Research Assistant, Congestion Prediction in Air Cargo Operation
Top Benefits
About the role
Job Description:
About the Project
This research project aims to develop a machine learning (ML) model to predict short-term congestion in air cargo operations. The research integrates operational logistics, applied AI, and stakeholder engagement with aviation industry partners (Westjet Cargo). The RA will support the PI in reviewing literature, building and cleaning datasets, running baseline ML models, and preparing visualizations and summary materials. The project is supervised by Dr. Mina Enayatollahi, Assistant Professor of Aviation, Bissett School of Business, and contributes to ongoing collaboration between MRU and WestJet.
About the Role
The RA will work under direct supervision and gradually take on increasing responsibilities. The position will work approximately 6-10 hours per week for 9 months with the possibility of extension.
Responsibilities
-
Conduct literature reviews on air cargo operations, congestion modeling, and ML in logistics
-
Assist in compiling and formatting operational or simulated datasets
-
Support the development and testing of predictive ML models using Python
-
Help evaluate model performance using standard metrics
-
Prepare visualizations and summaries for reports, presentations, or posters
-
Participate in weekly check-ins and contribute to knowledge mobilization activities
Qualifications
- Interest in aviation operations, air logistics, or applied data science
- Familiarity with Python and data tools (e.g., pandas, matplotlib, Jupyter notebooks)
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and willingness to learn
- Able to work independently while taking direction on project tasks
- Reliable and communicative; able to meet on campus weekly
Preferred (but not required)
-
Coursework in aviation management, operations research, or statistics
-
Prior experience with machine learning or data-driven projects
-
Familiarity with Google Colab, GitHub, or cloud-based tools
Salary: $21.23 - $26.81 per hour
Closing Date: December 26, 2025
About Mount Royal University
Welcome to Mount Royal University, where we foster a work environment of mutual respect, transparency and inclusiveness, and where talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We believe we are stronger as a university when employees collaborate and bring diverse perspectives together.
We invest in the wellness and development of our employees, knowing that it benefits both the individual and the university as a whole. Our culture, along with many services, resources and programs, encourages a healthy, productive workplace.
As we strive to enhance our culture of innovation and excellence, we support faculty, staff and management to be innovative in their work -- in our classrooms and across our campus.
This is a place where employees feel a sense of community and belonging. Where people feel supported in their work and enjoy the friendliness and familiarity that only a small campus can provide.
Research Assistant, Congestion Prediction in Air Cargo Operation
Top Benefits
About the role
Job Description:
About the Project
This research project aims to develop a machine learning (ML) model to predict short-term congestion in air cargo operations. The research integrates operational logistics, applied AI, and stakeholder engagement with aviation industry partners (Westjet Cargo). The RA will support the PI in reviewing literature, building and cleaning datasets, running baseline ML models, and preparing visualizations and summary materials. The project is supervised by Dr. Mina Enayatollahi, Assistant Professor of Aviation, Bissett School of Business, and contributes to ongoing collaboration between MRU and WestJet.
About the Role
The RA will work under direct supervision and gradually take on increasing responsibilities. The position will work approximately 6-10 hours per week for 9 months with the possibility of extension.
Responsibilities
-
Conduct literature reviews on air cargo operations, congestion modeling, and ML in logistics
-
Assist in compiling and formatting operational or simulated datasets
-
Support the development and testing of predictive ML models using Python
-
Help evaluate model performance using standard metrics
-
Prepare visualizations and summaries for reports, presentations, or posters
-
Participate in weekly check-ins and contribute to knowledge mobilization activities
Qualifications
- Interest in aviation operations, air logistics, or applied data science
- Familiarity with Python and data tools (e.g., pandas, matplotlib, Jupyter notebooks)
- Strong attention to detail, critical thinking, and willingness to learn
- Able to work independently while taking direction on project tasks
- Reliable and communicative; able to meet on campus weekly
Preferred (but not required)
-
Coursework in aviation management, operations research, or statistics
-
Prior experience with machine learning or data-driven projects
-
Familiarity with Google Colab, GitHub, or cloud-based tools
Salary: $21.23 - $26.81 per hour
Closing Date: December 26, 2025
About Mount Royal University
Welcome to Mount Royal University, where we foster a work environment of mutual respect, transparency and inclusiveness, and where talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We believe we are stronger as a university when employees collaborate and bring diverse perspectives together.
We invest in the wellness and development of our employees, knowing that it benefits both the individual and the university as a whole. Our culture, along with many services, resources and programs, encourages a healthy, productive workplace.
As we strive to enhance our culture of innovation and excellence, we support faculty, staff and management to be innovative in their work -- in our classrooms and across our campus.
This is a place where employees feel a sense of community and belonging. Where people feel supported in their work and enjoy the friendliness and familiarity that only a small campus can provide.