This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day, with the possibility of extension.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Research Assistant will support the Research Coordinator in providing laboratory and clinical research assistance to a multidisciplinary research group (technicians, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students) under the guidance of the Principal Investigator. The lab’s translational research
program investigates how electrical stimulation and neuromodulation can modify the electrophysiological, biomechanical, and clinical outcomes of spinal cord neurological injury. This role will contribute to ongoing studies examining longitudinal exercise training interventions combined with neuromodulation to advance understanding of spinal circuitry and improve walking rehabilitation.

Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator(s), the Research Assistant will help coordinate and execute study activities, including participant recruitment and follow-up, administration of questionnaires, and communication with patients as well as University and Alberta Health Services staff. The role also involves conducting chart reviews and supporting accurate study documentation and data collection. Success in this position requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, along with an understanding of gait biomechanics, physiotherapy-based gait assessments in individuals with neurological injury or impairment (e.g., walking speed/endurance, balance, and spinal cord injury assessments), and foundational neuroscience related to spinal cord injury.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

Administrative Duties 20%

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Principal Investigator and Research
  Coordinator for research and clinical studies.
• Prepare, edit, and update Health Research Ethics Board submissions (new applications,
  renewals, amendments, and related documentation) in collaboration with the PI and research team.
• Provide administrative support for grant applications and program deliverables, including
  presentations, publications, reports, and other initiatives.
• Maintain program and study databases, including accurate data entry, secure data handling, and adherence to patient confidentiality and privacy requirements.
• Record, access, and transfer data from medical records (chart reviews) into electronic study databases in accordance with protocol and ethics requirements.
• Manage the Rehabilitation Innovations Core calendar, including scheduling study participants and coordinating activities (e.g., iSMART and ST Innovations tours, Talks and other events).
• Organize and maintain secure, accurate hardcopy and electronic study files (e.g., regulatory
  binders, consent documents, study logs), ensuring audit-ready documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely record keeping (e.g., lab notebooks, study logs, Microsoft Word/Excel
  files) in alignment with study and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate orientation and ongoing development of junior research personnel (summer students, undergraduate/graduate students, and trainees), ensuring required training and compliance with ethics and protocol procedures.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff to maintain a safe, secure, and clean research environment by following laboratory policies and guidelines.
• Perform other administrative tasks as required to support program needs and study timelines.

Research Duties 80%

• Review, understand, and adhere to multiple research protocols, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines.

• Support participant recruitment and study visits, including screening, informed consent,
  completion of case report forms, questionnaires, and safety reporting.

• Deliver or support daily exercise training sessions with participants with spinal cord injury as required by study protocols.

• Perform common electrophysiological assessments (e.g., motor evoked potentials, Hoffman reflexes) and support related data collection procedures.

• Assist with systematic reviews by screening research articles and extracting data according to established methods.

• Provide project coordination support across multiple studies, including assisting with project design and development, tracking milestones, and identifying issues for discussion with the research team.

• Conduct data analysis and interpretation across relevant data types and prepare summaries for team review.

• Present study updates and data at regular laboratory meetings and contribute to preparing
  figures/tables and results for publications.

• Train and support other lab members on research procedures and use of specialized equipment when required.

• Perform other research-related activities as assigned to support study objectives and timelines.

• Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience or related field

• Experience with patient interaction and administration of questionnaires, dealing with patients living with disabilities, responding to study-related questions

• Experience in data management

• Experience working with electrophysiology data analysis, preferably through MATLAB

• Experience with administering electrical stimulation

• Experience with troubleshooting equipment failure during data collection

• Familiar with retrieving patient information from patient charts

• Intermediate level competency with MS Office (Word and Excel) and Adobe

• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication (written and verbal) skills

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, timelines and a flexible work schedule

• Ability to work efficiently and in a professional and ethical manner

• Ability to work independently as well as with others on an interdisciplinary team

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package*.*

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.