Research Assistant

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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

The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest and most scientifically diverse departments of its kind in Canada. Six Research Interest Groups with overlapping memberships (Ecology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Physiology and Cell Biology, Plant Biology, and Systematics and Evolution) provide expertise in all areas of biological sciences.

**Position Summary**

Working under the direction of Professor and Canada Research Chair Shinichi Nakagawa and of Professor Nakagawa’s Centre Manager, the Research Assistant is responsible for executing the daily and strategic operations of the Centre for Open Science and Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution. The Centre conducts meta-research and research on data syntheses (e.g., meta-analyses, systematic maps, Big Data analysis) in ecology and evolutionary biology. The Centre also provides quantitative synthesis courses and workshops on research and data syntheses to ecologists and evolutionary biologists, especially targeting early career scientists (ECRs) and scientists from the Global South. The Centre aims to make ecological and evolutionary research more quantitative, inclusive, collaborative and less biased. The Centre will engage with external partners such as the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.
1. Financial and Budgetary (20%)

Works with Centre Manager to monitor, analyze, forecast and report on Centre financials.
Supports the completion and monitoring of Centre budgets.

2. Facilities Management (25%)

Manages space allocation (office and lab), including allocation of furniture and office equipment.
Will support the purchase of related equipment and supplies.
Will support and fulfil requests for access to/use of the computer, phone and other related systems.
Manages requests for computer, phone and system access.
Maintains and evaluates current business processes for operational and financial efficiencies. Recommends changes.

3. People Management (15%)

Contributes to the creation of an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives and achievements are recognized, rewarded and celebrated.
Coordinates the implementation of EDI (equity, diversity and inclusiveness) in the centre with PI.

4. Research (25%)

May organize research project symposia, conferences, lectures, seminars or meetings.
May assist in creating progress, scientific, financial, or final reports for stakeholders, granting agencies, or external funders.
Provides a preliminary read-through of manuscripts. Provides feedback on presentations from lab members. Provides editing as needed for students’ written work.
Acts as a focal point for lab members' technical inquiries concerning coding, data storage practices, access and usage ofthe computing server

5. Relationships (15%)

May complete or oversee communications activities for the centre or institute in conjunction with a communications partner or the faculty/VP office into which they report.Builds and maintains relationships with external and internal networks and partners, including collaborators, funding agencies, suppliers, etc.
- MSc is required in fields such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Behavioural Ecology, or Computing Science, Data Science. A minimum of 3 years of direct work-related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
- Programming and coding experience (e.g., R, Python, SQL, C#).
- Database management experience.
- Possesses initiative, resourcefulness, and leadership skills.

**Preferred Qualifications**
- PhD is an asset.
- Research experience and scientific publications are assets.
- Experience with data management and databases is considered an asset.
- Experience in advanced statistics and AI is considered an asset.
- Ability to interact and communicate professionally with staff, graduate students, and suppliers/manufacturers
- 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.