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Research Trainee Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

exp

Transportation Engineering Trainee

Brampton, ON · On-site

CA$62K - CA$82K/yr

Transportation Engineering Trainee Markham, Brampton, Hamilton, or London ON At EXP, we're driven ... Contribute to proposal development (preparing schedules, conducting project research, preparing ...

University of Toronto

Program Coordinator

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$67K/yr

... trainees, and 20 specialty and sub-specialty divisions located across six fully-affiliated ... This research generates new knowledge with the goal of meaningfully impacting internal medicine ...

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Research Trainee information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$9

$20

$49

How much do research trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for research trainee in Toronto, ON is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.24 and $23.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research trainee?

Research trainees are individuals, often students or early-career professionals, who work under the guidance of experienced researchers to develop their skills and gain hands-on experience in conducting scientific or academic research. They assist with various aspects of research projects, such as data collection, analysis, literature reviews, and laboratory work. The goal is to provide practical training that prepares them for future independent research roles or advanced studies. Research traineeships are common in universities, research institutions, and some industries.

What are some common challenges research trainees face when transitioning from academic coursework to hands-on research projects?

Research Trainees often find the shift from structured academic learning to independent, hands-on research challenging. They may need to quickly learn new laboratory techniques, adapt to working with complex equipment, and manage their time between experiments, data analysis, and reporting results. Additionally, collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team and handling constructive feedback from supervisors can be demanding but are valuable for professional growth. Support from mentors and clear communication with team members can help trainees navigate these challenges successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Trainee, you need a solid foundation in research methods, data analysis, and subject-specific knowledge, often supported by a relevant degree or ongoing enrollment in an academic program. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS, R, or Python), laboratory equipment, and literature databases is typically required. Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative and independent research settings. These competencies ensure that research is conducted accurately and efficiently, contributing to credible and impactful results.

What is the difference between Research Trainee vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch TraineeResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recent graduate of a relevant degree programUsually holds a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, research centers, academic institutionsLaboratories, universities, research projects
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, biotech companiesUniversities, research labs, healthcare organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level research roles, training positionsClarifying responsibilities of research support roles

Research Trainee positions are often entry-level roles for students or recent graduates gaining research experience, while Research Assistants typically hold a degree and support ongoing research projects. Both roles are common in academic and research settings, but the Research Trainee is more focused on training and learning, whereas the Research Assistant has more defined responsibilities.

What jobs can I do if I like research?

If you like research, you can pursue roles such as research assistant, research analyst, data analyst, or laboratory technician. These jobs typically require strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and familiarity with research methods and tools like statistical software or laboratory equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research jobs in Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Research jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Research Trainee jobs?

Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Research Trainee job openings:

Research Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Trainee job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,582 per year, or $21 per hour.

Senior Research Associate

University of Toronto

Toronto, ON • On-site

CA$18K - CA$32K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Date Posted: 08/04/2026
Req ID: 49709
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Physical & Environmental Sci
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Your Opportunity:
The Nano(materials)-Bio Interactions Lab, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applications for a Senior Research Associate.

The lab investigates interactions among nanomaterials, bacteria, biofilms, and plant-root systems using interdisciplinary approaches in chemistry, nanotechnology, microbiology, materials characterization, imaging, and microfluidics. Current research includes nanoplastic-microbe and nanoplastic-root interactions, antimicrobial nanomaterials, bacterial attachment to plant roots, and bacterial responses to material properties. The successful candidate will contribute to research across the lab, with primary responsibility for a multidisciplinary project examining how environmentally relevant agricultural nanoplastics affect beneficial bacteria, plant-microbe interactions, rhizosphere function, and crop resilience.

This is a 30% FTE part-time continuing appointment, with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2026.

This search aligns with the University's commitment to strategically and proactively promotediversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity& Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experiencedinequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome andencourage candidates from those communities to apply.

 

Job Duties:

 

The successful candidate will:

  • Help design, conduct, analyze, interpret, and communicate research, with an emphasis on the nanoplastics project.
  • Coordinate experiments involving nanoplastics, bacteria, biofilms, plant roots, root exudates, and plant-microbe systems.
  • Develop and optimize experimental protocols and ensure appropriate controls, data quality, reproducibility, and accurate record keeping.
  • Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, technical reports, grant applications, and reports to research partners and funding agencies.
  • Support project planning, data management, collaborative activities, and completion of project milestones.
  • Train and supervise graduate students, undergraduate researchers, research assistants, and other trainees.
  • Assist with laboratory operations, safety, protocol documentation, and instrument training.
  • Collaborate with academic, government, and industry research partners.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have:

  • A PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline.
  • At least four years of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Demonstrated research excellence in a relevant area, such as nanomaterials, nanoplastics, environmental nanoscience, microbiology, biofilms, plant-microbe interactions, or biomaterials.
  • A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience designing and conducting research independently, troubleshooting experiments, and interpreting multidisciplinary data.
  • Experience preparing manuscripts, presentations, reports, or research proposals.
  • Experience supervising or mentoring research trainees.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
  • A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and a respectful and collegial workplace.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in one or more of the following areas is an asset:

  • Nanoparticle or polymer characterization, including dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, or surface analysis.
  • Bacterial culture, biofilm assays, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, plant-root systems, or rhizosphere microbiology.
  • Atomic force microscopy, confocal or time-lapse microscopy, force spectroscopy, or microfluidics.
  • Coordination of multidisciplinary research projects or preparation of collaborative grant applications and reports.

 

Travel: Travelling will be required to present their research at academic conferences.

Notes: This is a continuing part-time position with 30% FTE and annual hiring salary range of $18,785 to $32,812

Application:

 

Applicants should submit:

  1. A cover letter describing their relevant experience and suitability for the position.
  2. A current curriculum vitae.
  3. Three representative peer-reviewed publications, with a brief description of the applicant's contribution to each.
  4. The names and contact information of two or three references.

Any questions regarding the position may be directed to ruby.sullan@utoronto.ca.

Closing Date: 08/12/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
Schedule: Part-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R02 -- Sr. Research Associates $62,617 - $109,373 - $127,112 (open)
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

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