TRIUMF

TRIUMF Summer Student Research Project

TRIUMF – Vancouver, BC Full time

Discover TRIUMF, Canada's particle accelerator centre, and one of the world's leading laboratories for particle and nuclear physics and accelerator-based science. TRIUMF's diverse community of nearly 600 multidisciplinary researchers, engineers, technicians, tradespeople, staff, and students create a unique incubator for Canadian excellence, as well as a portal to premier global collaborations.  Fueling innovation and improving lives, we are committed to accelerating discovery and shaping a better world.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all. Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

TRIUMF’s student program typically hires ~40 students each term from across all disciplines who hang together socially and professionally during the term, and beyond. Our program offers young minds a chance to gather, learn, make new friends, and have fun doing so during their time at TRIUMF. We hold weekly ProD sessions for students which include different activities such as conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and active listening. Additionally, we hold weekly seminars about the different experiments at TRIUMF, and these talks specifically cater to students. Located on the UBC campus makes it easier for students to make friends, create memories, and explore Vancouver all while working at TRIUMF.

TRIUMF’s student program is more than just a place to work, its learning, memories, friendships, exploration, and development all clubbed into one.  

Come join us to see how we are working to unlock the mysteries of the universe and shape the future. Apply now and be part of our extraordinary journey.

Learn more about the amazing research and work we do at TRIUMF.

https://www.discoverourlab.triumf.ca

http://www.rarestdrug.com

We are running a programme geared at providing opportunities for Indigenous Undergraduate students. The opportunity includes a paid work term at TRIUMF, one of Canada’s premier research infrastructures. In line with TRIUMF’s commitment to reconciliation, this will provide opportunities for First Nations, Metis and Inuit students to gain invaluable experience across TRIUMF’s world-leading research programme.  

Programme Details 

The successful candidate will choose from the selected list of research projects listed below, which are part of the TRIUMF student programme. Each of the supervisors for these projects has undergone mandatory Indigenous Awareness and Cultural Sensitivity Training.  

The successful candidate will also be provided with additional support, including:

  • Mentorship from a local First Nation Siyám (Respected Elder in Halq'eméylem)
  • Round-trip airfare to Vancouver for the work term, and accommodations in Vancouver
  • Students will be hired as Temporary TRIUMF Employees within our Student Program Salary will be commensurate with experience and education level.
 

Eligibility 

To be eligible for this award, students must:

  • Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada, who self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Metis)
  • Be enrolled at an accredited Canadian University in an undergraduate degree programme

Application Procedure: 

The following must be uploaded with your application: 

  • Covering letter (please include your preferred project and Indigenous self-identification details)
  • Resume
  • Transcript of all post-secondary grades (unofficial copies are accepted)

Research Projects 

Developing Quantum Sensors for Particle Physics Applications—Pietro Giampa 

The CRONOS facility at TRIUMF is dedicated to the development and deployment of novel superconducting cryogenic quantum sensors for use in particle physics. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with new technologies and participate in the operation of the dilution fridge at the heart of our facility. Our sensors operate at ultra-high vacuum (10-8 mbar) and extremely low temperatures (~20 mK), conditions that are far more extreme than outer space. 

During the duration of this program, our group is expected to operate BeEST devices (Beryllium Electron-capture in Superconducting Tunneling-junctions), which is a world-leading technique for beyond-the-standard model neutrino physics and quantum properties of weak decay using radioactive beryllium atoms embedded into thin-film superconducting quantum sensors. 

Image reconstruction and AI optimization of TIIGR Therapeutic Isotope Imager with Gamma Rays —Wojtek Fedorko

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Canada with a quarter million new cases and almost 90000 deaths expected in 2024. One promising approach to treatment is Targeted Radionuclide Therapy (TRT), in which radionuclides attached to cancer cell-seeking molecules are injected into patients to destroy the cancer cells, with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. TRT with alpha emitting radionuclides (such as Actinium-225, or 225Ac) is referred to as Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT). 

One of the challenges of TAT with 225Ac is that, while an excellent source of alpha particles, in its decay chain no positrons are emitted – hence preventing direct Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging. Fortunately in the decay chain of 225Ac two single gamma emitting nuclides are present. This potentially opens the window for the design of a Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imager – the proposed TIIGR instrument. 

The student, will explore designs of such an imager based on a Compton Camera principle, and apply AI-based techniques for optimizing detector concept and the quality of image reconstruction. 

TRIUMF is committed to addressing historical and ongoing barriers to employment for Indigenous peoples. In alignment with this commitment, we have established a program which supports UNDRIP and our work on Truth and Reconciliation. 

This initiative has been granted a Special Program Designation by the Office of the British Columbia Human Rights Commissioner. Under Section 42 of the B.C. Human Rights Code, such designations allow organizations to implement preferential or exclusive hiring practices intended to promote substantive equality and increase representation for equity-deserving groups. As such, for this specific position, TRIUMF will be exclusively seeking and prioritizing applications from candidates who self-identify as Indigenous youth.

Skills required:

TRIUMF, Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics, is situated on the vibrant south campus of the University of British Columbia, nestled within the beautiful Pacific Spirit Park in Vancouver, BC.

At TRIUMF, we value our employees and are committed to providing a competitive total rewards package. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer comprehensive benefits that promote the well-being and security of our staff. Our organization provides an excellent opportunity to grow your career in a high-profile national research facility, where you can make a difference.

If you are passionate about science, engineering and technology, driven to excel, and eager to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking organization, we encourage you to apply. Take the next step in your career journey with TRIUMF.


TRIUMF offers help with travel costs for students outside the Vancouver and surrounding area.

Applications must have the following documents uploaded:

  • A resume/CV
  • A covering letter that includes your interest in and your qualifications for the specific position
  • A copy of academic transcript (unofficial copies are accepted)


Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Applications closing date:

March 20, 2026

Period of Work (possible 4 month extension):

May 04, 2026-August 28, 2026

Salary is commensurate with academic progress and previous relevant work experience, and ranges from $ 2815 to $ 4238 per month including 4% vacation pay.

TRIUMF is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified undergraduate students as defined below (unless stated otherwise above):

  • Canadian undergraduate students or Canadian Permanent Resident undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada (or outside Canada) who are studying in a vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.

  • Foreign full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level, and who are studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration, and who have a valid Canadian study permit which allows for employment off-campus, and who have applied for a Social Insurance Number

  • Foreign undergraduate students enrolled in a recognized undergraduate program of study abroad who have accepted, or are in the process of accepting, an "Invitation to Apply" for a work permit under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program http://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada/iec/apply-work-permit.html.


At TRIUMF, we’re passionate about accelerating discovery and innovation to improve lives and build a better world. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to excellence and enhance our ability to create knowledge and opportunity for all.

Together, we are committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the voices of our employees, students, partners, and the people and communities we serve.

Contact information:
Email: student@triumf.ca
Phone: 604.222.1047
Fax: 604.222.3791

4004 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, BC
V6T 2A3