Job Description

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

CAS RESEARCH ASSISTANT (I) - Smyth-Zucker 2025

Job ID

72763

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

11/10/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

11/16/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Computing and Software

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 7

Salary Range

$25.70 - $39.89 (hourly)

Contract Duration

13.4 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

M-F, 35hrs/week

Education Level

BSc in Computer Science/ Information Science or related fields

Career Level

Experienced


Anticipated Start November 24th 2025


Anticipated End December 31st 2026

Research Assistant

(JD00436)

Engineering a Brighter Future

https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/

Unit/Project Description

McMaster's department of

Computing and Software

is one of the top departments for Computer Science and Software Engineering in Canada. We have 40+ faculty members with expertise in computer systems, software engineering, theoretical computer science, security, privacy, machine learning, data analytics, scientific computing, and bioinformatics. The department mentors over 1,800 undergraduate students in three programs: computer science, software engineering, and mechatronics engineering. It also mentors more than 180 graduate students in master's and doctoral programs.


The unit will be investigating a subclass of computable functions on the reals called 'WhileCC-approximable functions'. Elementary functions are those obtained from finitely many applications of arithmetic operations, compositions, exponentials, logarithms, trigonometric functions, and their inverses. This project will be led by Dr. William Smyth and Dr. Jeffrey Zucker.

Job Summary

Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Purpose & Key Functions

Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data. Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results. Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting. Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities. Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems. Write data management and operations documentation for the project. Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel. Conduct structured project participant interviews. Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures. Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects. Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants. Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters. Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs. Conduct literature searches. Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners. Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year. Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts. Write a variety of letters and memos. Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance. Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions. Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a related field of study. Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

Extensive knowledge and educational background (e.g. a graduate degree) in Computer Science Previous experience conducting research on topological models of computation over the reals Familiarity with WhileCC programs Familiarity with LaTeX

Additional Information

The successful incumbent will prepare conference and journal versions of recent results on elementary functions, and extending these results to multiple arguments The successful incumbent will investigate properties of partial WhileCC-approximable functions. Hybrid work will be an option for this role Within your application package, please include a cover letter, resume/CV and 2-3 referees

The successful candidate must also have / demonstrate:

Excellent problem solving and analytical skills Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships at work Flexibility and adaptability when meeting deadlines with numerous interruptions Ability to meet tight project deadlines and competing timelines Ability to respond creatively to resolve issues and maintain workflow High attention to detail while producing thorough and accurate work

How To Apply

To apply, please send your CV, a letter summarizing your research interests (up to 2 pages), email addresses of up to three References, and one example of a recent publication.


Send the full application package online via Mosaic by the posting closing date. Start date is as soon as possible but flexible and will be determined by the faculty supervisor in consultation with the successful applicant. We appreciate all replies to this advertisement, but only applicants under consideration will be contacted.

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.


The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.


As part of McMaster's commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.


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.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.