Research Associate

Competition 744

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement, this position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and annual salary range of $59,822 - $67,303. This position has an approximate appointment of one year with a possibility of renewal.

Location - Work primarily takes place 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 First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology

The Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department is a research-intensive department focusing on advanced studies in Bacteriology, Immunology, Virology, and the interface between these fields. Based on the roots of the Department of Immunology, MMI has evolved into a research-focused environment with core interests in advanced research and training at the graduate level. Many of our faculty are externally funded, allowing them to devote much of their time to research. 

Position 

The Clemente research group invites applications for research associates to perform high-level complex research activities for projects in cardioimmunology. Our main research topics include immune responses in cardioncology, viral and autoimmune myocarditis. We use genetically modified mouse models to uncover the role of immune cells in these settings. The projects will expose the RA to a wide variety of scientific questions and approaches, including exploring changes in immunological responses and understanding mechanistic relationships between the immune system and heart function 

The RA will help establish project goals and experiments, and guide technicians and students in the lab. Specifically, for animal experiments, the candidate will be responsible for managing the ordering and maintenance of animals, records, and animal experiments. Independent decision-making and collaboration with lab trainees, animal care staff, the principal investigator, and veterinarians will be needed.

• Designs individual experiments, data collection protocols, and standards under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
• Determines the most appropriate methodology to meet identified research goals.
• Oversees/conducts data collection. Conducts advanced analysis of research data and results.
• Summarizes, analyzes, and organizes data for publication. Participates in the writing of research papers, the preparation of presentations, and/or other publications. May be considered as a co-author or presenter.
• Assists in the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals.
• Responsible for the maintenance and efficient operation of the lab (e.g., specialized lab equipment maintenance and calibration).
• Guide technical staff, students, and/or post-doctoral fellows in the lab.
• Advise on specialized technical procedures or equipment.

Duties 

Guidance and project management

• Developing project goals and approaches through a thorough assessment of literature and consultation with experts and team members.
• Guidance of technical staff and students involved in the project.
• Assistance to technical staff and students on experimental design, training, execution, and analysis.
• Report to supervisors at regular intervals.
• Project management and experimental record-keeping.

Animal Experiments 

• Standard mice husbandry, which may include receiving animals.
• Makes independent decisions regarding the health and care of animal colonies based on advice from animal care staff, veterinarians, and principal investigator.
• Conducts animal experiments independently or assists other lab members following discussion and instruction by lab members and the principal investigator.
• Conducts a variety of experimental procedures on animals including, but not limited to, injections, euthanasia, tissue sampling, and processing.
• Assists in the training of new students with animal experiments.

Assistance in Research Experiments 

• Orders needed laboratory consumables, handles biohazard waste and cleaning of laboratory glassware and other instruments.

Works independently or assists other lab members with experiments.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. level degree in immunology with strong cellular and molecular biology experience.
• 5 years experience in small animal models and flow cytometry.
• Experience with genomics-based research and imaging techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong work ethic and motivation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with project and personnel management.
• Experience with biohazard, radiation, WHMIS safety and policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively.
• Ability to strategize and develop creative and efficient solutions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment and manage projects.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt and pivot to rapidly changing demands.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
• Demonstrated skills in data visualization, interpretation, presentation, and reporting (i.e. Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills including a strong ability to demonstrate professionalism, confidentiality, and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Experience with ethics submissions, manuscript editing, and annual reports or related academic writing.
• Experience with mentoring and training junior team members and/ or students.
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to a changing environment.
• Keeps up to date on research, leading practices, and trends in the specialty disciplines.
• Strong skills and experience in quantitative data analysis.