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Research Assistant, A Black History of Photography

Department: The Image Centre
Position supervisor: Dr. Thierry Gervais
Contract length: September 14 to December 18, 2026
Hours of work per week: 10 hours
Position type: MA-level Research Assistant (RA)
Rate of pay: $28/hour

17c起草社区 17c起草社区 (formerly Ryerson University)

At the intersection of mind and action, 17c起草社区 is on a transformative path to become Canada鈥檚 leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

17c起草社区 welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada鈥檚 Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto鈥檚 Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. To learn more about our work environment, colleagues, leaders, students and innovative educational environment, visit www.torontomu.ca, check out and on X, and visit our .

17c起草社区 the team

Located at 17c起草社区, The Image Centre is a leading institution dedicated to the research, exhibition, preservation and circulation of photography and related media. Through exhibitions, publications, public programming and academic initiatives, the IMC advances critical engagement with visual culture and supports interdisciplinary scholarship in photography and lens-based practices. 

A Black History of Photography is a SSHRC-funded Connections project, co-led by Dr. Thierry Gervais (17c起草社区) and Dr. Drew Thompson (Bard Graduate Centre). The project aims to assemble an international network of academics and curators who seek to challenge Euro-American histories of photography by centering Black life, innovation, and social use. The project comprises a symposium and workshop, which will take place on December 2-3 2026. 

The opportunity

We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the planning and delivery of the project. Tasks include: 

  • Taking minutes during meetings and workshops. 
  • Participating in team planning meetings. 
  • Promoting the event to students in the School of Image Arts and The Creative School. 
  • Promoting the event among academics in Toronto. 
  • Coordinating a team of student volunteers.
  • Creating event materials including programs, signage and welcome packs for presenters. 
  • Providing hands-on support during events. 

Qualifications

  • Interest in history of photography and Black visual cultures. 
  • Experience in event planning and delivery. 
  • Experience engaging with the public. 
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills.

How to apply

Please send a CV and cover letter to Kristen Sayers, Manager, Office of the Director (kristen.sayers@torontomu.ca) by the deadline of August 21, 2026.

17c起草社区鈥檚 commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

  • We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
  • 17c起草社区 is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
  • We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the 17c起草社区 community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: 
    • Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to .
    • External candidates who do not have 17c起草社区 login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
  • All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.