Student Research Assistant - Open to Lethbridge Polytechnic Students

Job summary

The assistant will support two research projects on mental health rights and addiction by conducting library searches and writing literature reviews. They will also coordinate communications with community partners and perform qualitative data collection and analysis.

Job details

Bookmark this Posting Print Preview | Apply for this Job Please see Special Instructions for more details. 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. Posting Details 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. Position Details 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 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. Supplemental Questions Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*). * Are you currently a Lethbridge Polytechnic student? Yes No Documents Needed To Apply Required Documents Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents Letter of Recommendation

What you’ll do

The assistant will support two research projects on mental health rights and addiction by conducting library searches and writing literature reviews. They will also coordinate communications with community partners and perform qualitative data collection and analysis.

Requirements

Applicants must be Lethbridge Polytechnic students pursuing a degree in sociology or general arts and sciences and have completed SOC 2260. Knowledge of sociological theory, qualitative methods, and current debates in mental health is preferred.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Microsoft Office · Preferred
• Critical Thinking · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Literature Review
• Critical Thinking
• Public Speaking
• Time Management
• Microsoft Office
• Bibliographic Management Software
• Qualitative Coding Software
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Data Collection
• Report Writing

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Education
• Social Services