Description
The Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Full-time Fixed Short-Term position is for approximately 4 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
This position reports to the Principal Investigator.
The position will support ongoing research in the lab. The Research assistant will perform routine tasks of moderate complexity. Some examples are to conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses. They will work independently on day to day duties like organizing reference materials, visual aids, and other materials required by the Principle Investigator. While stress levels are low in this role, moderate impact of errors can still occur. Working in the laboratory will require focus and attention. The Research Assistant will perform quality control testing techniques when cleaning and maintain instruments, all equipment and supplies. There is a responsibility to ensure that the daily operations of the laboratory are completed in an efficient and effective manner. This position will work both independently and in a team environment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Under general supervision & direction of the PI, develop and implement original experiments within the guidelines of the research
- Support ongoing research in the lab
- Daily preparation of solutions for use by the research team
- Website maintenance
- Systems neuroscience
- Perform electrophysiology
- Conduct behavioural tasks
- Conduct molecular assays as necessary
- Record keeping of laboratory inventory
- Conduct literature review, surveys, laboratory experiments and other research for us in scholarly publications when required to
- Reliable and safe operation of all laboratory equipment
- Perform detailed design, documentation, and implementation of moderately complex technological systems
- Recommend change to processes or procedures
- Keep laboratory and work area clean and safe
- Establishes and maintains effective, productive relationships with staff, peers, immediate supervisor and senior management and with the campus community
- Manages own time effectively and ensures immediate reports to manager is kept informed of activities, and progress of work
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelors Degree in neuroscience
- 1 to 3 years of related technical experience within the research in systems neuroscience focusing on seizures
- Interact with other members of the team and undertake literature reviews
- Provide technical support for other team members through advice on technical lab issues Knowledge of theory and practical application of technical procedures
- Must be open to learning and development, and be willing to accept new challenges and assignments
- Provide semi-skilled to skilled technical procedures to support the research project
- Operate and maintain complex technical equipment
- Work with various biological samples (eg. blood, tissues, urine, etc)
- Demonstrated strong communication, team and customer service skills, and an ability to exercise judgment within established guidelines
- Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet skills
- Knowledge of University core business systems is desirable
- A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are critical to success
- WHMIS
Application Deadline: August 22, 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).
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We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.