Opportunities - CIPSER

Mentorship Opportunities at NC-CIPSeR
Current Opportunities
Steps to the Application Process
To Apply
Create your own opportunity

Welcome to the future of critical infrastructure protection in Canada, spearheaded by the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Security Resilience (NC-CIPSeR).

The National Cooperative Program is more than just a collaborative effort; it’s an integrated platform offering a range of opportunities:

Mentorship: Mentor emerging talent to foster knowledge-sharing, analysis, operational and policy aspects, leadership development, and national resilience.
Co-op Placements: Engage in hands-on, experiential learning through tailored co-op positions, where theoretical knowledge meets real-world application.
Internships: Immerse yourself in the intricacies of critical infrastructure protection through internships that offer in-depth exposure and skill development.
Field Placements: Participate in specialized field placements that provide practical experience in unique settings, enhancing your understanding of complex challenges.
Volunteer Opportunities: Contribute to our mission while gaining invaluable experience through diverse volunteer roles that support our ongoing projects and initiatives.

Our program is not just about building a skilled workforce; it’s about cultivating a community of dedicated professionals, each contributing to a safer, more resilient Canada. By joining forces with NC-CIPSeR, you become part of a national narrative – one where research, innovation, collaboration, and education lead the charge in protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure.

At NC-CIPSeR, we’re building a program rooted in purpose, connection, and impact. We’re not just looking for help—we’re looking for people who want to contribute meaningfully to the protection and resilience of Canada’s critical infrastructure. Every co-op, intern or volunteer is paired with a mentor to guide their journey, and we host bi-monthly “pulse checks” with our leadership team to ensure your experience remains valuable, aligned, and connected to the bigger picture. Whether you’re here to grow your skills, contribute to national security, or be part of something greater, we’re committed to keeping you engaged and empowered every step of the way.

Whether you’re a student seeking unparalleled learning experiences, a professional eager to make a difference, or an organization looking to contribute to a national cause, the NC-CIPSeR National Cooperative Program offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of critical infrastructure protection in Canada.

Join us in this exciting journey, and be at the forefront of securing our nation’s future. Together, we can build a resilient, protected, and secure Canada.

Mentorship Opportunities at NC-CIPSeR

We recognize the invaluable role of mentorship in cultivating the next generation of experts. Our mentorship program connects seasoned professionals with students, interns, and early-career volunteers, fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange and professional growth.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Guidance: Provide insights and advice based on your expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, emergency management, data analysis, or policy development.
Support: Assist mentees in navigating their projects, offering feedback, and sharing best practices.
Engagement: Participate in periodic check-ins, workshops, or seminars to facilitate continuous learning.

Benefits of Mentoring:

Contribute to national resilience efforts by shaping future leaders in critical infrastructure protection.
Enhance your leadership and communication skills through active engagement.
Stay connected with emerging trends and fresh perspectives in the field.

Commitment:

We recommend a flexible commitment of 6–12 months to start, with regular interactions tailored to your availability and the mentee’s needs.

Current Opportunities

Knowledge Translation & Video Communications

In an era where information overload is common, making research findings accessible and understandable is crucial for informed decision-making and effective policy development. Our video communications initiative aims to leverage visual storytelling, concise explanations, and real-world examples to highlight key research insights, emerging threats, and practical recommendations for enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure.

Go to the job posting: Knowledge Translation & Video Communications

CANVAS: Project Coordinator

In an era marked by increasingly complex and interconnected threats—from climate change to cyber-attacks—a collaborative and localized approach to threat assessment and emergency management is crucial. CANVAS is designed to significantly enhance understanding, precision, relevance, and efficacy of risk assessments, empowering informed decision-making, elevating national security, and ensuring alignment with Canadian standards and regulations.

Go to the job posting: Canvas: Project Coordinator

Research Analyst & Mentor

The National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) at Carleton University invites experienced professionals and industry veterans to join our mission as Volunteer Researchers, Analysts & Mentors. This multi-faceted role allows you to make significant contributions to safeguarding Canada’s critical infrastructure while guiding and inspiring the next generation of experts. If you have a rich background in project management, intelligence, data analysis, cybersecurity, emergency management, or threat and risk assessment, and are driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact and nurture emerging talent, this opportunity is for you.

Go to the job posting: Research Analyst & Mentor

Research Analyst - Energy Sector Task Force

Join the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) at Carleton University and contribute to safeguarding Canada’s energy sector. This unique co-op/internship offers you the chance to make a real impact on national security while gaining invaluable experience and skills in a dynamic, supportive environment. A team comprised of government, industry and academia are joining forces to strategically profile the complex ecosystem of the energy sector through the lens of critical infrastructure protection, security and resilience.

Go to the job posting: Research Analyst – Energy Sector Task Force

CII Data Visualization & Communications Intern

The National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) is leading innovative research into the complex web of critical infrastructure interdependencies (CII)—the hidden connections between sectors that keep our society functioning. This project harnesses the power of large-scale public datasets and enterprise-grade business intelligence tools to assess and visualize these relationships in new, data-driven ways. CII is notoriously difficult to measure due to the intricate and dynamic nature of supply chain relationships—factors like timing, geography, and the relative strength of interconnections all play a role. To address this, the project applies advanced statistical analysis and visualization techniques to extract meaningful insights from massive, real-world datasets. The successful candidates will be working with Tyson Macaulay to help amplify his research while building out a novel and broad research program.

Go to the job posting: Data Visualization & Communications Intern

Steps to the Application Process

Joining NC-CIPSeR is a structured and supportive process designed to set you up for success. From your initial application through to orientation and project assignment, each step is intentional—ensuring you understand our mission, meet foundational requirements, and are fully prepared to contribute meaningfully. Once completed, you’ll be matched with a mentor and begin your journey on a project that aligns with your skills and interests. This process helps us maintain a high standard of engagement, professionalism, and impact across everything we do.

Application
References check
Interview
Privacy & Confidentiality, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest Policy and Guidelines
AODA training (online and free)
Workplace training (online and free)
Volunteer Agreement – tailored and signed (only after all other admin has been completed)
Volunteer Orientation
Mentor Assigned and Project Assigned

To Apply

To get started, please complete our application form through the NC-CIPSeR Application Portal. You’ll be asked to answer a few brief questions, upload your CV, provide reference details, and share why you’re interested in working with us. This helps us get to know you and understand how your skills and interests align with our mission.

Create your own opportunity

Critical Infrastructure is big and bold with a lot of complexities. If you have a role that you’d like to play, please let us know. Do you have a specific skill set, training or innovative solution that you believe may fit within our vision and mission that doesn’t fall within one of the identified opportunities, please tell us.

Questions & Creating Opportunities

Questions about our opportunities or creating your own opportunities

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