STUDENT PLACEMENT DESCRIPTIONS 2024
The following is a list of the possible placements that are available for the 2024 program.
Please read each description carefully to determine if the work involved is something that you would be
interested in doing for seven weeks. Primary supervisor names are in parentheses after the job title.
Note that the Student is responsible for Transportation to and from the workplace location each day. For
positions at the OSC there is a shuttle available from MUN (St. John’s campus).
AVALON PENINSULA (39)
Note: The following placements are in St. John’s and surrounding areas.
- FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE (MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY) (4)
- Research Assistant (Dr. Kelly Hawboldt): Working with PDFs and PhD students in transforming
waste biomass (forestry and fishery residues) to value added products. Working in with
graduate students in lab to: analyze composition of biomass and products, test biomass
products as water treatment adsorbents, and test biomass as method to control greenhouse
gases. Students would be working with graduate students in the lab to: analyze composition
of biomass and products, test biomass products as water treatment adsorbents, and test
biomass as method to control greenhouse gases.
- Design Assistant (Dr. Lihong Zhang): To address the recent unprecedented natural disasters
caused by climate change, human beings have to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy.
This project is to study triboelectric effect in order to develop triboelectric nanogenerators, a
new type of energy harvesters especially good at converting small-scale mechanical motions
(i.e., vibration) into electricity. This job will provide the student a learning environment for
studying triboelectric effect, constructing triboelectric nanogenerators and simulating
triboelectric devices. The student is expected to learn how to use certain software (e.g.,
COMSOL Multiphysics software) to work on material selection, structure design and
optimization, and device simulation. The student will extend their science (physics, in
particular) knowledge to focus on triboelectric effect and its application. Finite element
modeling (FEM) and associated simulation will be intensively learned and practiced in this
project. Position can be done remotely if necessary.
- Clean Energy – Subsurface Storage of Carbon Dioxide & Hydrogen Assistant (2) (Dr. Lesley
James): Students will participate in: -lab experiments – internet research – design and develop
outreach activities – possibly go to summer camp(s) and present outreach activity – assist
with Engineering camps when kids come to spend time in Process Engineering – make
outreach materials – post on social media relating to Clean Energy- Subsurface Storage of
Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen.
- FACULTY OF SCIENCE (MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY) (16)
- Science Summer Camp Counselor (2) (Danielle Nichols): As a Science Camp Counsellor will be
responsible for assisting with the organization and assist in delivery of the summer camp
programming for children ages 7-11. This position offers you a fun team setting experience with
delivering educational and hands-on programs, developing communication skills and supervising
youth. The Science Camp Counsellor will work with the summer camp coordinator and under the
supervision of the the Faculty of Science Outreach Coordinator. The primary tasks are: 1)
cooperatively deliver meaningful science education and STEM experiences appropriate for
children ages 7-11 2) supervise campers while taking responsibility for their safety and enjoyment
3) assist in providing guidance to campers and youth volunteers 4) maintain a clean and safe work
area 5) assist in camp promotion. - DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY (4)
- Seabird Research Assistant (Dr. Pierre-Paul Bitton): As part of a team of graduate and
undergraduate student, the WISE SSEP student will be responsible for collecting and
processing research data on Atlantic puffins. Daily activities would include processing
images/videos for data extraction, analyzing puffin vocalizations, and participating in field
trips to the puffin colonies for field work. Lab work will involve supporting student research
activities through the data extraction of images or videos, and analysis of puffin
vocalizations. Data entry and quality control will also be needed. For field work, the students
will participate in day trips to the puffin colonies to setup equipment, and will have the
opportunity to join a crew on overnight stays to help capture and collect data from adult
puffins.
- Research Assistant (2) (Dr. Jonathan Fawcett): As a research assistant with the NeuroFog
Laboratory, you would engaged in collaborative research on topics related to the control of
unwanted memories, eyewitness memory, or anxiety disorders. At present, we have studies
exploring memory intrusions following horror movies, memory for simulated crimes in virtual
reality contexts, and explorations of the distribution of anxiety disorders across different
populations. Should you join our group, you would have some say in which projects you
engaged with.
- Research Assistant (Kyla Malayang): The student would work as a Research Assistant, under
my direct supervision. This role will primarily involve learning how to organize data obtained
from a psychological study. This study is part of my doctoral dissertation and involves the
implementation of a behavioural intervention to help post-secondary students learn new
information effectively. The student may assist me in data analysis as well, depending on
their level of comfort and skills during the program.
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY (4)
- Green Chemistry Group Research Assistant (Dr. Chris Kozak): Assist graduate students in
preparing and performing experiments, assist in preparing demonstration experiments for
first year chemistry students at MUN, lab notebook and inventory maintenance, attend
group meetings to discuss recent research results from the group and develop
presentation/communication skills, promote the group’s work on social media.
- Research Assistant (2) (Dr. Lindsay Cahill): My research group is interested in studying the
impact on environmental exposures on pregnancy and early life development. Over the
summer we will be using advanced biomedical imaging techniques (e.g. ultrasound, magnetic
resonance) to study how pollutants (e.g. nanoplastics, perfluoroalkyl substances) impact
pregnancy in groups of mice and in a human study. The student can be involved in data
collection, participant recruitment, and data analysis. The student will develop skills working
with animals, performing data collection and analysis. The student will also help with
participant recruitment for a clinical study and with knowledge translation activities with the
general public.
- Research Assistant: Materials Science & Engineering (Dr. Erika Merschrod): Work with a
diverse and collaborative research group where you can learn to make, characterize, and/or
test new materials with real-world applications! Projects available with artificial bone, eye
disease (involves animal-derived samples), and environmental sensors. Skills you can develop
(according to your interest): atomic force microscopy, spectroscopy, coding, nanofabrication,
science communication, electronics.
DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES (1)
- Environmental Research Assistant (Dr. Susan Ziegler): Research assistant position to work with
others on projects related to climate change impacts on boreal and subarctic landscapes and
aquatic ecosystems. Projects include understanding the variation in the diet of Arctic Char
across Nunatsiavut and climate change impacts on boreal forest landscape carbon and nutrient
cycling including soil carbon stores and their role in climate feedbacks. Duties will entail
assisting with sample preparations and analyses in the laboratory in addition to research with
existing data. We are looking for someone interested in gaining experience in multidisciplinary
science aimed at tackling complex environmental questions. Strong interest and background
in the sciences will be an asset.
DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY (1)
- Computational Biochemistry Research Assistant (Dr. Katie Wilson): The World Health
Organization has identified multidrug resistant bacteria as a serious global health threat. A
class of bacteria known as Gram-negative bacteria are particularly susceptible to antibiotic
resistance due to the complex structure of their cell membrane. Specifically, the cell
membrane is composed of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) molecules that protect the bacteria from
treats such as antibiotics. One possible route of treating antibiotic resistance infections is
targeting the bacterial membrane. The proposed work will use computer-based methodologies
to allow for a detailed visual investigation of the bacterial membrane and how drugs interact
with this membrane. Through using computer simulations we are able to gain information
about harmful bacteria without the risks associated with working with pathogenic bacteria in
the lab. The results gained through this work will pave the way for the creation of new
innovative strategies for combating antibiotic resistant bacteria.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY (3)
- Plastics & Justice Laboratory Assistants (2) (Dr. Max Liboiron): Civic Laboratory for
Environmental Action Research (CLEAR) is an interdisciplinary natural and social science lab space
dedicated to justice-oriented methods in science. While we study plastic pollution (mainly in
Nunatsiavut with Inuit co-researchers), we work to bring lessons of feminism, equity,
anticolonialism, and accountability into the lab. Lab assistants are involved in processing wet
samples, attending mandatory weekly lab meetings, managing data, and working towards
creating and testing methods that foreground equity, humility, and good land relations. Sample
processing involves going through surface water, sediment, and the gastrointestinal tracts of
animals caught for food to look for microplastics using a microscope. Topics of lab meetings
change every week and are designed to workshop feminist and anticolonial methods. Note that
for WISE students who create or analyze data, we expect them to be co-authors on scientific
papers. For more information on our lab, see https://civiclaboratory.nl/
- Ecology Research Assistant (Dr. Carissa Brown): The ecology research assistant will help graduate students in the Northern EDGE Lab with their research on forests, plant ecology, and the impacts of climate change. The student will assist with project on tree seedlings at the Botanical Garden and plant surveys in the forest and coasts during day trips from Memorial University. We will train the student for each of these projects, so no experience is required – just a love of the outdoors!
They will also learn how to do plant ecology lab work, including germination trials and analyzing
soil samples.
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS & STATISTICS (1)
- Research Assistant- Scientific Computing with Python (Dr. Ronald D. Haynes): The research
assistant will be given an introduction to python programming with particular application to
problems in scientific computing – solving mathematics problems on a computer and data
analysis.
- SCHOOL OF PHARMACY (2)
- Medicinal Chemistry of Drug Protein Binding Assistant (Dr. Laleh Alisaraie): The student will
learn about the chemistry of some drugs that are currently used clinically, their target
proteins, and their sites of action in the body. They will also learn the basics of how to
simulate drugs’ binding with their target proteins computationally. In addition, they will learn
more about the chemistry and biochemistry of the molecules involved and how to visualize
the drug-protein binding properties computationally using specific software packages.
Position can be done remotely.
- Research Assistant in Drug Education (Dr. Lisa Bishop): The student will work on the Drug
Education Centred on Youth Decision Empowerment (DECYDE) project. The focus will be on
developing drug education materials for students in grades 8 to 12 and teachers with the aim
to empower youth to make safe and informed choices. Working closely with a team of faculty
and students from the areas of pharmacy, psychology, and education, the student will
provide a valuable youth perspective in turning scientific research on substance use and drug
education into resources and materials for their peers. The student will engage with a youth
advisory panel to support the development of materials, videos, and social media content.
They will also learn and develop research skills (e.g., literature reviews, analysis, and report
writing). Position can be done remotely.
- FACULTY OF MEDICINE (3)
- Research Assistant (Dr. Diana De Carvalho): Biomechanics Research Assistant working in the
lab assisting with data collection and processing.
- Remote Research Assistant (Dr. Diana De Carvalho): This remote research assistant position
will help our team complete a systematic scoping review on electronic ergonomic
interventions to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.
- Student Research Assistant (Dr. Michelle Ploughman): The Recovery and Performance lab
uses cutting edge technology to test and create novel interventions for people living with
stroke and multiple sclerosis. The successful applicant will be responsible for supporting
clinical research trials at the Recovery and Performance Lab by primarily assisting with data
collection and analysis. Duties include assisting the Laboratory Manager/Research Coordinator
with administrative tasks including: scheduling participant visits; preparing reports; ordering
supplies; collecting and entering data; interacting with study participants as part of a team.
- THE OCEAN SCIENCES CENTRE (OSC), LOGY BAY (1)
NOTE: There is a shuttle bus service available to transport students from MUN St. John’s Campus to
the OSC
- Research Assistant (Dr. Patrick Gagnon): To assist research on native and invasive marine
invertebrate and seaweed species. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 1)
stereoscopic and microscopic analysis of biological tissues, 2) identification, counting, and
weighing of organisms, 3) quantification of animal behaviour, and 4) analysis of seabed
imagery acquired by divers. This work will be conducted in a laboratory setting. If interested,
the student will be offered opportunities to assist with frequent field work on board a
research vessel.
- WOMEN IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING NL (WISE NL) (2)
- WISE Website Content Developer (2) (Clare Graves): Students will spend 35 hours/week
assisting with the development and maintenance of web content on current WISE NL websites.
Tasks will include planning, developing and updating web content, end-user testing and
development of training materials and website launch and promotion. Students will become
familiar with WordPress, HTML and CSS (if applicable). This position will be offered remotely.
- THE JOHNSON GEOCENTRE (2)
- Science Interpreter (2) (Andrea van Nostrand): As a Summer Science Interpreter, the student
will learn about general science topics presented within the Johnson GEO CENTRE exhibit
galleries and play a vital role in helping us provide meaningful learning experiences for the
general public. Interpreter duties include presentation of daily programs to visitors of all
ages, interacting with the public, answering questions, researching answers, and conducting
science demonstrations. Depending on their interests and abilities, the student may also
have an opportunity to assist in our summer camps.
- PETTY HARBOUR MINI AQUARIUM (Petty Harbor) (2)
- Science Educator and Aquarist (2) (Keith Moore): Enjoy talking to people? Love the oceans?
Are you always asking questions? We are looking for curious, enthusiastic, outgoing
individuals who can engage and educate Mini Aquarium visitors about local marine life and
our oceans. As a member of our team, you will learn the skills to become an effective Science
Interpreter and Aquarist. Interpretation is the art of translating science into regular,
everyday language so that visitors can understand why sea stars (for example) are so cool!
Aquarist duties involve taking care of the animals – feeding, cleaning exhibits, and water
quality monitoring. You will be responsible for upholding our high level of public engagement
and one-on-one guest interactions (from exhibit tours & touch tank programs, to live
demonstrations & virtual reality programs), maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of
our exhibits, and assisting our curators with animal care. These positions will report directly
to the Mini Aquarium Education Manager.
- MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY BOTANICAL GARDEN (1)
- Nursery Research Assistant (Timothy Walsh): The successful applicant will work in a botanical
garden nursery and help to provide all the necessary care to all levels of a plant
development, from early propagation to plant maturity. The applicant will work inside a
greenhouse, hoophouse, coldhouse and alpine house as well as open field beds. We will
explore the common tasks of planting, watering, fertilizing, staking, pruning, and pest
control, and will also work on the aesthetics of horticulture and design with container
planting and special displays. The Nursery Research Assistant will also work on the gardens
ex-situ collections of rare and endangered plants of The Great Northern Peninsula, plus help
introduce the basics of horticulture to summer youth camp students.
- MANUELS RIVER COMMUNITY INC. (2)
- Education Intern- Camp Assistant (Justin Smith): Assist in the delivery and facilitation of
summer nature camp programs, engage with participants to ensure a positive STEM
educational experience, and support camp logistics and activity preparation. - Education Intern- Program Support (Justin Smith): Support the facilitation of STEM educational
programs and tours, assist in program logistics and participant engagement, and provide general
support across various activities as needed.
- COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC (2)
- Junior Applied Research Assistant (2) (Heather Ward): The Office of Applied Research and
Innovation (OARI) is dedicated to supporting local industry and community partners throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador. It serves as the College’s main point of contact for industry,
community groups and government interested in applied research collaborations focused on
solving real-world problems that impede the development and growth of our industries and
communities. OARI is seeking students who will work in support of a number of industry
engagement projects that are ongoing and/or pending that relate to productivity enhancement
through product, process, and/or organizational innovation. The duties of the Junior Applied
Research Assistant include but are not necessarily limited to the application of engineering best
practices and related analytical tools in support of productivity enhancement through product,
process, and organizational innovations.
- AVALON LABORATORIES (1)
- Laboratory Assistant (Suzette Winter): • Primarily responsible for providing support to
Laboratory Technologists and Discipline Leads as requested. Reports to Team Leads but daily
activities will be routinely directed by Laboratory Technologists and others as designated by the
Team Leads. • Responsible for ensuring glassware is cleaned and sterilized (as appropriate), and
ensuring all related quality control data has been appropriately documented. • May be
responsible for the operation and maintenance/cleaning of equipment, equipment calibrations,
and completion of related equipment quality records (i.e. autoclaves, fume hoods, balances,
water baths, incubators, chillers, refrigerators and other laboratory equipment). • May be
required to assist Laboratory Technologists with sample preparations (labelling and weighing) and
routine sample initiations (pH, conductivity, alkalinity, etc.). • May be responsible for sample
receipt and log-in. • Duties assigned with reference to detailed oral and/or written instructions as
to methods and procedures in accordance with established codes, standards and other
specifications as detailed in the ISO 17025 Management System. Few technical decisions are
required and those are of a routine nature with ample precedent and clearly defined procedures
for guidance. • Aware of and follows occupational health and safety regulations and ensures
appropriate safety procedures are implemented in the laboratory. • Other duties as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications: • Must have general knowledge of scientific principles, laboratory
methods and equipment. Supervision Received/ Exercised: • Works under supervision and duties
are assigned with detailed oral and written instructions as to methods and procedures to be
followed. Work is reviewed for accuracy, adequacy and conformance with prescribed procedures.
Technical guidance is always available.
- NORTHEAST AVALON ACAP (1)
- Environmental Technician (Gabrielle Riefesel): The environmental technician will assist the
project coordinator during fieldwork on ongoing research projects with the organization.
Fieldwork will include the removal of the invasive species European green crab, water quality
assessments through in-situ water grab sampling and using a diametric probe to collect data on
water quality parameters. The environmental technician will post process collected data in
accordance with our company’s data management plan. With the guidance of the project
coordinator, the environmental technician will digitize data using Microsoft Excel and organize
media data such as photos and videos into project folders. The environmental technician will
compile collected data and photos to create science communication media pieces for our
company’s social media accounts.
WESTERN NEWFOUNDLAND (1)
- GRENFELL CAMPUS (Corner Brook) (1)
- Physics Outreach Student Coordinator (Dr. Svetlana Barkanova): The successful candidate will
work collaboratively on-site with the Grenfell Campus Office of Engagement, assisting with
the development of Physics in the Classroom Programming and delivering/developing
materials for youth-focused physics outreach at the Memorial University Community Hubs.
The position involves developing materials, collaborating with internal and external partners,
coordinating events, and delivering public outreach, including youth outreach. The ideal
candidate will be reliable and responsible, possessing strong organizational skills, and have
the ability to work independently