Are you a graduate student or recent graduate with a knack for graphics and passion for building science and sustainability? Interested in knowledge dissemination and helping proliferate best practices across the GTA? The Toronto Society of Architects is currently seeking two research assistants to support the development of its inaugural Climate Action Design Guide for Mid-Rise Housing, a project that seeks to condense existing research into a practice-friendly resource to assist design professionals in achieving climate action performance targets. The project is funded by The Atmospheric Fund. 

Working closely with the Principal Researchers—Dr. Ted Kesik of the University of Toronto and Kurtis Chen of the TSA—research assistants will contribute to various aspects of the guide, including the collection and summary of existing resources, as well as the layout and illustration of the digital publication and supplementary material. Research assistants will also have the opportunity to participate in consultations with advisory groups and subject matter experts, as well as educational sessions for the dissemination of the guide. 

Compensation and Duration

• Schedule: Flexible, some limited evening meetings required.
• Hourly Rate: $25.05, with living wage increase applied starting January 2025
• Time Commitment: Approximately 25-30 hours per month
• Location: Remote, attendance to limited in-person meetings required.
• Project Duration: October 2024 to May 2025

What you will be doing

• Collect and synthesise information from source material, including reports, research guides and municipal standards
• Create infographics, renderings, and summaries that translate building science concepts and principles into easy to understand graphics and text.
• Assist in the creation of the Design Guide, including layout and illustration.
• Assist in the creation of additional educational materials, including presentations and other forms of knowledge dissemination.

What are we looking for?

• Graduate students or recent graduates with a background in architecture and/or building science.
• Proven written and graphic communication skills.
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite, including Indesign, Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Proven experience creating sophisticated infographics from data and statistics.
• Knowledge of technical renderings of buildings, assemblies, and equipment is  a plus.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to work independently to meet deadlines and coordinate work with others.
• Ability to work in a team environment, including following shared graphic standards.
• Strong interest in sustainability and climate action.
• Familiarity with current construction practices in the GTA is an asset but not required.

How to apply

Submit your resume, short cover letter, and examples of past graphic work no later than Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM to tsa@torontosocietyofarchitects.ca. 

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.

About the Toronto Society of Architects

Established in 1887, the Toronto Society of Architects (TSA) is a non-profit volunteer-led organization dedicated to bringing people together to discuss, learn and explore around our shared passion for the built environment. 

We are committed to the betterment of our city and have played an important advocacy role throughout Toronto’s history. We do this through a wide range of programs which foster welcoming and inclusive forums for debate and the exchange of ideas, stimulating critical thinking about the design and building issues of our time.  Our public programming is complemented by initiatives supporting the personal growth and professional development of close to 3,000 TSA Members. Membership is open to everyone and welcomes design professionals, students, and the general public. 

The TSA is a Society of the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), which is the licensing and regulatory body that governs the practice of architecture in Ontario.

Learn more about the TSA at www.torontosocietyofarchitects.ca

Submit your application no later than Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM.