CURRENTLY HIRING
At the Innovation Hub, we support meaningful student employment.
Design Researcher (CLNX ID: 262082)
About the Role
The Design Researcher works with a team that conducts a design thinking project for the Innovation Hub with the goal of improving the student experience in a specific area. Every project looks different but uses design thinking to provide partners with compelling insights that reframe problems innovatively and inspire action.
Job duties include:
- Assist senior leaders and external contractors with audiovisual storytelling projects such as podcasts, documentaries, photo essays, and other media formats
- Support participant recruitment and coordination for storytelling projects
- Provide logistical planning support for audiovisual productions
- Assist with videography, photography, audio recording, and/or editing as needed
- Support project timelines and manage administrative tasks related to audiovisual productions
- Collaborate with the Graphic Designer & Communications Assistant and other team members
- Opportunity to conceptualize and lead a storytelling project based on experience and interest
Job duties include:
- Learn to empathize deeply with users and other stakeholders, and understand the complexities of human-centered research and design
- Translate qualitative research skills into a design thinking approach, which may include some of the following activities: empathy-based interviewing, community-based co-creation, collaborative ideation, visioning, and more
- Transform data analysis and findings into compelling needs-based insights, principles, and/or recommendations that can inspire action
- Transcribe and code data in the Dedoose qualitative research software
- Communicate with persuasive, plain, and accessible language and storytelling techniques that drive impact in diverse audiences
Qualifications
- Qualitative research skills that can be translated into a design thinking approach
- Data analysis, insight formation & knowledge translation skills
- Patience & conversational skills
- Ability to work on a team & integrate diverse perspectives
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills
- Creativity & innovative thinking
- Desire to enhance the student experience at UofT
- Reliability and accountability
- Knowledge creation and innovation
Job Details
- Contract Length: May 2026 to August 2026
- Hours: 6-8 hours per week, in-person
- Wage: $17.60/hour
How to Apply
Please submit an authentically written cover letter specific to this role as well as a current resume to be considered for this position. In your cover letter please explain why you are interested in this role and how you feel your experiences (both professional and personal) qualify you as an ideal candidate. Applications that are general and not tailored to the role will not be considered. Please apply for just one role at the Innovation Hub – we'll consider you for other roles we think you might be qualified for. We look forward to your application. Because our work is human centred, we really want to get to know you through your application. We cherish when applications are written in your authentic voice, without the use of AI.
Job applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with interviews to follow. The application deadline is Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
Learn about Next Steps and submit your application through our form below.
Questions
If you have questions about the role, email innovationhub@utoronto.ca for more information.
Working at the Innovation Hub - A Learning Opportunity
At the Innovation Hub, student employees are central to our work. We seek to design with students rather than for students. Working at the Innovation Hub, you will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of passionate people where you'll learn valuable skills, meet great people, have fun, and join a vibrant and innovative community. Everyone is welcome here. Full training is provided for this role, including a full-day orientation to learn about design thinking and workplace skills, 1:1 coaching at least 3 times over the term, and regular team-building events. Over the last 10 years the Innovation Hub has developed a full training program that we know works - because our alumni are working in great careers. The most important thing to us is your development. By the end of your work-study, you'll gain immense workplace knowledge and have the ability to express that experience to employers. You'll network with past and present members of our team, experienced U of T staff, and other stakeholders within the U of T community. The Innovation Hub is also a big commitment. We suggest you read about our work prior to applying on our website at uoft.me/innovationhub and learn more about our roles at uoft.me/iHubWorkStudy.
Anti-Oppression Commitment
The Innovation Hub is committed to being equitable, anti-oppressive and to prioritizing the lived experiences of marginalized students. As such, any forms of discrimination will not be tolerated, including but not limited to racism, sexism, islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and anti-Semitism.
Technology Resources Required
Students are required to have a working laptop or device that can connect to the internet with the ability to access MS Office 365
NEXT STEPS
Get to know the Innovation Hub to strengthen your application!
LEARN ABOUT THE iHUB
Learn about the history of the Innovation Hub and how we have evolved throughout the years.
WORK STUDY PHILOSOPHY
Read about our commitment to your professional learning & growth.
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The deadline to apply is Sunday, April 12th, 2026, at 11:59 PM.