Description
The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
The Research Assistant reports to and receives direction from the Principal Investigator (PI). This position exists to perform, analyze and validate laboratory experiments for the PI and to support lab members in performing laboratory experiments in the areas of Veterinary Medical Science. The Research Assistant will work with supervision from the Principal Investigator and with other laboratory users in order to ensure the success of the research activities. The work intensity for this position is variable and may, on occasion, require extended hours. Working conditions may also require exposure to various hazardous materials and substances as well as animals.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Carries out research activities, but not limited to, in the areas of veterinary medicine, molecular microbiology, bacteria and virus detection, host-bacteriophage interaction, antimicrobial activity screening, next generation sequencing (WGS, metagenomics, transcriptomics), bioinformatic analysis, animal challenge study, fecal and tissue samples collection and analysis outlined by the Principal Investigators
- Provides technical assistance to other laboratory personnel as needed
- Mentor high school, undergraduate and graduate students
- Works within established University research guidelines and research specific protocols
- Presents specialized, technical information, or research results to the research team and collaborators
- Inventories, orders, receives, and stocks materials, supplies, and equipment for laboratory use
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and research reports.
- Support the coordination and management of research projects
- Demonstrates and provides instruction to students in proper use and care of laboratory materials and equipment; assists in maintaining security maintenance of laboratories, laboratory equipment, supplies, and materials
Qualifications / Requirements:
- A Master of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Microbiology or a close related field is required
- Strong technical experience in molecular cloning, protein expression, cell culture, and working with mouse models is essential
- Hands-on experience or a solid experimental background in qPCR, CRISPR, next-generation sequencing (e.g. RNA seq, shotgun metagenomics), and bioinformatics is highly desirable
- Experience in preparing animal use and/or ethic protocols is considered an asset
- Prior research experience with bacteriophages, functional genomics, culturomics, epifluorescence microscope, confocal imaging and flow cytometry is considered an asset
- Demonstrated ability to work with hazardous chemicals and infectious agents is required
- Having training and experience in working in bio-safety level 2 containment is required
- Strong ability to perform general laboratory maintenance and inventory and coordinate research project is required
- Demonstrated abilities to work independently and achieve goals in a laboratory setting will be considered a major asset
- Attention to details and accuracy is required
- Extensive experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) is required
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential for effective collaboration with faculty members, external partners, and stakeholders
Application Deadline: August 15, 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 Technical 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.
