Applied Research Technician IV (Data-Driven Innovation) - Data Analyst - Coop Student at Red Deer Polytechnic

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

This position is conditionally funded and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title

Applied Research Technician IV (Data-Driven Innovation) - Data Analyst - Coop Student

Position Summary Are you a student who is looking for a hands-on opportunity this Fall in your field of study? Are you interested in real world experience that you will not get anywhere else?

We are seeking a highly motivated and innovative student for this coop position. As a Data Analyst Coop student, you will have the opportunity to work closely with experts in Applied Research (Data-Driven Innovation) on projects aimed at pushing the boundaries of innovation through real-world data.

The Applied Research Division of Red Deer Polytechnic advances data-driven innovation through collaborative research with industry, community, and public-sector partners, exploring, testing, and validating data-enabled and AI-driven solutions. Through project-based applied research, the Data-Driven Innovation portfolio focuses on transforming real-world data into actionable insights, prototypes, and decision-support tools that improve productivity, efficiency, and innovation capacity. This work provides partners with an affordable, low-risk pathway to evaluate emerging digital technologies before large-scale adoption.

By leveraging interdisciplinary expertise across artificial intelligence, data analytics, and applied research methodologies, Red Deer Polytechnic supports partners in addressing complex operational and organizational challenges using evidence-based, data-driven approaches. Our applied research teams are recognized for their practical orientation, collaborative engagement, and ability to work with real-world, imperfect data in dynamic environments.

The Applied AI Research Assistant is an entry-level applied research position that supports data-driven and artificial intelligence research activities while providing day-to-day technical supervision of students and interns assigned to applied research projects. Working under the guidance of senior technical staff, the incumbent contributes to research tasks, experimentation, and prototype development that support partner needs and institutional research objectives.

In this fast-paced applied research environment, the incumbent supports experimentation with real-world datasets, contributes to the development and testing of AI-enabled research prototypes, and assists with documentation, reporting, and knowledge-transfer activities. The role includes responsibility for assigning and overseeing defined technical tasks for students and interns, supporting their learning and ensuring alignment with project objectives. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, and motivated by solving applied problems while working collaboratively with researchers, faculty, students, and external partners.

Position Responsibilities

• Collect, clean, and analyze real-world data from applied research and partner projects.
• Develop data visualizations, dashboards, and reports to communicate findings.
• Assist with predictive modeling, simulations, and analytical tools to support project objectives.
• Use programming languages such as Python, Java, and SQL for data analysis, automation, and prototype development.
• Build, configure, and maintain Linux-based environments and server-side programs that support research workflows.
• Apply software and hardware engineering along with network engineering practices to develop reliable, well-structured research tools and data pipelines.
• Support research activities through data collection, literature reviews, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify trends, solve problems, and develop innovative solutions.
• Participate in project meetings, workshops, and knowledge-sharing activities.

Opportunities you will have by securing this position:

• Hands-on experience working on real-world projects alongside industry experts.
• Opportunity to contribute to research and innovation initiatives.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in the field.
• Competitive compensation package.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Science, or related program.
• Demonstrated ability to work with large, complex datasets and extract actionable insights through statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Proficiency in Python and experience using data analysis libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Matplotlib, or similar tools.
• Experience with Java and the ability to apply software engineering practices to build reliable, maintainable tools.
• Working knowledge of Linux environments, server-side programming, and command-line workflows.
• Familiarity with network engineering concepts and the configuration of networked or server-based systems.
• Strong understanding of data cleaning, validation, quality assurance, and analytical methodologies.
• Experience developing dashboards, automated reports, or analytical workflows using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms.
• Ability to translate technical data into meaningful recommendations for researchers, engineers, industry partners, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills through academic projects, research activities, competitions, co-op placements, employment, or personal projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document methodologies and present findings.
• Interest in artificial intelligence, data-driven innovation, and emerging technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying machine learning, predictive analytics, optimization, or artificial intelligence techniques to real-world problems.
• Experience working with time-series, sensor, operational, or industrial datasets.
• Familiarity with server administration, networked systems, or building and maintaining data pipelines in Linux environments.
• Experience using Git, version control systems, and collaborative software development practices.
• Previous participation in research projects, applied research initiatives, hackathons, engineering competitions, or industry-sponsored projects.

Salary or Hourly?

Hourly

Salary

$29.51 to $34.53

Benefits and Compensation Information

An additional 15% of the hourly rate in lieu of vacation, statutory holidays and benefits.

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta,

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 100 industry-relevant credit and non-credit programs to approximately 11,000 credit, non-credit and apprenticeship students. With modern teaching and learning spaces, and state-of-the-art research and innovation centres, RDP provides education and applied research opportunities in partnership with industry and communities.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands. This is where we will strive to honour and transform our relationships with one another.

Whatever brings you to Red Deer Polytechnic, we are glad you are here. And we look forward to having you as a valued member of our polytechnic community .

Posting Detail Information

Competition Number

2026-A-092

Employment Type

Casual

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

09/01/2026

Position End Date (if term-certain)

04/30/2027

FTE

Hours of Work

35 hours per week

Open Date

06/29/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

At RDP, we are committed to a merit-based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. If you believe you have the skills and equivalent experience and potential to contribute to this role, we encourage you to apply

Red Deer Polytechnic will provide job applicants with accommodations in accordance with the Alberta Human Rights Code. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected].

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is conditionally funded and does not qualify for conversion under the AUPE Collective Agreement.

Required Documents

• Cover Letter

• Resume

Optional Documents