RA/T

Research Assistant/Tutor working alongside high school students at AECL.

Please read carefully!! Description of Duties – Research Assistant/Tutors (RA/T’s)

In general, the RA/T serves as a tutor and team leader to two Deep River Science Academy (DRSA) students who undertake a six-week research project at a local laboratory. The RA/T works under the direction of a scientist or engineer on the staff of the laboratory.

At the start of the term, the RA/T, in collaboration with the staff scientist, defines the research program to be carried out and prepares any apparatus or other laboratory facilities that are required. When the DRSA students arrive, the RA/T supervises their daily work in the laboratory and assists with data taking and interpretation of results. 

When the research work is completed, the RA/T assists the DRSA students in writing up the results in the form of a report and making a presentation to the Academy and their peers. The team is expected to interact frequently with the staff scientist to ensure that the research work remains on track and that the work is carried out safely. Much stress is placed on teamwork, creative problem solving and accuracy.

The RA/T is supervised and mentored by a staff scientist or engineer responsible for the overall research program of which the DRSA project is a part. Particularly at the beginning of the term, as the project is being prepared, the RA/T interacts closely with the supervisor to define a research project that can be carried out safely by two DRSA students. 

The supervisor is almost always located in the same building as the RA/T and frequently will share the same laboratory, so the interaction is usually quite close and immediate. Mentoring takes place on a continuous basis as the RA/T prepares the project for the DRSA students and receives any necessary training on laboratory techniques and equipment.

During the research project phase, the research team is usually supervised by the scientist on a daily basis as progress is monitored, problems are discussed and safety is reviewed. The scientist also assists the RA/T in helping the DRSA students write their concluding report and present their results.

The RA/T and DRSA students are always encouraged to interact with other staff at the laboratory and participate in seminars and colloquia. A series of talks specifically oriented toward the DRSA students on broad scientific topics is presented during the DRSA students’ term at the laboratory. The RA/T also receives considerable guidance on the pedagogical aspects of their work by DRSA staff. 

Research Assistant/Tutor working with students at AECL.

Each RA/T receives a standardized course on workplace health and safety, including WHIMIS training, on arrival at the laboratory. Training on hazards, equipment and procedures specific to the laboratory in which the research is carried out is provided by the staff scientist and is continuously reinforced during the project.

Research Assistant/Tutors (in red t-shirts) and high school students on Orientation Day.

The RA/T is also expected to interact with the DRSA students outside of the laboratory. The DRSA organizes soccer matches between the students and the RA/Ts and other social events throughout the summer. The RA/T is encouraged to attend outings such as the trip to Ottawa, the trip to High Falls and Barron Canyon. The RA/T is welcome to have supper with the DRSA students in the evening at camp, and is welcome to the camp facilities.

2010 RA/T employment information (pdf)

2010 SUMMER EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION FORM (pdf)