Diverse Careers in Academia: Roles and Opportunities

Careers In Academia

Meet Our Peer Mentors Jamieso n Omeire Umael Qudrat Nandini Badhan

Guest Speaker (BSc '22, MSc '24), York Science alumn and current medical student at UofT. Sahib Singh Madahar

The information provided in this seminar gives some background information about Careers in Academia. Any experiences given by the presenters or guest speaker may not reflect experiences shared by others. They are here to deliver the presentation, answer any questions, and provide support. We do our best to provide you with the most up-to-date information. Please ensure you obtain the latest information by conducting your own research.

OVERVIEW Lecturer Postdoctoral Researcher Research Associate Research Assistant Research Administration Instructor Research Manager Administrative & Support Roles Resources QnA

Lecturer or Instructor What They Do Primarily focus on teaching at the undergraduate or graduate level. Design course materials including syllabi, presentations, and assignments. Assess student performance through grading, feedback, and exams. Requirements Typically require a Master s or PhD in the relevant field (depends on institution). Teaching experience (e.g., as a TA or adjunct) is often preferred or required. Strong communication and presentation skills. Job Description Summary Lecturers/Instructors are dedicated educators who shape course content, engage students, and contribute to the academic community through teaching excellence. They may have renewable contracts or short-term appointments.

Postdoctor al Researcher What They Do Conduct advanced research in a specialized area after earning a PhD. Publish papers and present findings at conferences. Often apply for grants or fellowships to fund their projects. May mentor junior researchers (e.g., graduate or undergraduate students). Requirements A completed PhD in a relevant discipline. Strong research background, evidenced by publications or conference presentations. Ability to work independently while collaborating with principal investigators or research teams. A postdoc refines research expertise, hones leadership skills in the lab, and builds a publication track record. It s often a stepping stone to tenure-track faculty positions, industry roles, or advanced research careers.

Research Associate What They Do Collaborate with senior researchers (principal investigators) to plan and execute research studies. Collect and analyze data, run experiments, and interpret results. May help write grants and contribute to publications. Manage lab operations: maintain equipment, oversee safety protocols, and train new team members. Requirements Usually require a Master s or PhD in a relevant field, though sometimes a bachelor s with strong experience may suffice. Proficient in research methodologies, data analysis software, and relevant lab techniques. Strong organizational and communication skills. Job Description Summary Research associates occupy a mid level research role with responsibilities that blend practical experimentation, project coordination, and knowledge dissemination. They are key contributors to ongoing research projects.

What They Do Provide support to faculty members, postdocs, or research associates. Collect data, conduct literature reviews, and help maintain records or lab equipment. May assist in basic experiments, surveys, or fieldwork. Often learn new techniques and develop research skills under supervision. Requirements Frequently undergraduate or graduate students or recent grads in the relevant field. Basic understanding of research design and data collection techniques. Reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn. Good time management to balance coursework (if a student) with research duties. Research Assistant Job Description Summary A research assistant role is often an entry point to academic research. It s an excellent opportunity to explore whether a research career (or further graduate study) is a good fit.

Research Administratio n What They Do Oversee administrative tasks related to research (budgets, compliance, grant management). Ensure ethical standards are upheld (IRB approvals, ethics protocols). Support faculty in finding funding opportunities and managing proposals. Organize training sessions for researchers on compliance, grant writing, and best practices. Requirements Typically require a Bachelor s or Master s in any relevant discipline (plus administrative or project management experience). Familiarity with grant applications and regulatory guidelines (e.g., IRB processes). Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and knowledge of research policies. Job Description Summary Research administrators are the behind the scenes experts ensuring that research is ethically sound, well-funded, and compliant with all regulations. They re essential for smooth institutional research operations.

Instructor What They Do Conduct independent or semi-independent research projects, often alongside teaching duties. Can design their own curriculum or lab protocols, depending on the institution. Mentor or supervise junior researchers like graduate students or assistants. May also collaborate on grant proposals or conference presentations. Requirements Typically require a PhD or significant research experience. Proven ability to design and lead research studies with minimal supervision. Strong leadership skills for guiding a small team or lab. Teaching experience or willingness to teach advanced courses in their field. Job Description Summary This Instructor title can vary by institution, but it often represents a role with both research and teaching responsibilities, granting more autonomy than a standard research assistant or associate position.

What They Do Research Manager Oversee large-scale projects or multiple concurrent research initiatives. Handle budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. Supervise research staff (associates, assistants) and maintain workflow efficiency. Ensure compliance with institutional and funding agency requirements. Job Description Summary Research managers blend scientific knowledge with project management expertise. They enable principal investigators to focus on research quality while handling day-to-day lab or project administration. Strategize long-term goals for the lab or research group. Requirements Advanced degree (Master s or PhD) preferred, plus substantial research or management experience. Strong leadership, organizational, and budget management skills. Ability to coordinate teams, communicate goals, and resolve conflicts.

Administrative & Support Roles Department Chair / Program Coordinator - Oversees faculty, budgets, and curriculum decisions - Maintains program quality and compliance with university standards - Typically held by senior faculty members Academic Advising & Student Services - Guides students on course selection, graduation requirements, and career planning - Positions include Academic Advisor, Student Success Coach, or Enrollment Specialist Higher Education Administration - Roles in offices like the Registrar, Admissions, or Student Affairs - Skills in leadership, policy-making, and strategic planning are key Administrative paths offer chances to shape institutional policy and student experiences. While some roles require a PhD, others value strong organizational skills and experience in higher ed.

Resources Faculty Recruitment - Faculty Affairs | York University https://www.yorku.ca/about/careers/

Questions?

Our email: BCMENTOR@Y ORKU.CA Our website: bethune.yorku.ca