Research Associate

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The development of targeted molecular diagnostics for ocular diseases is an emerging area of biomedical research with the potential to improve early detection, disease characterization, and clinical decision-making.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will play a key role in a multidisciplinary research program focused on the development and validation of peptide-based diagnostic tools for human ocular diseases.

The Research Associate will apply extensive knowledge of biomedical research, peptide screening and characterization, molecular recognition, and assay development to lead high-level and complex research activities. The position will involve the independent development of experimental plans and research approaches, coordination of research activities, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and collaboration with researchers, clinicians, trainees, and external partners.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the academic activities of the research group.

• Executes research on the development of peptide-based diagnostic technologies for ocular diseases.
• Designs and optimizes experimental approaches for peptide screening, characterization, and validation.
• Analyzes and interprets research data and contributes to publications, reports, and grant applications.
• Coordinates research activities and collaborates with students, researchers, and clinical partners.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students involved in research projects.

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent advanced research experience in a relevant field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in biomedical or molecular research, preferably involving peptide/protein interactions, molecular recognition, targeted diagnostics, assay development, biomaterials, or related areas.
• Experience working with biological samples or tissues and developing or validating experimental diagnostic assays is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot experimental procedures, analyze complex datasets, and interpret scientific findings.
• Strong record of scientific communication, including preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and/or research grant applications.
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, or other research personnel is preferred.
• Previous university-level teaching, laboratory instruction, tutorial delivery, or student assessment experience is considered an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment involving engineers, scientists, clinicians, students, and external collaborators.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple research activities and priorities in a collaborative academic environment.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of Publications
• Academic Referral Letters

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $81,719.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.