Description
The Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Senior Research Assistant position. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant (Senior RA) to join the Determinants of Child Development Lab (DCDL) under the direction of Dr. Sheri Madigan. This is a full-time position suited for a candidate with extensive experience in psychological and child development research across all stages of the research process (design, data collection, analysis, dissemination). As part of the core team of research staff in the lab, the Senior RA will also provide administrative and coordination support to the Research Coordinator and PI, helping to ensure smooth operation of ongoing projects and the lab environment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Co-lead and engage in research components. For example, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, umbrella reviews, and data cataloguing projects, including search strategy development, screening abstracts and full-text articles, data extraction, analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for submission and publication.
- Collaborate closely with Dr. Madigan, senior lab members, and other lab members to support administrative functions and protocol development for research projects.
- Provide technical training to junior research assistants and undergraduate volunteers on systematic review methodology, and lab protocols.
- Assist the Knowledge Translation and Communications Specialist with lab communications, ensuring that lab branding is consistently applied across key materials, including administrative documents, and public-facing content.
- Support the Research Coordinator with operational and administrative paperwork related to lab activities.
- Lead or assist with the maintenance and continuous improvement of lab protocols and manuals, including updates to training documentation and methodological SOPs.
- Plan and facilitate virtual and in-person lab meetings, maintain collaborative digital workspaces (e.g., Airtable, shared drives), and promote efficient internal communication.
- Contribute to lab strategy and planning discussions. Providing insights on research development and opportunities for lab process improvements.
- Take on additional responsibilities as they arise, based on evolving project and lab needs.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A BA/BSc in Psychology, Social Sciences, Health Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5-6 years of research experience preferably in developmental or clinical psychology or related areas, with direct involvement in multiple stages of research (e.g., research design, ethics approval, data collection, stakeholder engagement, analysis, manuscript preparation, knowledge translation and dissemination).
- Demonstrated leadership in managing research components (e.g., meta-analyses, data synthesis, or communication initiatives).
- Strong proficiency with systematic review tools and research software, including:
- Covidence, Zotero/Mendeley/EndNote, and database platforms (e.g., ProQuest)
- Airtable or other project management platforms
- Experience using statistical software (SPSS, R) for data management and analysis.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience in academic writing, proofing manuscripts, and preparing materials for scholarly audiences.
- Proven ability in training junior team members, and working collaboratively in a dynamic research team.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple deadlines and operate with a high degree of independence.
Assets:
- Familiarity with design and communication tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Mailchimp, Qualtrics, social media scheduling tools).
- Experience managing ethics submissions, research protocols, and documentation for academic or clinical research settings.
Application Deadline: June 04, 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 1.
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.
