Research Associate, Department of Medicine

Description

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

This position reports to the Principal Investigator. 

This position reports directly to the principal investigator, and supports a translational and basic science research group focusing on the use of Nanopore next-generation sequencing platform for microbiome analysis of both clinical and experimental analysis.

Research Associate will plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the activities and operations of a development laboratory, including quality control.  They will develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the scientific and technical work performed in the laboratory.  They will also assign, coordinate and review the technical work of the laboratory or project teams.  Research Associates may participate directly in design, development and inspection of technical projects or in the theoretical or applied scientific work of the lab.  May consult and negotiate with clients, prepare specifications, explain proposals or present scientific research reports and findings.

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

• Maintain standard operating procedures for nanopore sequencing pipeline and sample processing
• Support of the research team through providing skilled technical procedures with particular focus on nucleic acid isolation, library preparation, and sequencing using the Nanopore sequencing platform
• Utilize pre-existing bioinformatics pipelines to analyze sequencing data
• Conduct other experimental operations in the laboratory (eg. molecular, microbial, and other microbiome experiments)
• Maintain detailed records of experimental protocols and data acquisition to contribute to publications within the research field
• Responsible for management, maintenance, or control of a specialized area
• Involved in day-to-day supervision of staff, monitoring, planning, and organizing activities of others
• Provide help in the training and supervision of members of the lab
• Maintain SOPs and monitor key lab practices
• Assist with plans and designs for specialized applications to meet the needs of operations, research, and services
• Budget involvement including developing reports, tracking expenses, and reconciliation of accounts
• Responsible for presentations in producing figures for publication
• Produce initial drafts of manuscripts for publication and appropriate scientific journals
• Participate in the design and development of precision equipment and processes
• Recommend changes to methods, procedures, and practices within the lab
• Responsible of the organization of the day-to-day administration of the laboratory
• Responsible for ordering, and stock checking
• Responsible for repairs of equipment, ensuring safety compliance
• Under limited supervision and direction, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Doctoral degree and postdoctoral training is required
• Minimum 7 years of technical experience and completion of post-secondary education in related discipline
• 3 to 5 years of related technical experience within the research specialty field
• 1 to 3 years of supervisory experience
• Previous molecular biology experience is an asset
• Previous experience working with bioinformatic sequencing analysis is an asset
• Intermediate to advanced skills in bioinformatic tools (R-suite, python, etc) would be an asset
• Ability to perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
• Ability to provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Direct and demonstrable research experience in the subject matter of the research project is essential
• Provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues
• Extensive knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures and techniques
• Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
• Understanding of safety codes and standards related to specialization
• Operate and maintain complex technical equipment
• Experience with various biological samples (eg. blood, tissues, urine, etc)
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal skills

Application Deadline:  March 13, 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 2.

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 ([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.