What is it?
A research assistantship (RAship) provides a paid opportunity for students to work on a faculty-led research project.
Important Considerations
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria differs for each research assistantship and students may be required to submit an application.
Duration
The duration for these opportunities varies.
Recognition and / or Compensation
The rate of pay for an RAship varies dependent on the skills and experience required.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Access
Inclusion in research experiences is achieved when an experience supports learning for all students. Learn about the University of Toronto’s commitment to an equitable learning environment and accessible learning environment as well as available resources and supports.
Tags: Co-curricular, Faculty-led Research, Paid
Benefits
- Allows students to apply their research knowledge and skills to a project, enhancing their understanding of the research process and approaches.
- Research assistantships offer students an opportunity to expand their network and build relationships with faculty, staff and librarians. In some instances, students will join a research team connecting them with a group of faculty, graduate students and other undergraduate students.
- Research assistantships help students in their decision to pursue graduate studies as they become more familiarized with a research environment. This experience is one of many opportunities to strengthen student applications to graduate programs.
Ideal time to participate:
- This depends on students’ capacity, academic program and personal and professional goals. Students may want to discuss their course selection with their academic unit or registrar’s office.
How to locate / access opportunities:
- During August / September and April / May across all three campuses, research positions are posted through the Work-Study program and in On-Campus jobs on the Career Learning Network (clnx.utoronto.ca)
- Academic units sometimes also share job postings for RAships on their websites.
- Faculty can connect with their academic unit to explore the resources available as they seek to develop a research assistantship. Typically, undergraduate student RAs are hired as USW Casual positions; faculty should consult the business / financial officer in their academic unit about the hiring process and funding options.
- Faculty, staff and librarians should consider ways to embed equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenous perspectives throughout students’ research experiences.
Please review the eModules to learn more about intellectual property and non-disclosure agreements.
