Research Assistant

Competition 1980

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

This position has a term length of one year plus a day from the date of hire and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Working at 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 Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry - Department of Medicine

The Department of Medicine is the largest department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta with over 250 academic faculty members and over 400 trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and residents). The Department of Medicine's core mission is to undertake outstanding education, research and high-quality clinical care to provide the best possible health outcomes for Albertans. We have 14 divisions that work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, multicultural and ethnically diverse collegial environment.

Position Summary

We are seeking a full-time research assistant/laboratory technician, working under the supervision of Dr. Sara Davison to support the characterization of complex symptom phenotypes throughout the trajectory of chronic kidney disease, and the determination of proteomic and metabolomic biomarkers that are prognostic of these symptoms. This will include conducting environmental scans, literature reviews, preparing research materials, routine maintenance of lab equipment and supplies, carrying out experiments under direct supervision of the principal investigator, synthesizing data, and other research-related activities as requested.

Duties 

• Conduct environmental scans and literature reviews and synthesize the evidence.
• Contribute to writing grant proposals, funding applications, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Translate results into useful information for stakeholders and prepare knowledge-sharing products (e.g., reports, presentations, journal articles) for academic audiences.
• Participate in research team meetings, and in meetings related to research activities in the community.
• Study documentation - ensure that all documentation is accurate, complete, and updated as required.
• Ethics and administrative approvals - assist with obtaining or updating study approvals as needed.
• Adhere to research best practices - understand and adhere to SOPs, International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), Good Clinical Practices (GCPs) and Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2) and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain and protect confidential research data, adhering to ethical conduct and privacy requirements at all times.
• Work with PI and co-investigators in conducting both routine and new experimental procedures.
• Prepare common solutions and reagents to meet the experimental objectives of the lab.
• Under supervision, perform metabolomic analyses using procedures such as high-performance chemical isotope labeling (CIL) liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
• Performs other research-related duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc degree is required in biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related subject.
• Quantitative research knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Experience with human research and laboratory processes.
• Experience with the administration of policies and procedures.
• Strong experience with troubleshooting laboratory protocols and equipment.
• Experience with biohazard, WHMIS safety, and policy.
• Computer proficiency with MS Office and other platforms.
• A high level of attention to detail and the ability to work independently is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• MSc is preferred due to the additional hands-on experience this provides.
• Experience with metabolomics biomarkers.
• High level of flexibility, adaptability, and ability to prioritize to meet urgent and evolving needs.
• Excellent communication skills (listening, verbal, and written), including the ability to translate complex research results.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are necessary.