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Research Assistant Positions in Niagara and Durham Region

Department: School of Occupational and Public Health
Position supervisor: Dr. Ian Young and Dr. Jordan Tustin
Contract length: June 22 to August 31, 2026
Hours of work per week: 35
Position type: Research Assistant
Rate of pay: $24/hour

About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out @TorontoMet (external link)  and @ECItorontomet (external link)  on Twitter, and visit our LinkedIn company page (external link) .

About the department

The School of Occupational and Public Health at Toronto Metropolitan University is a leader in injury and disease prevention education and research. We are committed to excellence in teaching, relevant curriculum, innovative research and service to the community.  

The opportunity

The research team, led by Drs. Ian Young and Jordan Tustin of the School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, is conducting a national cohort study to investigate the burden of recreational water illness from swimming and other activities at beaches in Canada. Working under the supervision of the research team, the Research Assistants will contribute the following activities:

  • Recruit and conduct in-person surveys with recreational water users at beaches in each study location approximately 4-5 days per week during the summer (June to end of August)
  • Enter and review participant survey and consent data in a web-based survey platform
  • On non-recruitment days, provide other administrative support to the project team as required

 Locations:

  • Two positions are available in Durham region
  • Two positions are available in Niagara region

Qualifications

  • Be enrolled in or recently completed an undergraduate degree in public health, health sciences, environmental science, geography, or a related field and have completed a research methods (or equivalent) course
  • Ability to work on scheduled days for recruitment throughout the summer, which will include weekends and holidays
  • Flexibility in weekly scheduled field workdays/hours due to weather conditions
  • Outgoing personality with strong communication skills
  • Ability to work effectively independently and in teams
  • High level of attention to detail and highly adaptable
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Experience working with survey software is an asset
  • Access to a personal vehicle with a license is required

How to apply

To apply, please email Rachel Jardine (rachel.jardine@torontomu.ca) with the subject heading “2026 Beach Study RA Positions” and include: 

  1. A copy of your resume/CV 
  2. Unofficial transcripts
  3. Brief statement of interest along with preferred work location or locations (Niagara or Durham). 

These roles will be advertised until all positions are filled. We will begin reviewing applications on March 2, 2026, and then will review applications on a rolling basis. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview or further information.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please reach out to to Human Resources: 
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.