Teaching & research assistants
We hire graduate students as paid teaching and research assistants.
Our graduate students gain teaching experience by working as TAs, guest lecturers and primary instructors of undergraduate classes.
Research assistants (RAs)
Faculty with external research grants often hire graduate students as RAs. Details of these appointments (salary, hours, etc.) are worked out between the student and the faculty member.
Contact faculty members to find out about possible openings.
Current postings
Online Intervention Development Project
Department of Psychology, University of Victoria
We are seeking a motivated Research Assistant (RA) to join our team in developing an online intervention designed to support individuals living with persistent smell dysfunction.
The primary role will involve working closely with Dr. Marlise Hofer and collaborating with Dr. Brianna Turner to develop and refine an online intervention designed to support individuals living with persistent smell dysfunction. Responsibilities will include creating and implementing digital content, contributing ideas related to layout, accessibility, and user experience, and helping manage content on the intervention website.
The RA will also support collaboration with patient partners by helping organize meetings, track feedback, and implement revisions to intervention materials. Additional responsibilities will include assisting with research ethics applications, preparing materials for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the intervention, maintaining project documentation, and helping coordinate the final stages of intervention development and testing.
Qualifications
Third- or fourth-year undergraduate students in a related field (e.g., Psychology, Education, Sociology, Public Health, or a related discipline) are encouraged to apply. Students with an interest in digital media, health communication, design, online learning, or patient-oriented research are particularly welcome.
The successful applicant will have:
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- An interest in health promotion, patient education, or digital health
- An interest in digital content creation and design
- Availability to work approximately 6 hours per week
- Availability to attend weekly team meetings (a combination of in-person and Zoom meetings)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with graphic design, video creation, or digital content development tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Express)
- Experience with website development, website editing platforms, or learning management systems
- Experience coordinating projects, meetings, or multiple tasks simultaneously
- Experience working with research studies, ethics applications, or data collection
- Experience creating accessible digital content
Why Join the Project?
This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in applied health research, digital intervention development, patient engagement, research ethics, and randomized controlled trial implementation while working closely with a supportive interdisciplinary team.
To Apply
Please send a brief email describing:
- Your interest in the position
- Your CV/resume
- A copy of your transcript
- Your availability over the summer
Please send applications to Marlise Hofer (hofer@uvic.ca)
Teaching assistants (TAs)
We have TA positions each year for academic assistants and lab instructors. TAs are covered by a collective agreement between CUPE Local 4163 Component 1 and UVic.
A call for TA applications goes out on the Psychat email list late June/early July for fall and spring courses. There are a few summer course TA positions, which are advertised near the end of March.
Most fall term positions will be confirmed before classes start in September. Some assignments may be made as late as the second week of classes. Spring term positions are finalized in early January.
All graduate students are eligible to serve as TAs and must apply for these paid positions when advertised.
Teaching assistant consultant
We hire a graduate student as the department’s teaching assistant consultant (TAC). This student offers support, consultation, educational materials and workshops designed to help TAs in the department.
Further details about the TAC position will be included with the TA positions, where applicable (see below).
Teaching assistant positions
Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
The Department of Psychology invites applications for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 Teaching Assistant (TA) positions.
In making assignments, priority will be given to students as set out in Appointment Priority Policy A in Appendix A of the UVic/CUPE 4163 (Components 1 & 2) Collective Agreement. Preference will be given to graduate students registered in the Department of Psychology, although an application does not ensure employment. Interested parties are invited to submit applications in the event that there are more positions available than there are applications from those in priority categories, or where a resignation of an incumbent TA results in positions becoming available. Postings are subject to funding availability (in some cases based on course enrolment numbers) and/or course cancellation.
It is sometimes difficult to estimate course enrolments in advance of the commencement of classes. As registration proceeds, the number of TA hours assigned per course may need to be increased where enrolments are higher than anticipated. At the same time, courses that do not attain a set minimum enrolment may become ineligible for TA support, the number of hours may be reduced, or in rare cases the course may be cancelled.
In keeping with Appendix A, “in the event a student will be employed in a major appointment as a non-bargaining unit grant-funded Research Assistant (or other grand-funded position), or where a student will be receiving a major grant or major fellowship, appointment priority will be adjusted to Level 4 in Policy A, or to Level 3 in Variance 1, unless mutually agreed otherwise by the parties. Where a non-appointment occurs in the first year of the graduate program as a result of a fellowship or grant that is limited to one year, the student will be considered Level 2 in Policy A in their second year”. For more information see CUPE 4163 collective agreement.
Remuneration: $34.72 per hour plus 4% vacation pay
Duties: The duties and responsibilities of a teaching/laboratory assistant may include some or all of the following:
- Grading examinations
- Marking papers; checking homework
- Preparing exams / quizzes
- In-class teaching
- Leading discussion groups
- Being present during established office hours
- Invigilating examinations
- Preparing and presenting labs
Other requirements are noted in the “Skills, experience, additional duties and comments” column in the position description. Except where noted, all positions are for Teaching Assistants (TAs).
To apply
- Review the positions (MS Excel version)
- Complete the application form
- First time applicants will need to submit resumes with their applications, including the names and contact information of two to three employment references. If you are an undergraduate student, you will also need to submit a transcript of your grades or provide us with your permission to check your unofficial transcript via the Student Information System (please state this in the comments section at the end of the form).
- Students receiving funding need to submit documents outlining the funding source and the amount expected for the period. An email from the funding source is preferred and should be attached to your application form.
*Please note that while the department will consider all applications submitted, “Priority will first be given to graduate (or undergraduate) students enrolled in the department’s graduate (or undergraduate) program” as outlined in the CUPE 4163 collective agreement. It is anticipated that employment decisions will be made within four weeks of the closing date.
Application deadline is Friday, June 26, 2026.
The University of Victoria is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences and across levels of power. We actively encourage applications from members of groups experiencing barriers to equity. Read our full equity statement.
Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process may contact the HR Programs and Project Manager. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
Frequently asked questions
The primary duties for most TA positions involve grading exams and papers. Let the course instructor know if you want to gain experience in teaching while acting as a TA. There may be chances for you to give a guest lecture on topics related to your research or interests.
TAs at UVic are unionized, and we follow the appointment guidelines in the CUPE 4163 Agreement (Article 13.02). To be eligible, students must be registered full-time and be on campus for the term of the TA appointment (unless the class itself is online).
Selection decisions include:
- qualifications and ability of the candidate (s) based on academic merit and related experience
- the career and/or pedagogical value that the position will provide the student
- the student's preferences (as listed on the application form)
- other sources of graduate student financial support being received
All TAs must have a solid background in the related subject (unless specified otherwise). A good command of spoken and written English is essential.
Priority in hiring goes first to graduate students registered in the Department of Psychology, following our appointment priority policy.
Find salary rates for TAs on the Human Resources website (CUPE 4163, Component 1).
120 hours per term is normally the maximum number of hours that will be assigned to each TA. The actual number of hours worked per week varies by course and term.
A call for applications goes out on the Psychat email list in late June/early July for TA positions for fall and spring courses. There are a few summer course TA positions, which are advertised near the end of March.
Sending us an application confirms that you do want a TA job. It also gives you the chance to list your course preferences so we can consider them when we make assignments.
Graduate student instructors
Graduate students must pass their 2 candidacy exams (PSYC 693) to teach undergraduate courses.
Consult with your supervisor about the timing. Teaching activities should not interfere with the completion of your dissertation and program.