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Volunteer with research, a research volunteer is a person who performs tasks for, or provides services to, research at st. michael’s hospital without monetary compensation or academic credit. research volunteers have the opportunity to gain first-hand experience with research conducted in a laboratory and/or clinical setting at st. michael’s, under the supervision of a principal investigator (pi)., other ways of becoming a research volunteer:.

If you want to become a research volunteer at St. Michael’s Hospital, you must first find a potential research supervisor through the Researcher   or Research Programs  sections of our website. It’s important to ensure you are interested in their research and the topic is relevant to your field of study or professional experience.

Download and complete the Research Volunteer Application Form .

Email the completed form directly to the researcher(s) you’ve selected. Keep in mind that many researchers can receive hundreds of inquiries regarding volunteer opportunities, so it’s important to have a good understanding of the researcher’s work before you contact them. If the researcher has a volunteer opportunity available, they will let you know.

If the researcher agrees to be your supervisor and you decide to work together, your supervisor will contact the Office of Research Administration at Unity Health to initiate the application process.

Once you’ve completed your registration with the Office of Research Administration, you must obtain an ID Badge in order to access all Unity Health locations.  The Office of Research Administration will provide you with instructions.

Please note:

• It is mandatory for students to have a criminal record check completed. We conduct this on the student’s behalf after they have started at Unity Health (no need to have it done prior)
• It is mandatory for students to show official proof of vaccine status (minimum 2 doses)

If you have questions about becoming a research volunteer, please contact:

Dalbir singh.

Research Employment Coordinator Office of Research Administration Email: [email protected]

Note: If you’re interested in volunteering within the Hospital, and not within Research, please visit Volunteering at St. Michael’s .

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• Volunteer at CAMH

Make our cause your cause. Gain experience with clients or assist in a research capacity. Involve your workplace. Volunteers are essential to CAMH's mission.

• By Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

Together, we choose hope

There are many reasons to volunteer with CAMH. Some people get involved simply to come together with others for a cause they believe in, others to gain valuable experience working with clients or helping with important research. But what motivates most people to volunteer is the chance to be part of the larger CAMH mission—We are dedicated to patient, family and community well-being. We improve access to integrated care, answer the most difficult questions about mental illness and remove barriers to belonging. Together, we choose hope.

Volunteer benefits

There are many ways to benefit from being a volunteer. Volunteering should be a positive experience for both you and the staff and patients at CAMH. 

Volunteering at CAMH would also let you gain valuable hands-on clinical and/or research experience in mental health and/or addictions.

A few other benefits include: 

- Social and professional networking

- Gain knowledge, new skills and valuable experience in a healthcare environment 

- Letters of reference (after completing the minimum commitment and/or upon supervisor approval)

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers at CAMH must meet certain requirements before being considered for a position.  Before applying, please ensure you read and understand what these requirements are.

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Completed Police background check with Vulnerable sector screening 
• Must be Fully immunized/Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with proof of vaccine passport 
• Provide proof of health screening that includes a two-step tuberculosis TB test completed  (tests must be completed within the year) 
• Two recent letters of professional reference  
• Able to commit to your volunteer role for 1 year 
• Must be able to contribute 1-4 hours once a week 
• Experience working vulnerable population(s) an asset

Please note, only those with the above completed will be invited for an interview.

Clinical & research volunteer faqs.

Read the descriptions above to decide which program you're best suited for, then  complete the appropriate application . Please only apply to one program at a time and wait for a reply from the coordinator before applying to the other.

Potential candidates will be contacted by a Volunteer Coordinator for an interview, followed by screening of character references and police reference check. If selected, the coordinator will schedule you to attend a mandatory training/orientation. After successful completion of training, you will have to get a TB test, attend a registration/orientation to go over volunteer expectations, and sign a confidentiality and service agreement. You must be able to make at least a one-year commitment.

You must be 19 years of age or over to apply and be able to make a minimum one year commitment.

Yes. All Volunteer Candidates must be fully vaccinated in order to volunteer at CAMH. Anyone not fully vaccinated will not be eligible to participate in CAMH Volunteer Resources assignments.

This depends on what your skills, interests and availability are and what positions we have available. We hold onto applications for six months, contacting volunteers when and if a suitable position comes up.

We prefer that you commit to one position for a minimum of six months before exploring other volunteer opportunities at CAMH.

Volunteers only work in areas where staff and patients have expressed a need for volunteer assistance and a staff member has agreed to supervise the volunteer.

Yes. We welcome volunteers over the age of 19.

Yes, you must have a Police reference check when volunteering at CAMH.

CAMH does offer student placements, but not through Volunteer Resources. Visit Clinical & Research Opportunities for Professionals in Training  for more information about student placements.

Corporate Volunteer Program FAQs

It helps you raise your community profile as a good corporate citizen and encourages networking among organizations. Volunteering also helps create a sense of social commitment and responsibility among employees. It builds team spirit and morale while improving productivity and job satisfaction.

One good way is to create a corporate volunteer committee. This empowers your employees to take ownership. You can invite speakers in to promote the values of volunteering and motivate employees to participate. You could even publish an article or write a post on the company blog.

Activities can include leading or helping with hospital-wide special or seasonal events, baking socials, sport challenges, adventure programs and site beautification projects.

Find out more about our Corporate Volunteer Program by contacting us by phone (416 535-8501 ext. 36238) or  email .  Fill out an application form  here . Or learn about our  Corporate Partnerships .

Please note: Due to the high volume of applicants, submitting an application does not guarantee a volunteer position at CAMH. Volunteers are carefully selected based on the program, patient needs, skills, experience and availability. Priority will go to applicants who meet the criteria according to the hospital’s needs.

Volunteers are here to enrich the patient experience through various recreational opportunities. Volunteer positions have limitations and do not include tasks that are to be fulfilled by trained healthcare professionals ex. Counseling, therapy etc. We are unable to provide positions that allow you to utilize your past/present medical expertise. 

Volunteer opportunities

Volunteering with a Clinical Program at CAMH is a great way for volunteers to gain front line exposure in a mental illness and addiction setting. Volunteers have the opportunity to engage and interact with patients in a wide array of settings, both at CAMH and in the community, and in a variety of activities based on patient needs. All positions require a minimum one-year commitment. 

Research Volunteers assist staff in obtaining information necessary for research projects. The departments in which volunteers work vary depending on the availability of the programs. Length of commitment is contingent upon the assignment and volunteers typically assist five to eight hours per week. The skills required for these positions include:

• knowledge of research methodology
• experience using SPSS (statistical software)
• some prior relevant research experience.

Suits Me Fine Program

Suits Me Fine is a clothing store for CAMH clients, where donated new and gently used clothing is available free of charge. The store offers essentials such as socks and undergarments, casual wear, and formal attire, which help clients feel good and prepare for important events, such as job interviews.

For more information regarding the Suits Me Fine Program please contact Norma McDowall. Email: [email protected] Phone: (416)535-8501 ext. 36010

Pet Therapy Program 

The volunteer (handler) goes through the same recruitment process as any person who has an interest in volunteering at CAMH. Once the volunteer is accepted, their dog is evaluated for four hours in an external dog certification process. When the dog is deemed suitable, they receive the official CAMH photo ID badge, lanyard and bandana, and are scheduled, with their owner, for visits.

Successful canine applicants:

• are at least one year old
• have basic obedience skills
• enjoy meeting people
• have a friendly, calm and gentle disposition
• are up to date on all vaccinations and in good health
• can commit, with their owner, to weekly visits for one year.

For more information regarding the Pet Therapy Program please contact Theresa Conforti.  Email: [email protected] Phone: Phone: (416)535-8501 ext. 32995

Mobile Library Cart 

The library cart goes to various units to provide patients a variety of resources such as book, magazines, movies and video games. 

For more information regarding the Mobile Library Cart please contact Sokhary Pao Email:  [email protected] Phone: Phone: (416)535-8501 ext.33074

Social support (Language specific) 

Volunteers provide social support by meeting a client once a week for one hour either onsite or in the community and they communicate in the language patients are most familiar with. Volunteer must be fluent in specified language.

• Hindi 
• Tamil  
• Spanish 
• Arabic 
• Portuguese 
• Mandarin 

Please indicate the language(s) you can speak in your volunteer application

Tutoring (Math, English, science, history etc.)

Get your whole company involved.

Find out more about our Corporate Partnerships program.

Testimonials

“I volunteer on an inpatient unit, I facilitate a yoga program for the patients. I enjoy coming in once a week to help the patients relax and enjoy a program that will benefit their wellness.” - Amy, yoga instructor

“ Why do I volunteer at CAMH? Easy question to answer! I want to support our clients who are working so hard to recover from the issues that are standing in their way of leading healthy and productive lives. My being there by their side may help build their hope for recovery that they so urgently require. My volunteering may help reduce the continued stigma that still persists against mental illness. My smile may brighten someone’s day! ” -  Carole, Client Library volunteer

Seeing the smiles on our clients' faces as they choose new outfits to wear and their self confidence as they walk the runway at the annual fashion show‎ have been the best experiences of volunteering at Suits Me Fine. Looking good is part of feeling good and I am privileged to help our clients feel good about themselves through their interactions with us. Candace Allman, Suits Me Fine volunteer 

"I volunteer at suit me fine for several years. There is no greater blessing than helping others to choose beautiful outfits whether it’s suits for men, or beautiful outfits for ladies, to see the happy and excited look at there faces. It’s a humbling experience for me inspiring others to look there best and feel great about themselves. A job well done. I have to add also working with Norma is also great easygoing, respectful and very considerate easy to talk with. I am glad to be able to help others and enjoying doing so." -  Yvonne, Suits Me Fine volunteer  

"Through interaction with Dr. Rehm I’ve learned the step by step process of creating, writing and submitting systematic reviews and meta -analysis. I enrolled in statistics classes to learn how to read and interpret statistical parts in the articles.  Overall, volunteering at the CAMH boosted my interest in research and enhanced knowledge in the scientific field. " -  Maya, Research volunteer

“Seeing the faces of everyone engaging with Theo is such a joy. When you see someone light up when they have time with him you just want to spend more time here.” -  Len & Theo (pictured below)

Latest News

Understanding vaccine hesitancy among transitional-aged youth with mental health concerns

Youth-led CAMH study will aid in efforts to encourage vaccination

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Volunteering at UHN

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Volunteer Opportunities and Programs

By joining our team, you can have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and use your interpersonal and administrative skills in a leading health care facility.

Our greatest need for volunteers is during business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Limited opportunities are available evenings and weekends at PMH, TGH, TR and TWH.

Clinical Patient Support

Examples – Endocrinology, Fracture, Endoscopy, Medical Imaging, Head and Neck Clinic, GI, GU, Transplant, Bariatric, Cardia, Spinal Cord, MSK, Neurology

• Greet and welcome patients and visitors
• Assist with various administrative tasks including photocopying, filing, phone calls
• Assist patients with general inquiries and information needs
• Prepare the Exam Room and escort patients to the Exam Room

Inpatient Support

Examples – Patient Visiting, Unit Support, Therapeutic Recreation, Wellness, Dotsa Bitove Wellness Academy, Palliative Care

• Provide activities for patients – examples include providing reading material, playing cards, board games, puzzles, talking, reading to patients, writing letters, arts and crafts
• Communicate between patients/families and nursing/health professions staff – inform nursing/health professions staff about patients and visitors who wish to talk with medical staff. Keep staff informed of any questions or concerns raised.
• Escort patients for walks
• Provide companionship when requested

Specialized Patient Support

Care & Connect Virtual Program

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has a trained team of volunteers who work directly with cancer patients and their supporters as part of the Care & Connect program. Care & Connect volunteers offer emotional support and participate in friendly conversations by phone or video chat with patients and caregivers who are under care at PM. Care & Connect volunteers can help answer questions, connect patients with services and assist with practical problem-solving.

Call 416 946 4501 ext. 3311 or email [email protected] for more information.

Administrative Support

Examples – Human Resources, Volunteer Resources, Clinical Administration, Health Records, Spinal Cord, MSK, Nutrition, Outpatient Clinics, Program Support

• Greeting and welcoming patients, visitors and staff
• Phoning patients to confirm upcoming appointments
• Filing, faxing and photocopying
• Errands to other departments

General Patient and Family Support

Examples – Navigator, Information Desk, Waiting Room Support, Critical Care Units, Emergency Department

• Assist with way-finding, direct and escort patients and other clients (e.g., family members, visitors) to different areas in the hospital
• Provide information pertaining to a patient's visit to the hospital
• Greet and welcome visitors
• Assist family members and visitors with general inquiries and way-finding
• Liaise between visitors and medical staff

Rehab Therapy Support

Examples – Lyndhurst Spinal Cord Centre, Rumsey Neuro, Rumsey Cardiac, University Centre Geriatrics and MSK, Bickle Centre Complex Continuing Care, LTLD

• Assist in fostering a friendly environment for patients through social interaction
• Under the direction of the rehab therapist, assist patients to use "low-risk" equipment
• Assist in maintaining a safe and tidy patient by wiping down mats; main gym; changing pillows; returning equipment to appropriate rooms; and tidying walker and weight rooms
• Assist with clerical tasks such as: taking inventory; filing; literature searches; and photocopying

Mentorship Programs

Examples – Peter Munk Cardiac Mentorship, Transplant Mentorship, Prostate Mentorship, Breast Cancer Survivorship, Liver Mentorship, Aneurysm Mentorship, Peers Fostering Hope-Stroke Mentorship, Diabetes Mentorship, Rumsey Cardiac Centre, Rumsey Neuro Centre

• Former patients who mentor current patients experiencing the same diagnosis

Volunteer Hub

Packing list.

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We are proud to work with thousands of volunteers every year to advance medical science for all. Review our available studies and contact us to find out how you can be a part of science of the future. We assure that your privacy will always be respected.

Recruiting Now

Read the   latest posts   made to our volunteers

The Role of Placebos in Clinical Trials

3 unexpected journeys: how unplanned events led to pharmaceutical breakthroughs, debunking the top 4 most common myths about clinical trials, survey insights: top 4 reasons our volunteers join our clinical trials, navigating the path to successful medical screenings: understanding potential hurdles and how to overcome them, what are washout periods & why do they matter, how is the compensation calculated guide to finding the best paying studies for you, how to prepare for being a volunteer in a clinical study, a journey of challenges, successes, and understanding type 2 diabetes, exploring the world of paid clinical trials recruitment: a conversation with our dedicated recruiters, things you can bring.

• Change of clothes (appropriate and comfortable for the study duration)
• Electronic gadgets (devices with image capturing capabilities, such as cell phones, laptops and tablets will have cameras covered with special tape for the duration of confinement)
• Personal grooming products
• Toothpaste (no whitening or tartar control toothpastes or toothpastes with medicinal ingredients)
• Alcohol-free mouthwash
• Deodorant (non-aerosol or spray, roll-ons without vitamins)
• Non-medicated shampoo/conditioner (e.g. no Nizoral/ no Head and Shoulders)
• Soap/Body wash (ingredients to be listed on original packaging)
• Unscented/Non-medicated lotions or creams in their original packaging (e.g. no tanning lotions/no baby oil)
• Non-medicated Lip balm/ Vaseline (e.g. no Blistex/ no Lypsyl)
• Make-up products (ingredients to be listed on original packaging)
• Feminine products

Things Not To Bring

• Prescription Medications
• Over-the-counter Medications
• Vitamins/ Mineral Supplements 
• Natural/ Herbal products (e.g. coconut oil/ food supplements)
• Personal supply of food or drinks (e.g. mints/ gum/ candy/ juice/ snacks)
• Caffeine/ Xanthine containing products (e.g. Chocolate)
• Perfumes/ Colognes/ Fragrances/ Body sprays
• Alcohol and/or alcohol containing products (e.g. hand sanitizers)
• Recreational drugs
• Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco products, vaporizers, e-cigarettes and accessories (e.g. lighters, matches)
• Unmarked products or containers with unknown substances (e.g. oils, creams, makeup, lotions, liquids)
• Photographic equipment (e.g. cameras)
• Weapons or sharp objects
• Sleeping materials (e.g. pillows, blankets)

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Hey there! Interested in working at BioPharma Services? Please visit our Careers Page to browse our current openings or, email your inquiries to [email protected]

Get Involved

Participating in research.

We are currently recruiting participants for a number of different research projects . Please email [email protected] for more information!

Students and Volunteers

We are fortunate to host and work with highly skilled students and volunteers who are training in fields like epidemiology, medicine, health sciences, and social sciences. Please see below for details about how to apply:

• University of Toronto MPH Practicum students: We accept applications through the Dalla Lana School of Public Health Practicum program. Please see this link for more information and application instructions.
• University of Toronto Medical Students: We accept applications through the CREMS program, subject to available projects and funding. Please see the link below for more information and follow the instructions at that site.
• Other Summer Students: We accept applications through the St. Michael’s Hospital KRSS program.  Please see the link below for more information about the KRSS program . Applicants should follow the instructions for applying as a KRSS student.
• Indigenous Undergrad Students : We accept applications through the IndigiNerds Program (formerly known as the Indigenous Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars program). This is an 8 week intensive research training program.  To learn more click here . Dr. Tan is connected with this program through his affiliation with FEAST .

Our team will follow up to let you know about current opportunities. Please note if you are looking for a summer student position that we typically begin receiving applications in January and February and interview candidates in the early spring.

Post-Doctoral Fellows

We accept applications through the CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network PDF Program, and on an ad hoc basis subject to available funding.  Please see this link for more information about the CTN PDF program , in addition to contacting us through this form.

Job Opportunities

We are frequently looking for bright, enthusiastic, skilled staff to join our team.  To view current postings with our lab, click on this link to go to the Career webpage of Unity Health Toronto; then select "Site - St. Michael's Hospital", select "Job Category - Research" and type "Infectious Diseases" in the Keyword field.

Media Enquiries

Our team is often asked for comment on emerging HIV prevention options including PrEP and PEP, as well as the latest in HIV management options. If you would like to speak with a member of our team about our research or HIV & STI prevention and management in general, follow this link and complete our media enquiry  form. Your request will be sent to our team and St. Michael’s Hospital Communications. We will follow up on your request as soon as possible.

• Address MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, 209 Victoria Street, 3rd floor Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada

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Research Participation Opportunities for our People

Last Updated: 2023-10-30

Below are some current research opportunities that Sinai Health’s people (employees, physicians, scientists, learners and volunteers) may be interested in participating in. These studies have been Research Ethics Board approved.

GENCOV study on COVID-19

You’re invited to participate in a research study being done to see whether or not people who have been exposed to COVID-19 have DNA differences that might affect their response to the infection.

This study will also look at the antibody response over time to compare the immune response in people who have been previously diagnosed with COVID-19 and in people who have not been infected, but have had a COVID-19 vaccine.

As part of this study, participants will have the opportunity to receive antibody test results if desired. For participants with a prior positive diagnosis of COVID-19, their DNA will be sequenced and they will have the opportunity to receive their genetic results as well as the information about the viral strain.

Who can participate?

Anyone 18 years of age or older who:

• Has received a positive diagnosis of COVID-19 (vaccinated or unvaccinated);
• Has received a Health Canada approved COVID-19 vaccine and has not had a previous diagnosis of COVID-19.

The full name of the study is “GENCOV: Implementation of serological and molecular tools to inform COVID-19 patient management.” The Sinai Health investigators for this study are Drs. Jordan Lerner-Ellis and Jennifer Taher. Participation is voluntary. For further information, or if you are interested in participating, please contact the GENCOV study team at 416-586-4800, Ext. 5738 or email [email protected]

HealthyHCW Study

Investigator: dr. keith jarvi, co-investigators: dr. anne-claude gingras and dr. jennifer taher.

We invite you to be a part of a study at the Mount Sinai Hospital to help us understand how many hospital workers have been infected with COVID-19 and if age, health or type of work changes your risks of being infected with COVID-19 and risks of having more severe COVID-19. You are invited to take part if you have no current symptoms of COVID-19, and, if previously infected, have completely recovered from the infection. We would also like to monitor you for up to 18 months to see if you become infected with COVID-19 in the future.

Infections with COVID-19 cause a variety of symptoms, from very severe breathing problems potentially needing a ventilator to infections causing no or very minimal symptoms. Even if you have not had symptoms of COVID-19, it is possible that you have been infected with COVID-19. A blood test can be used to find out if you have been infected in the past with COVID-19.

Volunteers will complete a de-identified questionnaire and provide a small blood sample from the tip of a finger. You will be given the results of the tests to know if you have had a previous infection with COVID-19. You will have to repeat testing at 3, 6, 12 and 18 months to find out if you have a new COVID-19 infection. Each visit should take less than 20 minutes.

If you are interested, e-mail [email protected] or call (416) 584-4800 x5375 for more details.

How R U Volunteer Program (Remote)

• Would you or someone you know like to help older adults who may be socially isolated or have feelings of loneliness due to the pandemic?
• Can you commit to volunteering for one to two shifts per week for four months?
• Are you comfortable facilitating phone conversations?

Sinai Health is partnering with the Schwartz/Reisman Emergency Medicine Institute and North York General Hospital on this volunteer program which is part of an ongoing research study. Interested and looking for ways to get involved? Please email [email protected] .

Interested participants will be asked to sign a consent form.

Exploring Evolving Models of Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Investigator: dr. lianne jeffs.

Did you provide care at Sinai Health during the 2020 – 2022 COVID-19 pandemic? Our research team is seeking to understand staff experiences of being redeployed and/or working within a team-based model of care. We would also like to know about your experiences in providing patient care and what staff would like to see changed to how care is provided in the future.

We invite interested participants to engage in a 45-60 minute interview, conducted in person, over the phone or through Zoom. Participants will be offered a gift card as a thank you for their participation.

This qualitative study is being conducted by Dr. Lianne Jeffs, Research and Innovation Lead Scholar in Residence Nursing and Health Disciplines and Senior Scientist with the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute at Sinai Health and funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

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Internships and Volunteer Opportunities

Many organizations are seeking volunteers to assist them with various types of activities. Volunteering can help you build valuable transferable skills, expand your professional network, contribute to a specific cause, and/or explore career options.

If you are interested in working for a party as a constituency assistant / legislative assistant / policy advisor (political side) / communications assistant, you may benefit from volunteering in your local MP/MPP’s constituency office, and/or volunteering during an election.

If you are interested in exploring a particular research stream, consider looking though the work study programs available at the University. Becoming a Research Assistant and working with a faculty member will provide you with valuable experience that will benefit your academic and professional career. For Work Study Options please check https://cln.utoronto.ca/home.htm and find out more.

Please see below a list of suggested organizations for each discipline area in our department that offer various volunteer and internship opportunities:

Political Science

Public Policy

Students & Research

From day one at the University of Toronto, you’ll be learning from top researchers. Engage in seminars, courses, office hours, volunteer work, summer positions and much more.

You might apply for research opportunities like the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s  Undergraduate Student Research Awards  or, in second year, the Research Opportunity Program through the  Faculty of Arts and Science  or the  University of Toronto Mississauga . You could set off to excavate fossil sites in Hungary, examine HIV/AIDS-related issues in Namibia, or develop a painkilling drug analog, without toxic solvents – and you could end up publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals.

You can get hands-on experience through the University of Toronto Scarborough’s  Arts and Science Co-op programs , the University of Toronto Mississauga’s  experiential learning opportunities , or the St. George campus Faculty of Arts and Science’s  International Course Module  or  Research Excursion Program . You might spend a week in Kosovo researching the diaspora’s impact on economic development, or observing international trade agreement negotiations in Brasilia.

Field schools are another option for students in areas such as archeology, anthropology, geology, ecology, environmental science and biology. Fourth-year ecology and evolutionary biology student Danielle de Carle studied the dung beetle in the Peruvian rainforest during a two-week Tropical Field Biology course. Since this course has students trekking into one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, it’s no surprise they’ve made a novel discovery: a jumping caterpillar.

Of course, you don’t need to travel abroad to expand your horizons. You could participate in  Ecology and Evolutionary Biology field courses in Algonquin Provincial Park , or local archeological digs.

You might develop your own breakthrough right here on campus,  just like Qian (Linda) Liu and Kaiyin (Cathy) Zhu . In their fourth year as undergraduates in engineering, they took a project-based Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering course, in which students tackle real-world predicaments. After an anesthesiologist in the community described a need, the students devised a $20 3D-printed tracheal intubation tool, and won awards for its imaginative design.

This just scratches the surface. With the University of Toronto’s 12,589 leading faculty members, and over a billion dollars in research funds awarded a year, we offer many different ways to get involved. Whatever your academic interests, you’ll find a variety of opportunities to pursue research – both within the classroom setting, and beyond.

Find out more about Research at the University of Toronto

Find out about  co-ops, internships, field school ,  First Year Foundations : The  One Programs, and other enhanced academic opportunities available on all three campuses.

Applicants should rank their choices in order of preference. You will receive separate decisions for each Faculty/Division to which you apply (i.e. multiple offers from the University of Toronto). The Faculties and Divisions include:

• Applied Science and Engineering
• Arts and Science, St. George campus
• Daniels Faculty of Landscape, Architecture and Design
• International Foundation Program
• Kinesiology and Physical Education
• Medical Radiation Sciences *
• Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing *
• Physician Assistant *
• University of Toronto Mississauga
• University of Toronto Scarborough

*admission to these divisions requires some university preparation; you cannot apply to these programs directly from secondary school.

Applicants should rank their choices in order of preference.

U of T provides many opportunities to study internationally. Learn about exchange programs, field courses, international development internships, and co-op placements.

If you do not meet the published admission requirements, and have not previously attempted university level studies, you may become eligible for various programs through either the Academic Bridging Program or the Transitional Year Program. Find out more about these options  here .

If your first language is not English and you will have completed less than four years of satisfactory full-time study in a Canadian school or in a country where the dominant language is English, you may have to present proof of English facility. Find details  here .

You might be a candidate for one of our English Language Transition Programs. These are available on each of our three campuses, find out more about the  different offerings .

Once you’ve been accepted, you’ll receive information about course selection in your Next Steps package. You can get an idea of what courses are available by checking the  Course Finder , or get in touch with your  Registrar  for questions about course selection.

You should also become familiar with the  Accessible Campus Online Resource Network (ACORN) , and use it to find your courses, academic record and fee information.

Research Opportunities

There are many research projects ongoing in our department, many of which involve undergraduate psychology students in a variety of roles. Students typically get involved in research in their 3rd or 4th year, but it’s possible to do it earlier. This page contains the listings of psychology professors who are currently accepting applications for research assistant positions. These are great opportunities to learn, make connections, and sharpen your research skills. Research in psychology is very diverse and we hope you find an exciting match with your interests.

Participate in a study

PSY102/202 students seeking to participate in research studies for course credit should access our SONA site as described on the  PSY 102  and  PSY 202  course syllabus.  Please feel free to consider participating in the any of our other research studies.

RESEARCH LABS

See a full listing of our 30+ labs housed in the state-of-the-art Psychology Research & Training Centre (PRTC)

Participate In Research

Now recruiting TMU undergrads for paid study sponsored by the National Science Foundation that aims to examine strategies for improving the quality of online learning. Click   (PDF file)  here  (external link)   for details.  

Volunteer RA Positions

Volunteering in a professor’s lab is often the first step toward gaining research experience for those who want to pursue that route. Students usually get an idea of who they might want to work with based on a course that they take, so you should plan on taking a few psychology courses to experience a range of research areas. You can also get a feel for our faculty members’ interests by reviewing their brief research descriptions, and by clicking on their individual links to learn more about their current projects and any possible volunteer opportunities.

See below to view available volunteer positions. Be sure to follow the instructions for applying. If a position offers monetary compensation, it will be indicated. Also, note that not all faculty members advertise positions on this site, so it may be helpful to contact potential supervisors directly.  

Paid RA Positions

Call for Research Assistants (current TMU students eligible):  (PDF file)  Click here to find out more deatils. HOPE Centre Research Assistant position:  (PDF file)  Click here to find out more details.  (opens in new window) 

Government of Ontario Work-Study:  Ryerson maintains a list of  ORS RA positions  available to undergraduates on a competitive basis. Please inform yourself about the eligibility requirements, application process, etc. on that site.

Other Funded Positions:  Additional paid RA positions may be available to undergraduates through other funded programs or grants held by faculty members. For availability of paid positions, please contact potential faculty supervisors directly.

Research Assistant Positions

The Biopsychosocial Development Laboratory is seeking volunteers to assist with a longitudinal study involving mothers and babies. This opportunity involves recruiting families, conducting research visits (e.g., administering questionnaires and standardized tasks, collecting physiological measures), inputting and coding participant data, and other administrative tasks. We welcome detail-oriented, conscientious, and personable applicants. We are looking for applicants who can provide a minimum of 10 hours per week, for 8 months. Our preference is for candidates who have at least one full day of availability. Please direct applications (including an updated CV, unofficial transcript and reference contact information) to the lab email:[email protected].  

The   Brain and Early Experiences Lab is currently hiring a part-time Research Assistant Krischanda Bemister, a graduate student in the Brain and Early Experiences Lab ( https://psychlabs.torontomu.ca/beelab/ ) under the direction of Dr. Margaret Moulson is seeking a part-time, casual (flexible; 50 hours in total) Research Assistant for a 2-month contract (July-August 2022).

The research assistant will assist with data coding for a qualitative research project being conducted in partnership with the Toronto Zoo, Mitacs, and Mental Health Research Canada. The project investigates experiences of compassion fatigue in Toronto Zoo staff members that care for sick, injured, or dying animals. The research assistant is expected to code approximately half of all participant data (subject to an interrater check by the PI) as well as provide an interrater coding check of half of participant data (coded by the PI). Responsibilities may also include checking transcribed audio files for accuracy and assisting in the creation of knowledge mobilization outputs (i.e., handouts, posters, reports) for the project.

Requirements:

-       Completed or in progress BA/BSc in Psychology or related field -       Prior research experience, ideally with qualitative research projects -       Experience with  Nvivo12  analysis software -       Detail-oriented and adept at multitasking -       Excellent communication skills -       Ability to work in a location that provides visual privacy (to ensure data confidentiality)

Contract length: July to August 2022, up to 50 hours. Flexible hours. Work can be completed remotely, in a location with visual privacy.

Compensation: $15/hour + 18% benefits

Interested applicants should send an email, unofficial transcript, and current C.V. to Krischanda Bemister at  [email protected] . Review of applications will begin immediately. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

As of Fall 2018, we are currently looking for responsible, reliable volunteer research assistants (RAs) who would like to gain experience conducting developmental research. The RAs will receive training in diverse aspects of research including: participant recruitment, testing infants, children, and/or adults, stimulus creation, coding videos, and entering and analyzing data. RAs may also be invited to assist with literature reviews and research presentations. RAs will attend regular lab meetings and receive supervision and guidance from the lab director and current BEE Lab graduate students. In return, RAs will be expected to commit a minimum of 8 hours per week to the BEE Lab for two consecutive semesters.

 To apply, please send a CV and current (unofficial) transcript to:

Lab Manager, Brain and Early Experiences (BEE) Lab [email protected]

With age, elderly people commonly experience decline in cognitive functioning. The Cognitive Aging Lab conducts research on age-related changes in cognitive functions and the intervention or training programs to overcome age-related declines. We are currently looking for 2-3 part-time volunteer Research Assistants (RAs). They are expected to work in the Cognitive Aging Lab for 8-15 hours per week and attend the weekly lab meetings. They will be involved in participant recruitment, scheduling, testing, data collection, scoring, and data entry. They may also have opportunity to contribute to literature review, data analysis, and research presentation. The RAs should feel comfortable working with elderly people. The positions will be a good fit for students in such programs as psychology, nursing, and social work and particularly for those who are planning to pursue graduate study in similar areas. For more information on the Cognitive Aging Lab, please visit: http://psychlabs.ryerson.ca/cal/

  To apply, please contact the Lab Director:

Dr. Lixia Yang  Department of Psychology  Ryerson University  416-979-5000 x6522  [email protected]

The Early Childhood Cognition (ECC) Lab (http://psychlabs.ryerson.ca/ecclab/) studies how infants and young children understand the world and the people around them. We are currently seeking undergraduate volunteers who are highly motivated, have a strong interest in gaining research experience, and enjoy working with young children. A time commitment of 6-10 hours per week is required. Preference will be given to students willing to commit at least 2 consecutive semesters.

 If you are interested in joining our lab as a volunteer research assistant please send your application to Dr. Lili Ma ([email protected]) along with your CV and an unofficial copy of your transcripts.

Dr. Lili Ma Department of Psychology Ryerson University 416-979-5000 ext.2694 [email protected]

This project is part of an ongoing 5-year research program examining the intersection of motivation and cognition across the adult lifespan. The RA will be involved in day-to-day operations of the project, including preparation of study materials; maintenance and organization of study records; participant screening, scheduling, and testing; data management and cleaning; and assistance with data analysis and interpretation. 

  This position is a paid opportunity offered by the Work Study Research Assistant Program

  For full position details and to apply, click  here

We do not have any postings at this time.

Volunteer RA Opportunity SHiFT Lab

The Sexuality Hub: Integrating Feminist Theory (SHiFT) Lab is seeking a volunteer Research Assistant to aid in conducting a qualitative study on men’s relationship to masculinity.  Research assistants will learn about participant recruitment, qualitative research methodology and design, critical psychology, and contemporary gender theory. Main duties will include managing participant recruitment and transcribing digitally-recorded interviews, with the opportunity to receive training in and contribute to qualitative interviewing.

We are seeking a highly motivated, self-directed, detail oriented, and interpersonally professional RA who can commit to 8-10 hours per week for at least 6 months. Undergraduates who are in their third year or above, or individuals who have completed undergraduate studies, are encouraged to apply. Prior experience as an RA in a social studies lab, as well as knowledge of – or interest in – critical, feminist psychology and methodologies (particularly Discourse Analysis) is preferred.

 To Apply:  Please send an updated CV, current (unofficial) transcript, and cover letter detailing your experience and availability to:

Stephanie Cosma  [email protected]

The Sleep and Depression Laboratory is seeking volunteers to help with two separate studies. Both involve volunteers who are highly organized, interpersonally comfortable with interacting with individuals who may have depression or other disorders, self-directed, and motivated.  One study is a prospective trial that is evaluating cognitive vulnerability factors for relapse from remitted insomnia.  Volunteers would be involved with data entry as well as the potential for in-person structured clinical interviews with study participants, as well as leading participants through study-related procedures.  

The second study is run by doctoral student Angela Lachowski, who requires a highly motivated, self-directed, and organized volunteer who can coordinate a study that is investigating the relationships between sleep, nutritional choices, stress, hunger and satiety.  This volunteer must be flexible with their time and able to be on campus more than one day per week, though a full day at a time is not required (I.e., meeting with participants for an hour at a time, performing general study-related tasks).

 If interested, please submit a current CV, brief cover letter, and unofficial transcript to Olya at  [email protected] .  We welcome applicants who are currently completing their undergraduate degree or who have already graduated.

The SMART lab provides a unique interdisciplinary environment for exploring basic and applied research in music and emotional speech. We are currently looking for volunteers to engage in several lines of research. The first line involves basic research into the cognitive neuroscience of music and emotional speech. The second line involves applied research in hearing science, and the third line involves the use and development of novel technologies and interventions to support human communication and well-being. For more information on these projects and others, please visit our lab website:  https://www.smartlaboratory.org/  (external link) 

 To apply, please contact the Lab Director:

Dr. Frank Russo Department of Psychology Ryerson University 416-979-5000, x. 2647 [email protected]

Hiring: Research Assistant

Role Description

The Stress and Healthy Aging Research (StAR) Lab, at Toronto Metropolitan University is looking to hire a full-time Research Assistant. The Research Assistant will be responsible for managing an in-lab experimental study, participant recruitment, data collection and management, and analyzing data. The role involves collaborative work with other team members. To learn more about the StAR Lab, visit: https://psychlabs.torontomu.ca/starlab

This is a one-year contract with option for renewal ($20.49/hr).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field
• Experience conducting research in a laboratory setting (min 1 year)
• Analytical skills and data management
• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Knowledge in stress and stress physiology
• Experience measuring stress physiology (e.g., electrodermal activity, heart rate variability)**major asset

Alexandra J. Fiocco, PhD. Professor, Department of Psychology Toronto Metropolitan University Email: [email protected] Website: https://psychlabs.torontomu.ca/starlab/

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