Research Associate, Anthropology and Archaeology, Faculty of Arts

Position Overview

The Department of Anthropology and Archaeology in the Faculty of Arts invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 18 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Associate will work on the NIH-funded project 'A new model system for assessing the socio-environmental determinants of the pace of aging: leveraging a long-term study of wild capuchins'

The Associate will report to the Principal Investigator, and will be based at the University Calgary working 35 hours per week to the project. The associate will be responsible for running experiments in the molecular genomics laboratory at the University of Calgary and for traveling to Costa Rica to periodically to contribute to assessments of primate health, to oversee sample collection from wild primates, to sample shipments, and to interact with collaborating institutions, including the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica.

The associate will periodically travel to the laboratories of collaborators in Canada and the USA, specifically the genomics laboratory of the Universite de Montreal, and the primate endocrinology laboratory at New York University. Across these locations, the technician will conduct the molecular benchwork for epigenetic profiles, microbiome and proteome analyses, and biomarkers of immune response and inflammation.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide skilled technical support to a research laboratory
• Perform experiments and operate all laboratory equipment related to epigenetic, microbiome and proteome fields
• Generation of epigenetic, microbiome and proteome data
• Maintains clear and well-documented reports of all activities and research experiments
• Maintain close working contact with the field site in Costa Rica to assess the health of the study primates and to ensure smooth collection and transportation of biological samples
• Understanding of safety codes, standards, and university regulations

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Doctor in Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
• 2 years of experience with molecular genetics, endocrinological laboratory work
• 1 year of experience in conducting sample collection from wild mammals for DNA, RNA, and Protein analysis
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills are required
• Able to multi-task and deal with multiple simultaneous priorities in an effective, efficient manner
• Strong organizational and time management skills, accuracy, and strong attention to detail
• Intercultural skills and ability to interact with a broad range of collaborators and students
• Strong analytical and planning skills

Application Deadline:  February 15, 2023

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 2 (Salary range $32.21-$46.63/hour).

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.