Research Assistant

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
The Department of Microbiology & Immunology has the unique mandate at Western University of research and teaching in Microbiology & Immunology. Teaching occurs in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Faculties of Science and Health Sciences and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Research spans key areas of infection and immunity, namely the molecular and cellular biology of microorganisms and viruses as well as the cellular and molecular biology of the immune system.

**Responsibilities**:
The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) Program funds world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. Each chair is required to produce an EDI Action plan to reduce barriers for entry into their research field. The Research Assistant will work with Dr. Alexandra Levine (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization [EDID] Research Specialist), Dr. Robyn Klein (CERC) and Dr. Claire Harvey (Institutional Research Programs Officer) to achieve the responsibilities outlined below.
- The Research Assistant will support the research activities for qualitative and quantitative projects in adherence with ethics protocols and guidelines. The incumbent will handle the day-to-day research duties required for the operation of the laboratory or research centre, and may be a liaison between the research team and study participants. The incumbent will assist in the dissemination of research results arising from these projects, and perform qualitative and quantitative data collection, entry and processing. The Research Assistant may also assist with the preparation of any required documents, coordinate travel, and organize meetings for the research team.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Graduate degree in a relevant area of focus

**Experience**:

- 1 year of work experience supporting research in a related technical field

The Research Assistant can expect the EDID Research Specialist to provide regular touch-points, formal and informal guidance, support and coaching, as well as performance feedback.

**Responsibilities**:

- Writing a 4-page literature review, which includes:

- Conducting a comprehensive literature search relating to the current climate and systemic barriers to inclusion within the discipline of neuroimmunology and broader scope of virology and neuroscience, broadly and within the Canadian context;
- Collaboratively with the EDID Research Specialist, incorporate the literature review findings within the context of Western and Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry (SSMD);
- Organize connections with key partners who support and represent equity-deserving groups across campus, with the EDID Research Specialist’s guidance, identify and discuss opportunities for collaboration;
- Connect with the abovementioned partners, for the opportunity for them to review the CERC EDI Action Plan and ensure it accurately represents their experience and strategic approaches to advancing EDI at Schulich and Western, and identified barriers, truthfully.
- Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

- Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy
- Ability to employ a systematic and efficient approach to work
- Personable and courteous in working relationships with colleagues, students and the public
- Ability to collect and analyze data in an objective manner
- Familiarity with regulations and guidelines governing research
- Familiarity with methods for research design, implementation, and analysis
- Familiarity with experimental design and analysis
- Computer skills with the ability to learn and use software programs
- Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
- Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to document technical information

**Why Western?**:
Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications. Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

**Western Values Diversity**:
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.