Ricochet Media, a national non-profit media outlet, is seeking a research assistant to help oversee a study of police misconduct.

The project’s goal is to create a database of incidents of misconduct and consequences for the officers involved, which will then be featured in reporting produced by the outlet and shared with other outlets, researchers and the public.

This project is funded through a Michener-Deacon fellowship, with additional support from the Inspirit Foundation.

This is a unique opportunity to work on one of the most in-depth studies of police misconduct ever conducted in Canada.

About Ricochet

Ricochet Media is a national media outlet with a mandate to serve the public interest. Founded in 2014, Ricochet produces original reporting, analysis and commentary on current events and upholds progressive editorial positions and principles that reflect the audience we serve.

Ricochet has won six national awards for investigative journalism over the past three years. We produce context-rich, in-depth journalism and we take our time to get it right.

About the role

The research assistant will work alongside Ricochet editors, the research project manager and academic advisors, with the following responsibilities:

• Help develop and apply research protocols;
• Collect, compile, validate, interpret, and analyze data and trends using standard quantitative practices and techniques;
• Code and verify data in accordance with specified research protocol and coding procedures and enter data into a computer database and/or spreadsheet application for subsequent analysis;
• Review and edit data to ensure completeness and accuracy of information;
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to the interpretation and analysis of literature and research data and research protocol.

This is a two to three month contract position with part-time hours, with a possibility of extension. Ideal start date is April 1, but there is some flexibility.

Compensation

$25 per hour for 15-20 hours per week.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of and experience using software and algorithms for quantitative research;
• Strong knowledge and experience using database software, spreadsheets, and data visualization;
• Ability to work independently on detailed assignments, in a digital office environment;
• Familiarity with Canadian academic practices and standards;
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with quantitative research methods;
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.

Assets

• Familiarity with policing issues in Canada, and a basic understanding of national, provincial and municipal police forces and their respective jurisdictions;
• University degree in social sciences with a focus on quantitative research;
• Familiarity with Slack, Google Docs/Sheets and other online collaboration tools.

How to apply

Please submit a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this opportunity along with your resumé to jahanzeb@ricochet.media. Please put “Research Assistant” in the subject line. Ricochet Media strives to maintain a diverse workplace, free of discrimination or bias of any kind. We encourage applications from people facing barriers to equity, related to but not limited to race, Indigeneity, place of origin, religion, visible and invisible disabilities, sexual orientation, and gender identity and express