The CRP offers support and unique opportunities for faculty, students and community organizations interested in working on partnered research including:
- Support for the development of project MOUs, workplans and service contracts.
- Facilitated access to research infrastructure and expertise.
- Facilitated access to diverse communities and datasets.
- Research project coordination and support from project conception, through project development, to funding application, to project execution and to knowledge mobilization.
- Participation in an interdisciplinary and intersectoral community of practice involving researchers, students, staff and community practitioners committed to advancing scholarly knowledge that benefits the community.
Community-Engaged Research (CER) Graduate Student Internship Program
The CER Graduate Student Internship Program, facilitated through the Faculty of Social Sciences’ Community Research Platform (CRP), provides opportunities for MA and PhD students to work with CRP partner organizations on research projects that support organizational needs and priorities and have tangible benefits for communities.
Internships will take place over 1 or 2 academic terms. The value of the internship award varies somewhat by position (minimum $6,000). The expected hours depend on whether the intern is an MA or PhD student, and whether the internship spans 1 or 2 terms. Please see each Call for Applications for details on the award value, qualifications and expected hours.
Interns will work under the supervision and mentorship of community-engaged scholars, community and social service leaders and CRP staff. Internships provide applied research experience for students and increase the capacity of CRP partners to engage in and use research to inform and advance their programs, services, and policies.
CER Grad Interns will have the opportunity to:
- Increase knowledge, skills, and expertise in Community-Engaged Research
- Gain a deeper understanding of the non-profit sector and its role in civil society
- Expand professional networks
- Contribute to the advancement of social impact research and knowledge mobilization
To be eligible for an internship, students must:
- Be registered as a student in the Faculty of Social Sciences (in exceptional circumstances, students in other Faculties may be eligible).
- Be in good academic standing, and good financial standing, with the university
Qualifications for each internship are outlined in a posting specific to the organization and its research objectives.
Current Internship Opportunities
Hamilton Public Library Internship
Past Internship Opportunities
Canadian Mental Health Association Hamilton Internship
Hamilton Public Library Internship
John Howard Society of Ontario Internship
To Apply
Please ensure that you have discussed your interest in this opportunity with your supervisor. As part of your application, we require an email from your supervisor confirming that they support your application. If your supervisor has any questions about the graduate internship program, please encourage them to reach out to the Community Research Platform Program Manager Leora Sas van der Linden (sasvandl@mcmaster.ca). We are happy to meet with you and your supervisor to discuss the CRP graduate internship program.
Please email completed applications to sasvandl@mcmaster.ca. Ensure the subject line includes the internship posting title and attach a Resume and Cover Letter as a PDF.
In the body of the email, include the following:
- Internship Posting Title
- First and Last Name
- Pronouns
- McMaster Email Address
- MacID
- Student Status (MA or PhD)
- Department/Program
The Cover letter (1-2 pages) should describe how your work, volunteer and academic experiences prepare you for this specific internship position. Please include any relevant research experience, highlight knowledge/experience related to working in the community or with a community partner, and highlight other relevant experience as it pertains to the community agency and/ or to the specific job posting. Please also confirm that you are in good academic standing (not on academic probation) and financial standing (no outstanding financial accounts on your student record) with the university.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis based on opportunities available. All applications will be reviewed by a Community Research Platform committee comprised of McMaster and community organization representatives. Applicants will be notified of a decision within 3 weeks of submitting their application.
For questions or support please contact the CRP Program Manager, Leora Sas van der Linden, at sasvandl@mcmaster.ca.