Support the implementation of Yoodli with police applicants, including setup, troubleshooting, and user guidance.

• Assist in collecting and analyzing feedback and performance data to evaluate the tool’s effectiveness.

• Contribute to knowledge sharing through presentations, reports, and community engagement.

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience working with cutting-edge AI technology in a real-world research setting.
• Skills in digital literacy, communication coaching, and applied research.
• Opportunities to collaborate with public safety professionals and contribute to improving recruitment practices

Who Should Apply:
Current Lethbridge Polytechnic students (or recent graduates) in criminal justice, psychology, communications, digital media, or related programs who are curious about AI, public speaking, and applied research. No prior experience with Yoodli is required. We are looking for someone with a willingness to learn and engage with new technologies.

Expected hours: approximately 75 hours (part-time). Weekly hours are flexible

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

Number of positions: 1

Project #2 Title: Exploring Public Safety Careers Through Multi-User Virtual Reality

This innovative project uses immersive, multi-user virtual reality (VR) experiences to help youth better understand the roles and responsibilities of public safety professionals. By simulating realistic scenarios in a collaborative VR environment, the project aims to increase awareness, engagement, and interest in public safety careers among youth aged 15–24. The research also explores how VR compares to traditional educational methods in building career knowledge and motivation.

What You’ll Do:

• Support the design, development, and testing of immersive VR scenarios focused on public safety roles.
• Assist with data collection and analysis from youth participants, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Collaborate with public safety professionals, educators, and community partners to ensure scenarios are authentic and inclusive.
• Contribute to knowledge sharing through presentations, reports, and community engagement activities.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in applied research, VR development, and youth engagement.
• Skills in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• Exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration across public safety, education, and technology sectors.
• Mentorship from experts in criminology, psychology, spatial technologies, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

Who Should Apply:
Students (or recent graduates) enrolled in diploma or degree programs at Lethbridge Polytechnic in fields such as criminal justice, psychology, sociology, digital media, or spatial technologies. Ideal candidates have completed an introductory research methods course and are curious about immersive technologies, public safety, and inclusive education. Prior VR experience is not necessary.

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

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

Number of positions: 2

Project #3 Title: Building and Validating the Dynamic Operational Risk Assessment (DORA) Tool

This project supports the development and validation of a real-time risk assessment tool, DORA, designed to help police officers assess the likelihood of recidivism among accused individuals who are either eligible for, or on, bail releases. In partnership with an Ontario police service, the tool will be built using evidence-based principles from federal corrections and adapted for use with limited police-accessible data. The goal is to enhance public safety and judicial decision-making by combining professional judgment with validated risk metrics.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist in the design and documentation of the DORA tool alongside the research team and police partners.
• Support data analysis using existing police datasets to validate the tool through use of risk assessment validation tests, such as Harrell’s C and Cohen’s d. You are not expected to have pre-existing knowledge of these tests.
• Help interpret results and contribute to refining the tool for broader use across police agencies.
• Participate in knowledge dissemination activities, including report preparation and outreach to public safety stakeholders.

What You’ll Gain:

• Experience in applied criminological research and tool development.
• Training in quantitative analysis using SPSS, and exposure to real-world public safety data.
• Mentorship from experts in offender risk assessment, public safety, and equity-focused research.
• Skills in project management, communication, and inclusive research practices.

Who Should Apply:
Current students or recent graduates (since May 2025) from Lethbridge Polytechnic in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or related programs. Ideal candidates have completed an introductory research methods course and are interested in public safety, data analysis, and equity in justice systems. No prior experience with risk assessment tools is required, just a willingness to learn and contribute.

Expected hours: approximately 160 hours (part-time). Weekly hours are flexible

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

Number of positions: 1

Project #4 Title: Assessing Ethical Decision-Making in Police Applicants Through Inclusive Virtual Reality Scenarios

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.

What You’ll Do:

• 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.

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.

Who Should Apply:
Lethbridge Polytechnic students (or recent graduates) in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, digital media, VR/AR, or related programs who are curious, collaborative, and committed to inclusive research. You don’t need to be an expert in VR; you just need to be open to learning and contributing.

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

For more information, please contact:

Kirsten Fantazir: kirsten.fantazir@lethpolytech.ca

Salary

$19/hr - $22/hr accordingly

Working Here

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number

C25-00440

Open Date

09/15/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Special Instructions to Applicant:

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 hiringaccommodations@lethpolytech.ca. 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.