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Application Portal

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in volunteering with the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR).

Our volunteers play a vital role in advancing research, collaboration, and education to strengthen the safety and resilience of Canada’s critical infrastructure. This application helps us understand your interests, skills, and areas you’d like to support. Please take a few minutes to complete the application form. We look forward to learning more about you and your interest in this space.

75% of Applicants get hired

Most applicants successfully join NC-CIPSeR as valued volunteers.

100% Mentorship

Volunteers are paired with a mentor from government, industry or academia

100% of your time is tracked

Hours count – toward resumes, co-op credit, course criteria or funding.

3000+ hours

Volunteers support meaningful projects across Canada each year.

60% Advance to related careers

Many volunteers move on to jobs, co-ops, or grad school.

10 Sectors supported

Volunteers work in energy, communications, transportation or finance sectors.

About NC-CIPSeR

The National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR) is a non-profit organization based at Carleton University dedicated to advancing Canada’s understanding and capability in safeguarding critical infrastructure.

We work at the intersection of research, policy, education, and collaboration—bringing together experts from government, industry, and academia to address the evolving threats and vulnerabilities facing Canada’s essential systems. From cyber and physical security to natural disasters and emerging technologies, our work helps protect the infrastructure that supports national security, economic stability, and public well-being.

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, Analyst & Mentors. This dual-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.

About Carleton University

Located in Ottawa, Carleton is an innovative teaching and research institution with a tradition of leading change. Internationally recognized academics, staff, and researchers engage more than 31,000 students in over 100 programs of study. Carleton has long been known for promoting research excellence and connectedness and is involved in partnerships around the globe. With strong leadership, it enjoys a healthy financial position and our proximity to government and cultural institutions, media, and a thriving knowledge economy make Carleton and Ottawa a great place to work, learn, and live. Our picturesque campus is fully accessible and, along with award-winning student services, Carleton’s Paul Menton Centre for Students with Disabilities has been heralded as the gold standard for disability support services in Canada. Learn more about our university and the city of Ottawa at https://carleton.ca/deputyprovost/jobs/.

Carleton University is committed to fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our university including, but not limited to: women and gender equity-seeking groups; racialized individuals; Indigenous Peoples; persons with disabilities; and persons of any sexual orientation and/or expression. Furthermore, Carleton understands that career paths vary and interruptions will not prejudice the assessment process. We invite you to review our revitalized Indigenous strategy, Kinàmàgawin at https://carleton.ca/indigenousinitiatives/cu_file/kinamagawin/ and visit our Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities at http://carleton.ca/equity for information about our commitment to leadership in the areas of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Accessibility is a university strategic priority and applicants selected for an interview who require accommodations are invited to contact us as soon as possible to ensure that appropriate arrangements may be made.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. All positions are subject to budgetary and staffing approval.

Application Process

We accept applications on a rolling basis to accommodate the availability of our volunteers.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.

 

Volunteer Application

Creating a Volunteer Application Form

Welcome, and thank you for your interest in volunteering with the National Centre for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Security, and Resilience (NC-CIPSeR).

Note: It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete the mandatory application form and references. NC-CIPSER will use the information you provide as part of the screening process to become a volunteer with our organization. Please note your responses to these questions are confidential. If we receive a request to provide a copy of this reference, they will only be provided a copy with your consent, or as otherwise required by law.

Your Personal Information

MM slash DD slash YYYY
Your Name(Required)
Your Email Address(Required)
Please share the languages you can effectively communicate in.
Social Media Profiles
If you’re comfortable, please share any professional or public social media profiles relevant to your volunteer role (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, or personal blog). Your information is confidential and will only be reviewed by the NC-CIPSeR volunteer coordination team and intended only to help us understand your interests or consider you for outreach-related roles.
Address(Required)
When is the best time for us to reach you via telephone?

Position You're Applying For

Position You're Applying For(Required)

How long do you expect to volunteer with NC-CIPSeR? Please select the option that best reflects your current availability and level of commitment. We understand this may change and can be discussed with your mentor as needed.(Required)

Capacity: Hours You Are Available for Work(Required)
Please tell us what hours you are available for work each day of the week.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
 

Education

Consent and Requirement for Police Record Check & Security Clearance

Some volunteer roles at NC-CIPSeR may involve access to sensitive or confidential information, working with vulnerable populations, or participation in security-related research. These positions may require a Police Record Check or security clearance requirements.
Are you willing to undergo a Police Record Check if required for the role you are selected for? (This may include a Criminal Record Check, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check, or a Vulnerable Sector Check depending on the nature of the role.)(Required)

Do you have a Security Clearance?(Required)

Previous Employment

Your Previous Employers(Required)
Please list your previous employers, the dates you worked and the position you held
Employer
Dates
Position
Phone
 

More About You

Upload your resume in .pdf, .doc or .docx format
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 15 MB.

References

Reference 1(Required)
Reference 2(Required)