Description
This opportunity is currently available for internal applicants only as THERE IS A STRONG INTERNAL CANDIDATE FOR THIS POSITION.
Chemical and Petroleum Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Research Assistant (RA) reports to the Principal Investigator (PI). The RA will design, implement, monitor and execute projects related to the phase behavior research topics of the HOPP program under the direction of the PI and HOPP staff. This position is located at the University of Calgary main campus. The position has standard working hours (35 hours per week) but work may occasionally be required outside normal working hours. The position involves handling of bitumen and flammable solvents at elevated temperatures and pressures.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Complete equipment modification as required for research.
- Develop and validate experimental procedures.
- Run experiments safely and perform measurements required for project.
- Analyze and present experimental results orally and/or in writing.
- Ensure safe handling practices for hazardous materials and process equipment.
- Promote a culture of safety in the laboratory setting.
- Take responsibility for the successful completion of the projects.
- Make decisions that may impact the outcome of the research.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with students, staff, and PI.
- Maintain timely and effective communication with students, staff, and PI.
- Laboratory cleanup and organization.
- Computer data entry and record keeping.
- Ensure that all work is completed on time and professionally.
- Demonstrate consideration and respect when dealing with all students/staff/team members.
- Inform staff and researchers when problems or delays occur.
- Work with and assisting students.
- Other duties as directed by Supervisor.(s)
Qualifications / Requirements:
- B.Sc. (preferably M.Sc.) in Chemical and Petroleum engineering with a minimum of 2 years experience in a research oriented laboratory setting.
- Operational knowledge and experience with:
- Phase behavior (PVT) apparatus.
- Precision technical equipment and data acquisition systems.
- Bitumen characterization procedures.
- Phase behavior measurements.
- Familiarity with fundamentals of thermodynamics and heavy oil/solvent processes.
- Experience with MS Office software.
- Proven good judgment and problem solving skills.
- Ability to carry out duties independently, with minimal supervision.
- Flexibility to work as a member of a team or independently as required.
- Ability to interact with staff members and students in a pleasant helpful manner.
- Ability to closely follow strict safety standards.
- Strong communication skills.
Application Deadline: August 7, 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.
