Science Assistant Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Date Posted: 07/24/2026
Req ID: 49584
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Center for Industrial Relations & Human Resources
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00012440
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About us:
The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada's leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.
We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.
The Jean and Dorothy Newman Industrial Relations Library is housed in the Centre for Industrial Relations and Human Resources (CIRHR) at the University of Toronto. The library is a leader in academic library service and program development. The library supports research and study in the areas of industrial relations, labour, and employment by providing access to scholarly and other materials in many formats. The library offers an extensive reference and research service and holds a local collection of about 20,000 print items, specialized grey literature and reports, rare book collection, and extensive archival holding on Canadian labour and unionizations. The library's collections are complemented by our services and professional staff that support the daily operation of a library that is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion to help create a truly rich and engaging academic experience.
Your opportunity:
Under the general operational direction of the Librarian, reporting to the Centre Manager, the Cataloguing, Research and Resource Services Library Assistant will be responsible for cataloguing, and maintaining the library catalog. The incumbent will provide reference and research assistance to students, and faculty and will assist in the creation of guides, displays and exhibits. Other major duties will include receiving and processing all incoming library material, maintaining the short-term loan collection, shelving, technical services, downloading of records, copy cataloging, supporting the circulation desk, and assisting the librarian with outreach, including social media. Other clerical tasks and library projects will be assigned as needed.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Researching and recommending appropriate resources and materials to students, faculty and researchers
• Interpreting and applying issues of copyright rules and regulations on the use of collection materials
• Interpreting and applying rules and regulations on the use of collection materials
• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures on the appropriate use and selection of reference resources
• Applying established standards when weeding records and/or material
• Identifying and retrieving missing or mismatched materials and/or information for collections to be included in monthly displays, exhibitions and social media
• Creating and updating catalogue records for new and existing collections
• Applying established standards when cataloguing materials

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum four years of recent and related experience in a post-secondary, public, or academic library or corporate environment providing front-line information and reference services.
• Experience cataloguing using an automated cataloguing system.
• Experience assisting users in finding information using a variety of resources, such as library catalogues, library course and subject guides, electronic databases, and internet sources
• Experience with updating and maintaining websites.
• Experience in providing research assistance with students or library users
• Intermediate skills with MS Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to take initiative.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Assets (Nonessential):

• A two years Library Diploma is an asset.
• Knowledge of industrial relations, labour or employment is an asset

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Approachable
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Resourceful
• Self-directed
• Team player

Closing Date: 08/04/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 10 -- $72,119. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $92,226. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Library Services

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.