Description
This opportunity is currently available for internal applicants only as THERE IS A STRONG INTERNAL CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION.
The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 10 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The overall focus of the research laboratory is on examining how various exposures and experiences alter neurodevelopment and how this impacts risk vs. resilience to health conditions, including mental health problems, over the lifespan. The research involves a translational approach, including the use of pre-clinical animal models and studies involving clinical populations and community partnerships.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator and the successful candidate will participate in research subject recruitment, assessment of participants, data entry, and database management.
The position is located at the University of Calgary (main campus), with regular (2-3 times/week) travel to the Child Development Centre (Alberta Children's Hospital). Given the nature of the research, flexibility in the Research Assistant's schedule will be required as research participants may occasionally be booked during the evenings or weekends. Total hours: approximately 10-30 hours per week)
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Participant Recruitment and Engagement: Recruit and enroll study participants, including community outreach.
- Data and Sample Management: Organize and maintain research records, including data entry into databases, coordinating the return of biological samples, and managing their shipment to collaborating sites.
- Project Support: Assist in tracking projects, preparing reports for the Principal Investigator, and supporting human ethics applications and biosafety protocols.
- Research and Documentation: Conduct basic literature reviews and develop study recruitment and advertising materials.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Education: BSc in life sciences or a related field is required.
- Experience with Vulnerable Populations: Prior experience in conducting interviews with individuals who have neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health conditions, or other vulnerable populations is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate empathy, patience, and the ability to handle sensitive topics with care.
- Strong Communication Skills: The ability to simplify complex instructions and questions is crucial. Candidates must demonstrate their capability to break down tasks into manageable steps, ensuring participants clearly understand what is being asked.
- Adaptability and Patience: The position requires adaptability to respond to participants' needs, including allowing extra time and providing breaks when necessary. Experience in creating a supportive environment where participants feel comfortable and not rushed is important.
- Understanding and Managing Sensitive Topics: Candidates should be able to approach sensitive and potentially triggering questions with empathy and respect. Experience in conducting assessments like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) or Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) with a focus on participant well-being is a plus.
- Technical and Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential, with the ability to manage simultaneous priorities and competing timelines effectively and professionally. Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office are required, and experience with software such as Qualtrics, Canva, GraphPad, SPSS, R, or similar tools will be considered an asset.
- Problem Solving and Openness to Learning: Willingness to problem-solve and foresee potential challenges is important. The ideal candidate should be proactive in addressing issues and willing to accept new challenges as they arise.
- Phlebotomy Experience: Training and experience in phlebotomy, or a willingness to undergo training, will be considered an asset.
Application Deadline: May 23, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Operational/Administrative Job Family, Phase 2.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
