The Student Researcher will assist in data collection under the supervision of Dr. Dowdeswell. We will be researching offenders who have been identified using DNA found at a crime scene followed by the use of forensic genetic genealogy. We will be collecting publicly available data on the prior criminal histories of the offenders, such as from court records, newspaper archives, and information aggregator sites. We will then collect information on the DNA collection laws then in force. The purpose of this research is to determine whether the perpetrators were lawfully required to provide a DNA sample prior to committing the offence in order to identify gaps in laws authorizing the lawful collection of DNA samples, and to improve justice outcomes for victims of sexual assault.
Responsibilities:
- Collecting and organizing data from court records, archives, and information aggregator sites;
- Undertaking literature reviews including identifying appropriate resources;
- Researching legislation regarding forensic DNA in different jurisdictions in Canada and the United States;
- Searching for court documents and legal files in different jurisdictions;
- Attending research team meetings in person and online;
- Assisting with preparation, publication and dissemination of research data.
To be Successful in this Role You Will Need:
- An understanding of how to conduct legal research and use legal citations;
- An understanding of quantitative research methods in Criminology;
- A familiarity with the legal system;
- A familiarity with the use of forensic DNA in criminal investigations;
- A willingness to research cases involving violence and sexual violence;
- A desire to improve justice outcomes for victims of violent crime and their families.
Domestic students must meet ONE of the following criteria, to be eligible to work as a Student Assistant/Student Research Assistant:
- The domestic student must be enrolled in, and maintain, a minimum of one or more (3 credit) courses at Douglas College throughout the work term; OR
- The domestic student must have been enrolled in, and maintained, a minimum of one or more (3 credit) courses at Douglas College in the term immediately preceding the work term and has indicated an intention to enroll at the college in the term immediately following the work term; OR
- The domestic student must be enrolled in, and maintain a minimum of two or more (3 credit) courses at another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C. throughout the work term; OR
- The domestic student must have been enrolled in, and maintained, a minimum of two or more (3 credit) courses at another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C. in the term immediately preceding the work term and has indicated an intention to enroll at the institution in the term immediately following the work term
International students must meet ONE of the following criteria, to be eligible to work as a Student Assistant/Student Research Assistant:
- The international student is enrolled in full-time studies at Douglas College, throughout the academic year; OR
- The international student, who is not a Douglas College student, but is an international student at another accredited public post-secondary institution in B.C., has a valid Study Permit that has the notation – “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186 (F), (V) or (W). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.” Proof of enrollment in full-time studies from the other post-secondary institution is required.
An original copy of a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and an original Study Permit are required by law before commencing work at Douglas College.
Qualified Douglas College students meeting the above criteria will be given first preference over students of other qualifying institutions.
