Research Associate

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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 approximate appointment of 2 years and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range of $59,822-$74,785.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

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 Department

The Department of Cell Biology has a wide range of laboratories that study biological processed from organelle biogenesis, trafficking to developmental cell biology.

Position 

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will apply extensive knowledge in Drosophila research to perform high-level complex research activities, such as running experiments, leading projects, presenting at lab meetings and journal clubs, and liaising with partners in various departments at the University of Alberta and other universities.

Duties 

• (At least 10 years) Maintain Drosophila lines that are relevant to the projects at hand
• (Some experience necessary) Conduct LABL experiments using luminescence measurements and data collection/interpretation (Johnstone et al, eLife 2022)
• (Some experience preferred) Conduct cloning experiments to build necessary cDNA constructs for analysis in cultured cells or to build transgenic flies
• Conduct immunoblotting or immunofluorescence imaging experiments to measure protein localization and amount
• Conduct protein purification for mass spectrometry analysis if necessary
• (At least 10 years) Fly husbandry to determine genetic interactions to determine effects on fly behavior
• (At least 10 years) Conduct fly behavior assays (locomotion and feeding)
• Use three-color flow cytometry to quantify transcription activity
• (At least 10 years) Identify and conduct control experiments for proper interpretation of results
• (At least 10 years) Maintain instrument functionality to ensure seamless data collection
• Train students and research assistants in the proper procedures to be used within the lab, if necessary
• Foster communications with off-campus partners
• Assist with the preparation of figures and manuscripts
• Communicate progress to principal investigator

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, or Biochemistry.
• Experience with tissue culture.
• Experience with Drosophila behavior assays (Activity Monitors).
• Experience with Drosophila feeding assays (e.g., FLIC assay).
• Experience with Drosophila dissections.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Experience with trouble-shooting experimental assays.
• Experience with cloning as well as building dicistronic expression vectors.
• Western blotting experience.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate interactions with a range of users including students, PDFs, PI's, and administrators.
• High-level organizational skills commensurate with coordinating, deploying and reporting assays on behalf of different users.
• At least 3 years of effective supervisory experience using advanced interpersonal and (employer perspective) managerial skills to effectively lead and supervise at least one unionized employee.
• At least 5 years of strategic leadership and experience in supervising and mentoring (undergraduate students).
• Superior organizational, self-management, and time management, analytic, and solution-seeking skills with excellent attention to details.
• Verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills with the proven ability to interact professionally, knowledgeably, comfortably, positively and respectfully with diverse individuals. Proven ability to develop and/or maintain professional, positive, and collaborative working relationships with both internal/external stakeholders.
• Organizational and time management skills with the ability to make complex decisions under pressure while effectively and efficiently managing and prioritizing multiple tasks to meet deadlines within a demanding, fast-paced, and often stressful work environment.
• Excellent project management skills with the proven ability to manage large and small projects within a set time frame.
• Demonstrated understanding of program planning, implementation, data collection, evaluation, assessment and dissemination is required.
• Excellent working knowledge of related University of Alberta policies and procedures (FOIPP; UAPPOL; Environmental Health and Safety; and Insurance and Risk Management).
• Ability to be professional and tactful in highly sensitive situations often involving highly confidential information. Proven ability to strictly adhere and comply with University confidentiality guidelines, policies, and regulations is required.
• Compliance, alignment, and support of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry’s (current and emerging) mandate, strategic initiatives, and operational plans and programs that are dedicated to achieving a more diverse, equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment for all who work, learn, and live within our community is required.
• Consults and collaborates with PI, Academic Department Manager, and/or HR Service Partner and/or other relevant Central HR units regarding complex HR, employee relations, and labor relations issues as required to ensure compliance with relevant Collective Agreement(s), policies, and legislative requirements, as well as, ensuring that HR best practice standards are met / maintained.
• Annual submission of U of A Conflict of Interest / Conflict of Commitment Declaration is required.
• Successful completion of recommended and/or mandatory U of A training, as required.
• Proven computer proficiency (at intermediate level) in a number of computer software packages including Microsoft Office Suite, Google applications, Graphpad Prism, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, LumiCyle and LumiCycle Analysis (Actimetrics Inc). and some R coding experience. Experience with University administration systems, such as PeopleSoft, is considered an asset.

As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, the university must conduct recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a temporary foreign worker. To ensure we remain in compliance with these regulations, please include the appropriate statement in your application "I am a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident" or "I am not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident".

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.