Research Associate, Department of Civil Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

Position Overview

The Department of Civil Engineering in the Schulich School of Engineering invites applications for a Position Title. This Full-time Fixed Term  position is for approximately 11 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Primary Investigator (PI), the Research Associate (RA) will focus on undertaking field research on demonstrating the applicability of methanotrophy to control fugitive methane emissions from various sources in Alberta as directed by the PI.  In addition, the RA will coordinate and undertake tasks related to the Calgary Biocell mining project being undertaken jointly with city of Calgary.

General direction will be provided by the Primary Investigator; however, the incumbent must prioritize and work within a complex schedule to meet multiple simultaneous deadlines. Stress resulting from work pressure is minimal, however it should be recognized that mistakes would seriously impact the credibility and reputation of the University.

There is a minimal impact of error because of the quality standards expected.  Stress resulting from work pressure is moderate.

Flexible work hours are possible to accommodate critical deadlines.  Occasional work outside core business hours may be required for business needs. Travel to meet industry partners, collect field data, supervise construction of the ET/biocap will be required.  There is heavy emphasis on the ability to liaise with various stakeholders and attain Project Milestones as set out by the Steering Committee of the project.

Position Description

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

• Maintain a safe, courteous and professional working environment.
• Make positive working relationships with all industry partners and other stakeholders.
• Keep all members of the research team well informed of research progress through attendance at regular progress meetings.
• Responsible for working with various industry/institutional partners to install methane biofilters, measure methane emissions in collaboration with other technology providers and monitor the performance of the these systems in collaboration with the research team led by the PI.
• Responsible for preparing progress reports on a regular basis for submission to industry partner.
• Participate in progress meetings; attended by the research team members.
• The research deals with the application of methanotrophic organisms to control methane emissions from various sources. The research involves literature review, laboratory experimental work, designing, constructing and implementing these systems in Alberta.
• The Calgary Biocell mining project involves field work and laboratory work done in collaboration with city of Calgary. The laboratory work involves BMP assays and associated investigations to characterise the excavated waste residue (EWR) from the Biocell.
• The RA is required to work very closely with the consultants involved in the project as well as the waste management authority sponsoring the project.
• The RA is required to work with a group of other researchers including graduate students and summer research assistants.
• The RA may not be required to undertake laboratory-based research but liaison with lab personnel is required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering/science or related field.
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal), with ability to liaise with a multitude of stakeholders are essential.
• 1-3 years of related experience is required. Experience with undertaking fieldwork, especially in the application of methanotrophy to control methane emissions, is preferred.
• Experience of conducting methane emission measurements using flux chamber and related methods and experience with undertaking lab-based research in methanotrophy applications is desirable.
• Experience with writing project proposals, including the development of scope of work, budgeting, project scheduling, and writing progress reports to various stakeholders is required.
• It is preferred that the candidate has work experience with field and lab-based techniques to monitor and determine methanotrophic bio-oxidation potential of various systems. A strong understanding of the associated biological principles is an asset.
• Requires strong organizational, time management and problem solving skills, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
• Must be highly goal-driven and exhibit the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders. The candidate is expected to take a lead role in all field research related activities.
• Able to work within a collaborative setting with others to set clear priorities while managing multiple timelines and objectives
• Intermediate computer skills including proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite of programs, navigating the Internet, and utilizing email are also required.

Application Deadline:  June 03, 2022

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.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase I.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . For more information visit Careers in the Schulich School of Engineering .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High , 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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.