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.
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.
The call for applications usually goes out from Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation (LTSI) in March. A student is hired around May for the following September through April terms. Contact LTSI (ltsioffice@uvic.ca) if interested in becoming the next TAC.
Teaching assistant positions
Summer 2025
The Department of Psychology invites applications for Summer 2025 Academic and Laboratory Assistant (TA) positions.
In making assignments, priority will be given to students as set out in Appointment Priority Policy A of Appendix A on p. 40 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 duties:
- Grading examinations
- Marking papers; checking homework
- Preparing exams / quizzes
- Preparing grades using “Grades” program
- In-class teaching
- Leading discussion groups
- Being present during established office hours
- Invigilating examinations
- Preparing and presenting labs
Other requirements are noted under “Skills, Duties and Availability Requirements” in the position description. Except where noted under “Course Title,” all positions are for Academic and Laboratory Assistants (TAs).
To apply
- Review the positions
- 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 approval to check your unofficial transcript via the Student Registration 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.
Application deadline is Thursday, April 10th, 2025
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 Program 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.