The Leacross Foundation has provided a generous gift to establish the iBEST Women in STEM Summer Research Assistantship Program. Four female-identifying Research Assistants will be trained and mentored in state-of-the-art, complex, exciting and dynamic environments, providing them with invaluable trainee experience, including opportunities to explore, practice and hone their disciplinary skills.
These four positions will be offered to female-identifying, third-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) as a means of supporting community and education and encouraging women’s endeavours in science.
Supervisor Opportunity to Host Summer Research Assistant
The iBEST Women in STEM Summer Research Assistantship Program is a unique opportunity not only for students but also for professors and researchers to contribute to the development of the next generation of women leaders in STEM fields. If you are considering supervising a Research Assistant through this program, please note the following key details.
Why Host a Research Assistant Through This Program?
- Support for women in STEM: By hosting a Research Assistant, you are directly supporting the growth of women in STEM fields, providing them with an enriching, hands-on research experience.
- Comprehensive skill development: In addition to lab work, Research Assistants participate in hands-on training activities hosted by iBEST, ensuring they gain a well-rounded experience. This involves the Research Assistants being taken on tours or training sessions periodically throughout their work term.
- Engagement with program stakeholders: The program may include regular touch-base meetings involving the Research Assistants, the iBEST co-directors , the program facilitators, and the Leacross Foundation program donor. These meetings provide a platform for the Research Assistants to reflect on their learnings and interact with key program stakeholders.
- Showcasing excellence: As a host, your research lab and projects gain visibility and recognition as a part of this initiative.
- Funding for research support: Supervisors hosting a Research Assistant receive financial support for the position and related research expenses.
Requirements for Supervisors
When applying to host a Research Assistant, please ensure the following:
- Application requirement: One TMU and one Unity Health Toronto (UHT) iBEST faculty member are invited to jointly apply for this opportunity.
- Hands-on Project: The research project must be hands-on, providing the Research Assistant with opportunities to acquire technical skills and knowledge relevant to the STEM field of interest.
- Commitment to student development: Be prepared to guide the Research Assistant in gaining a deeper understanding of research methodologies and real-world applications in STEM.
- Flexibility for additional activities: Support the Research Assistant in participating in iBEST-hosted training activities and touch-base meetings, which are integral components of this program.
Application process for hosting
If you would like to apply to host a research assistant, please complete the Host Application Form and submit it by Feb. 21, 2025. For any questions or more details, please contact ibest@torontomu.ca.
Outlining Our Partnership With Leacross And The Women In Stem Summer Research Assistantship Program
The iBEST is proud to bring to its members the fourth iteration of the iBEST Women-in-STEM Summer Research Assistantships. The contribution from the Leacross Foundation compliments the training capabilities of iBEST as a means of supporting community, education, and encouraging the endeavors of women in science.
The 2025 iBEST Women-in-STEM Summer Research Assistantships is available to third-year female-identifying undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Four female-identifying Research Assistants (RAs) will be trained and mentored in state-of-the-art, complex, exciting and dynamic environments, providing invaluable experience for trainees who want to explore, practice and hone their disciplinary skills. In addition, the selected RAs will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on simulation of clinical activities through Unity Health Toronto’s Simulation Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
All female-identifying, third-year undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at TMU are encouraged to apply.
What should I expect from the Women in STEM Summer Research Assistantship Program at iBEST?
RAs hired through the Program will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on training at the simulation center at Unity Health Toronto (St. Michael’s Hospital) and engage in simulated clinical activities.
How many positions are available and what is the position term?
Four positions are available to third-year, female-identifying undergraduate students from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science at TMU. The Program will run from May to August 2025.
How were these four specific positions established?
iBEST members interested in hosting RAs at their labs submitted applications proposing exciting training and mentoring opportunities, and a review committee selected the four best applications to fund through this opportunity.
Are these paid positions?
Yes, each hired RA will receive a stipend which is specified in the description of the four positions.
Are there any reports?
Yes, the Leacross Foundation’s mission is to educate women. For this reason, it is important to the Foundation and its donors to hear back from women participating in the program as a means of encouraging other women to do the same. As a hired RA through the Program, you are required to submit two updates to help encourage other women into STEM.
How can I apply?
The Women in STEM Summer Research Assistantship Program at iBEST is offering positions at four different labs. We encourage interested students to browse through the positions and apply to what fits your interests. Please consult these descriptions of the four positions.
Program Key Dates
February 21, 2025: iBEST member application deadline.
February 21- 28, 2025: iBEST member applications are reviewed by iBEST Theme Leads.
February 28, 2025: Job postings are shared online for TMU’s female-identifying undergraduate students to apply.
March 21, 2025: RA application deadline.
March 24 – April 11, 2025: RA interviews take place.
April 14, 2025: Selected RAs are notified.
May–August, 2025: Assistantship period.
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