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Psychology

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

Graduate RA (Psychology)

Dr. Allyson Hadwin is currently looking for a Research Assistant for a multi-institution SSHRC-PDG grant. The UniVenture project is a partnered research study with the goal to test, adapt and share an effective, sustainable targeted wellness program. Our UVIC team is focuses on health  in relation to academic outcomes (e.g. GPA self-regulated learning skills, academic challenges, mental health and well-being). Click here to view the posting.

Applications due Nov 7, 2025

To apply, please complete the RA Position Application Form (Univenture) with the following information:

  • Letter of application including bio speaking to skills above
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Email or contact information

 

Graduate RA (Psychology or Educational Psychology)

Dr. Allyson Hadwin and Dr. Mariel Miller are currently looking for one or two research assistants for a multi-institution SSHRC-PDG grant. This project, in collaboration with Dr. Jason Harley’s team at McGill University examines emotion regulation in teamwork drawing on selfreport and video data. The RAs on this project will be working on qualitative data analysis, manuscript preparation and presentations. There are opportunities to co-publish and to develop
skills in qualitative data analysis. Click here to view the posting.

Applications due Nov 15, 2025

To apply, please complete the RA Position Application Form with the following information:

  • Letter of application including bio speaking to skills above
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Email or contact information

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

There are no teaching assistant openings at this time.

 

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.

Resources