Description

The Department of Paediatrics in the Cumming School of Medicine 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.

Research Assistant will assist with biosample data collection and interacting with study participants. The Developmental Psychobiology Laboratory collects a variety of biological, clinical, and self-report data. The overall objective of the work undertaken by the Research Assistant is to facilitate research undertaken in the lab. Specifically, the research assistant will contribute to collection of biosamples and clinical data. Work activities may also include some data entry, assisting with grant proposals, preparing ethics applications, and preparing reports for presentation.

Reporting to the Lab Manager.

Hours are 7 hours per day, usually 8:30 to 4 pm. Occasional evening and weekend work required.

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

• Advise others of systems, programs, or protocols
• Exercise judgement within established guidelines
• Deal with minor complex issues and concerns for a specialized area
• Recommends changes to procedures or practices within the work unit
• Demonstrate strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Make recommendations to policy or procedural changes as needed
• Maintain established protocols and procedures
• Recruit eligible participants for research projects by checking charts and other sources
• Coordinate and schedule research visits according to study procedures
• Communicate with participants regarding missing or unclear data
• Extract data from existing databases
• Collaborate with the study investigators to perform and complete relevant parts of the study, such as obtaining signatures, discussing questions that come up, reviewing abnormal results of tests, etc.
• Coordinate with other lab members to ensure recurring research tasks are completed
• Perform PI delegated functions, such as interviewing research participants, completing questionnaires, performing simple physical exam tasks such as measuring weight, height and blood pressure, properly tracking and storing biological samples, etc.
• Contribute to protocol development by bringing forth feasible ideas for participant recruitment, study design and methodology and participant retention in studies
• Liaise with all research team members and sponsor/other collaborators
• Provide research support, produce reports, and administer research policies and procedures
• Keep electronic records of all study material including protocols, informed consent forms, questionnaires, renewals, modifications, etc.
• Obtain consent from participants wishing to participate in research projects according to standard approved protocol
• Respond to email inquiries from participants and provide support for participants accessing study measures
• Foster a collaborative and supportive lab environment by sharing expertise with 3-4 undergraduate students through mentoring, training or coaching, on an ad hoc basis

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Undergraduate Degree is required
• Must have at least 2 years' experience as a research assistant
• Strong organizational and leadership skills are essential
• Ability to plan and direct research and administrative activities within a team environment is required
• Experience in data management and data entry preferred
• Strong knowledge of REDCap programming an asset
• Experience with Freezerworks sample management software an asset
• Knowledge of University policies including submission of projects to ethics boards is required
• Ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects is required
• Must be fluent in English and have strong communication skills
• Language ability in French a strong asset
• Ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines is required
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential
• Ability to provide support to other members of the team and related units or teams is required
• Ability to solve complex problems is essential
• Must be cooperative and dependable
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite are required

Application Deadline: July 17, 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 Specialist/Advisor 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.