Research Associate

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement this position has an end date of December 31, 2024 and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range of: $59,822 - $82,266.

Working for the University of Alberta

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 First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for the School of Public Health

The School of Public Health has a strong ethos of engaged scholarship, leading with purpose and working in partnership to address grand challenges. Through collaborative efforts, our innovative research will continue to address critical issues by generating evidence to inform policies that affect the health of our communities and reflect the diverse aspects of public health. 

Position Summary

This position will focus on developing, validating and implementing qPCR/dPCR assays for detection of environmental DNA (eDNA). Target organisms include aquatic invasive species and species at risk. Novel eDNA test development will require experience working with genomes, transcriptomes and metabarcoding datasets. Data generated as part of this position will be presented to stakeholders and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals. The position is planned for 1-year with the possibility of extension pending funding.

Duties

• Designs individual experiments, data collection protocols and standards under the supervision of the Principal Investigator. Specifically, eDNA assay design and validation will be core responsibilities.
• Determines most appropriate methodology to meet identified research goals.
• Oversees/conducts data collection. Conducts advanced analysis of research data and results.
• Summarizes, analyzes and organizes data for publication.
• Participates in the writing of research papers, the preparation of presentations and/or other publications. May be considered as a co-author or presenter.
• Assists in the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals.
• May be responsible for the maintenance and efficient operation of the lab (e.g., specialized lab equipment maintenance and calibration).
• May guide technical staff, students and/or post-doctoral fellows in the lab.
• May advise on specialized technical procedures or equipment.
• May be a co-applicant for research funding if stipulated in the appointment letter.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in molecular biology and bioinformatics (genomics, transcriptomics and metabarcoding). An understanding of how to develop, validate and implement qPCR/dPCR assays for assessment of organisms in aquatic ecosystems is essential. As is the ability to interpret eDNA data. The position will require written and oral presentation of data to project stakeholders and submission of this research to peer-reviewed journals.

A PhD and post-doctoral experience in Biology, Public Health or a related field is required.

Application Instructions

Please submit online the following:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• A listing of three possible references

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.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.