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Teaching assistants and
research assistants-in-lieu

Many full-time graduate students at McMaster are offered roles as teaching assistants (TA) – or as research assistants-in-lieu – and contract employment income.

TA duties vary – contact your department for all details about your specific role – but normally include undergraduate teaching, such as leading tutorials, demonstrating labs, and marking assignments. Your TA responsibilities should not exceed 10 hours per week, plus three hours of training per term.

Funding as a TA/ research assistant-in-lieu depends on you fulfilling your employment obligations and maintaining satisfactory work performance, as stated in your letter of offer or employment contract.


Setting up or updating your banking information in Human Resources (HR)

If you are paid the following monies – TA and/or RA in lieu of TA – go to the Human Resources website for all information related to setting up your banking information, a schedule of pay dates and more related to your work.

Quick Links and resources

Rules and regulations Graduate Calendar

Rules and regulations governing work as a TA/RA-in-lieu.

Payroll and tax Human Resources

Visit McMaster’s Human Resources for important information about working at McMaster.

Teaching Assistant Guide Learn More

Available from McMaster’s MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation and Excellence in Teaching.

Forward with Flexibility Learn More

A teaching and learning resource on accessibility and inclusion.

Teaching and Learning Month Learn More

Annual workshops and other sessions held throughout May.