Research Assistant

**Job Description Number**

JD00622

**Pay Grade**

6

**Job Title**

Research Assistant

**Schedule**

35 hours per week

**Education Level**

3-year Community College diploma in a relevant Technician program.

**Career Level**

Requires 1 year of relevant experience

A **Research Assistant** is required in the Department of Medicine to provide laboratory and technician support for a physician and staff in a hospital setting.

**Job Summary**:
The **Research Assistant **is responsible for providing research support within a laboratory environment. Assists investigators by conducting standardized experiments and collecting, recording, and analyzing experimental data. This individual will recruit participants for research studies which may include infants and parents.

**Accountabilities**:

- Perform standardized laboratory experiments within an area of scientific research.
- Operate standard laboratory instruments and equipment.
- Maintain the general cleanliness of the lab and its equipment ensuring any issues are reported to senior staff. Compile research results and utilize computer software to run basic statistical analysis.
- Report any discrepancies in the initial data analysis and suggest probable procedural causes and resolutions.
- Ensure adequate supplies are available for experiments.
- Schedule laboratory equipment for use.
- Prepare data for reports, journal articles, and papers.
- Recruit participants for research studies and coordinate testing which may include children and parents.
- Provide lab use training to a research group comprised of students, staff, and faculty.
- Update standard operating procedures as required.
- Ensure the accuracy of all data collected and entered into databases.
- Perform literature searches to gather information relating to the topic of study.
- Summarize search results for review by senior staff.
- Observe, detail, record, and maintain accurate logs of experimental protocols, conditions, and results.
- Correspond with internal and external colleagues as it pertains to sharing or gathering pertinent scientific information. Frequently handle competing requests requests and simultaneous deadlines.
- Attend and participate in regular meetings with the colleagues in the department.

**Skills and Qualifications**:

- 3-year Community College diploma in a relevant Technician program.
- Requires 1 year of relevant experience.
- Experience with the following is an asset:

- Clinical inhaled aerosol vaccine trials
- Human PBMC sample processing
- Human bronchoscopic sample processing
- Immune cell surface and intracellular cytokine immunostaining
- Flow cytometry and data analysis
- Whole blood culture and immunostaining
- ELISPOT assay
- Antibody ELISA with serum and BAL fluid samples
- Frozen PBMC reviving, culture and antigen stimulation

**Employment Equity Statement**

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

**Vaccination Mandate - FHS**

This position is located in a host hospital or other healthcare site that has an active vaccination mandate in place. Successful applicants will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment.