Student Project Assistant (Book Arts Lab)

McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 22,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

McGill University is seeking two Student Project Assistants for the Book Arts Lab to support the operation and maintenance of the lab. You will learn the basics of print shop safety, equipment, and the printing process, including setting type and inking presses.

Apprentices will help clean, organize, identify, and print wood type specimens, and assist with wood type project printing. Training is provided, all duties are on-site at the Rare Books and Special Collections.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma; minimal or no related experience.
• Willingness to work on-site at McGill's Rare Books and Special Collections.
• Interest in historical letterpress printing and books.

Responsibilities

• Assist in general operation and maintenance of the Book Arts Lab.
• Learn print shop safety, equipment, tools, and the printing process.
• Assist in cleaning, organizing, identifying, and printing specimen sheets of wood type.
• Assist in printing of wood type projects.

Skills

Hands-on printing

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

English communication

Physical stamina

Stand for long periods

Print shop safety

Dust tolerance

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Details

Hiring Unit: Rare Books and Special Collections

Job Title: Student Project Assistant (Book Arts Lab) – Office Assistant

Reports To: Jennifer Garland, Interim Director, Rare Books and Special Collections

Work Schedule: 4-5 hours per week on Fridays in the fall semester

Hourly Rate: $16.70

Classification: AMUSE A

Duration: October 18, 2026 – December 23, 2026 with possibility of renewal

Job Summary

Would you like to learn about historical letterpress printing? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and work with ink and type? This opportunity may be for you! The apprenticeship positions: We’re looking for two student printing apprentices to work with us for 4-5 hoursevery Friday in the fall semester, to help with the general operation and maintenance of the Book Arts Lab. Apprentices will be taught the basics of print shop safety, equipment, tools, techniques, and the printing process, from setting type to inking the presses. Our current focus is the wood type in our lab: student apprentices will assist in cleaning, organizing, identifying, and printing specimen sheets of wood type, as well as assisting in the printing of one of our wood type projects.

Training and orientation will be provided. All duties to be completed on-site, in Rare Books and Special Collections, McLennan Library Building.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• An enthusiasm for books, printing, crafts, working with your hands
• Attention to detail
• Aptitude for intricate, careful work with your hands
• Experience with printing or graphic arts in any form is an asset, but not required
• Comfortable lifting somewhat heavy objects; working in a sometimes dusty environment; working with letterpress ink and related cleaning supplies
• Ability to stand for 3-4 hours at a time
• McGill University is an English-language university where day-to-day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level # (3) on a scale of 0-4
• Other languages an asset. For a definition of our language proficiency levels.

Eligibility and Employment

Prior to applying, you must be authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in Quebec at the campus where the position is based.

Minimum Education and Experience: High School Diploma; Minimal or No Related Experience.

Position Start Date: 2026-10-06

Position End Date: 2026-12-23

Salary and Hours

Hourly Salary: (AMUSE A) $16.70

Estimated Number of Work Hours per Week: 5 (Part time)

Deadline to Apply: 2026-10-16

Collective Agreement

This position is covered by the AMUSE collective agreement.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

About McGill University

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.