Research Assistant

Competition 1520

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has an end date of March 31, 2025.

Hours are flexible from 20 hours a week to 35 hours a week depending on the successful candidate’s availability.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Chemical & Material Engineering

The Department of Chemical & Material Engineering at the University of Alberta recognizes that our people are and will continue to be our greatest strength. We celebrate creativity, diversity, perseverance, and a cooperative spirit. The Department has excellent teaching and research. Exceeding 500 Undergraduate students, 300+ Graduate students and 50 faculty members, including many award-winning researchers and teachers, and with world-class facilities and diverse research and education programs, we are one of the top Chemical and Materials departments in Canada.

Position

Reporting directly to the Director of the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining, the Research Assistant will provide complex and diversified administrative support requiring independent judgment. This position involves comprehensive financial management, scheduling, correspondence, travel coordination, and a range of miscellaneous tasks to support efficient research operations.

Duties

Research Administration

• Produce monthly financial reports from PeopleSoft and discuss monthly with the PI.
• Reconcile research grant accounts and procurement cards; take corrective action when necessary. Arrange for invoices and payments when required.
• Retrieve information regarding grants and/or proposal guidelines and deadlines and inform the PI and ensure guidelines are adhered to regarding research grant accounts.
• Ensure that the necessary reports/forms are completed, signed and returned to the granting agencies on time.
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications as required.
• Arrange for the process of funding agreements from sponsors and prepare files for new accounts.
• Maintain a database of papers and presentations from the research group.

Scheduling & Correspondence

• Coordinate with Committee Chair and members to schedule the required items for the Master's Final Oral Exam, Ph.D. Exams, and Candidacy Exams.
• Schedule meetings, book rooms and catering as necessary, and include events in lab calendar.
• Advertise events and coordinate dates with speakers and others. Invite attendees and follow up and generate agenda for visitors.

Travel & Procurement

• Contact travel agent to arrange itineraries, update lab calendar to show travel dates and book all hotel and rental cars, including, if necessary, those for visiting speakers, professors, etc. related to the researcher's program.
• Arrange eSim for international roaming, conference registration, uploading of presentations and signing up for the conference system.
• Ensure that all expenses are reimbursed promptly, ensuring that the most efficient use of all funding sources is utilized.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum grade 12 diploma with 2 years of post-secondary training in office administration or related field.
• Minimum 2-3 years of administrative experience is required. Combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience using Computer Software Knowledge (M.S Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Browsers and Google Suite).
• Demonstrated proficiency in PeopleSoft is required (both HCM and Financials).
• Excellent communication, prioritization, organizational, composition and proofreading skills; demonstrated communication skills with all stakeholders from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to multi-task and perform with accuracy/precision in a busy environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills and ability to manage workload effectively and meet deadlines.
• Exhibit exceptional resourcefulness and proactive awareness by consistently staying ahead of upcoming deadlines and pending tasks, ensure timely and efficient completion with good time management.
• Exhibit a commitment to confidentiality, coupled with proactive initiative and sound judgment, ensuring the responsible handling of sensitive information and making informed decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the University of Alberta grant software reporting program (eTRAC).
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures of the University of Alberta and bookkeeping skills are an asset.