Regular/Temporary

Regular

Job Title

Research Assistant, CLSA

Job ID

72182

Location

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP)

Open Date

09/26/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

10/05/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

FHS Health Evidence and Impact

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 6

Salary Range

$22.94 - $36.83 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12.2 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Requires 2 years of relevant experience

JD Number

JD 0592

Anticipated Start Date

October 27, 2025

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) is a large, national, long-term study of more than 50,000 men and women who were between the ages of 45 and 85 when recruited. These participants will be followed until 2033 or death. The aim of the CLSA is to find ways to help us live long and live well and understand why some people age in healthy fashion while others do not. The CLSA is looking for a Research Assistant that will support the CLSA team in the implementation and execution of this study.

Job Summary:

Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Purpose and Key Functions:

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.
• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
• Conduct structured project participant interviews.
• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters.
• Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.
• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Write a variety of letters and memos.
• Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance.
• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.
• Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets:

• Experience with Cenozo Software (ex. Mastodon, Beartooth, Sabretooth, Cedar software) is considered an asset.
• A French bilingual candidate will be considered a strong asset.

Additional Information:

The Research Assistant will be part of a cross-functional operations team.

Tasks may include:

• document management system activities;
• quality management system activities;
• cognition data coding, entry, cleaning and quality review;
• questionnaire design and testing;
• responding to participant queries;
• conducting participant interviews;
• packaging and processing mailouts;
• additional data entry activities; and
• other administrative and research duties as required.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following qualifications:

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Strong organizational and teamwork skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Time management skills

• Flexibility and willingness to learn

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook is required, as well as experience working with data collection software

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the following to communicate accomodation needs:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or

• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or

• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.