Becoming a Research Student or Fellow
As a research student or fellow at SickKids, you'll help create a critical mass of progressive academic achievement at Canada’s largest paediatric research centre, with exclusive opportunities to translate your research into improved patient treatment and care.
Our trainees get exclusive access to:
- World-renowned expertise across seven major research programs
- State-of-the-art equipment and technologies provided by our core facilities
- Financial and educational support from the Research Training Centre (RTC)
- A social and supportive community of trainees in the heart of Toronto’s Discovery District
Find and apply for a position
Learn more about the student and fellowship opportunitirs avaialble at SickKids' RTC by expanding the sections below! To find potential supervisors, check out our list of SickKids researchers who are available.
If you’ve completed your PhD or MD, hone your skills and prepare for a career as a scientific leader by undertaking a program of research under a SickKids scientist. Find your potential supervisor through our list of available researchers.
These research fellowships are most often directly coordinated with the lab’s Principal Investigator, but you may also want to check out the SickKids Careers site, where postdoctoral positions are occasionally posted. Fellows are eligible to remain in a fellowship position at SickKids until the end of their fifth year of research fellowship training at any organization.
Master’s and PhD students at SickKids are registered with the University of Toronto, as the degree-granting institution, but may undertake research at SickKids under the supervision of a Research Institute Scientist. If you are a prospective graduate student, you are invited to contact the scientist that you would like to work with and to apply to a graduate degree program via the University of Toronto.
SickKids also welcomes visiting graduate students who are registered outside of the University of Toronto. You can pursue part of your research project at SickKids (either your thesis/dissertation or a collaboration or learning experience) under the supervision of a scientist appointed to the SickKids Research Institute. To find your potential supervisor, check our list of available researchers and contact the scientist you’d like to work with for more information.
If you’re pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, you may want to complement your degree with hands-on experience in paediatric health research.
Eligible students can join SickKids under the supervision of a scientist appointed to the SickKids Research Institute as a thesis or dissertation student or for a short-term project. Potential supervisors can be found by navigating to our researchers list. Please contact your undergraduate department or the scientist you’re interested in working with for information on how to become a research student at SickKids.
Undergraduate students can also apply to be a summer research student in the SickKids Summer Research Program (SSuRE), which provides an opportunity to work with one of our scientists for the summer, along with professional and career development opportunities.
Research Volunteers spend up to six hours per week gaining experience in a SickKids Research Institute lab. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, and you must not be undertaking the experience as part of your degree program. To apply as a Research Volunteer, please visit Volunteer Services.
Funding and benefits
At SickKids, we're dedicated to fostering a positive employee experience.
That's why we offer a supportive and innovative work environment where employees feel valued and can thrive as their authentic selves. Expand the sections below to learn more about the funding and benefits you may be eligible for as a research trainee at SickKids.
As a research fellow, you will be paid a salary corresponding to your years of research fellowship experience from a source agreed upon with your supervisor (i.e. supervisor's grant, research award, etc.). You are also eligible for an annual increase.
If you are being paid through SickKids (rather than directly by a funding agency or other source) may be eligible to participate in the SickKids dental and extended health benefit plan. Your prospective supervisor will share detailed information about the benefit plan with you as part of the hiring process. SickKids Research Fellows are entitled to vacation, and time off for parental leave. You would also be eligible to opt-in to our Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).
Learn more about SickKids benefits and pension plan
You are encouraged to apply for any relevant awards and grants to support your research at SickKids, including many offered by RTC!
Graduate students normally receive a stipend while registered in their graduate program. Stipend levels are set by your respective program/department at your university. If you are registered in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, you will be funded in accordance with the Harmonized Stipend Agreement . All other University of Toronto graduate students should consult their own departments and faculties for more information.
All graduate students are encouraged to apply for research awards to support their funding. This can include the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (Tri-Agency) and SickKids Restracomp and Clinician-Scientist Training Programs.
Joining Toronto’s research community
In the heart of Toronto’s Discovery District and affiliated with the University of Toronto, our Research Institute is steps away from Canada’s largest concentration of hospitals, research institutes, business incubators and venture capital organizations.
Coming from abroad? You’re in good company at SickKids! Around half of our research fellows and 20 per cent of our graduate students come from outside of Canada, contributing to our vibrant research culture and global-facing Research Institute. Research trainees have supportive communities within their labs, their program areas, and the Research Training Centre.
New postdoctoral research fellows are invited to participate in the “buddy system”, where you will be paired with a current fellow prior to your arrival in Toronto and who can help you feel welcome once you are here. The “buddy system” will help you prepare for your move to Toronto’s innovation hub with information on housing, utilities, driving, child and medical care and more.
Got questions? You can always contact the Research Training Centre for questions about coming to SickKids as an international research student or fellow.
Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PDAC)
The Postdoctoral Advisory Committee (PDAC) is open to all postdoctoral fellows at SickKids and represents the interests and needs of postdoctoral fellows. PDAC facilitates opportunities for networking, collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and career development by hosting seminars, coffee hours and other events. Under the umbrella of the Research Training Centre, we keep postdoctoral fellows connected to resources, information, and supports needed for their research and career plans.
Scholarships, Fellowships, and Awards
View scholarships, awards, and fellowships available to research students and fellows who are a part of the RTC.
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Contact the RTC
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