Research Assistant, Department of Medicine

Description

The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Full-time Fixed-Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator. 

This position will be part of an interdisciplinary research project that uses wastewater to track the epidemiology of COVID-19 infection rates in Calgary and select communities throughout Alberta (https://research.ucalgary.ca/acwa/research/research-projects/covid-19-wastewater-testing).  You will work together with researchers in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the main and Foothills campuses, and at the University's Advancing Canadian Water Assets (ACWA) facility in SE Calgary, that is part of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment plant.

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

• Technical
  • Assisting with shipping and receiving details for municipalities participating in the pan-Alberta wastewater monitoring program
  • Assisting with wastewater sample custody records, initial sample preparation for cleanup and processing
  • Assisting research team members with tracking of inventory of stored samples and sample disposal as instructed.
  • Assisting and liaising with research team members for planning and organization of laboratory consumables to maintain adequate inventory
  • Assisting with cleanup protocols for field sampling equipment and supplies
• Reporting and Publications
  • Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data
  • Meet with the research team weekly for project update meetings
• Safety and Environment
  • Understanding of standard operating procedures of the equipment used in the experimental protocols.
  • Maintain a clean and safe laboratory work area
  • Will need to successfully complete the following training courses: WHMIS, Laboratory Safety Biosafety, Spill Response and ACWA specific site safety training
• Other
  • Manage time effectively to complete project work
  • Perform other duties, as assigned by the Research Supervisor
  • Contribute on a daily basis towards a positive working environment within a large and diverse team of colleagues working on the EBG program

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Experience working with wastewater in a laboratory setting in a safe and managed approach
• Experience in setting up logistics for wastewater sample shipping and receiving
• Commitment to safety and safe work practices
• Detail-oriented, diligent, and adaptable to varied work tasks
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders (including technical and research staff)
• Motivated to work in a team as well as work independently
• Ability to prioritize workload, tasks, assignments and responsibilities and is able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously
• Available to work a flexible and potentially changing schedule
• Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and good judgment.
• Knowledge of WHMIS
• Ability to multi-task and deal with some repetitive tasks
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Must be comfortable working in a diverse research team and have good interpersonal skills

Application Deadline:  October 2, 2024

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 General Job Family, Phase 3.

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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

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.