Job Description

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

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


This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day, with the possibility of extension, and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location

- This role is fully remote.


The Research Assistant applies knowledge and expertise in public health and community-led research. They provide support to the Research Associate and Climate Change and Global Health Research Group lead on complex research projects conducted in the Global North of Canada. They may assist with project planning, methodology, data collection, analysis, and knowledge mobilization, as well as administrative and financial tasks, as required


The School of Public Health integrates research, graduate education, and community engagement to improve population health. Its interdisciplinary structure includes academic programs, centres, and research teams focused on tackling pressing public health issues locally and globally. The School is dedicated to creating knowledge, training public health professionals, and advancing evidence-informed policy and practice.
Duties and time spent on each will vary depending on time of year and specific initiatives carried out by the bridging divide research and admin support teams.

Research Support Activities (60%)

Coordinating and supporting literature reviews

Lead the organization and coordination of data from past and current literature reviews, including designing and building comprehensive spreadsheets, updating reviews and data spreadsheets as need, communicating updates to research team members, and coordinating data management across faculty and student research projects. Provide support to research team members conducting synthesis research using DistillerSR software, including training new staff and students in the use of DistillerSR and assisting with screening, data extraction, synthesis of results, and writing sections of manuscripts.

Supporting ongoing faculty and student research projects

Coordinate research activities that require travel of research team members and Indigenous and community partners, including travel within Nunavut, Canada, and/or internationally. Supporting travel reimbursements of staff, students, and community leads. Managing ethics applications, research licenses, and other research requirements. Coordinating research reporting to funders, including supervising the tracking and monitoring of project activities. Provide general research support for various projects for the research group, including supporting research report writing, providing critical feedback on proposals and drafts, and assisting with data analysis activities under the supervision of Dr. Harper and/or other PIs. Contribute to publications (e.g. creating tables/figures, performing descriptive statistics, synthesizing results, writing sections of manuscripts, editing references, copyediting, English editing when English is a second language for the first author, etc.) under the supervision of Dr. Harper and/or other PIs.

Program Financial Management Support (20%)

Advises, manages relationships and resolves issues

Provides a confidential sounding board for financial issues to leadership. Maintains productive relationships with colleagues in the RSO and the faculty Supply management and ordering (inventorying supplies, identifying needs, preparing orders, distributing orders). Assist with notices of award, amendment letters, getting proper signatures, scanning, and filing.

Financial Reporting and Analysis

Supports the preparation and submission of any program related travel and expense claims and PCard claims in accordance with applicable rules and procedure and tracks these expenses from a budget perspective. Where delegated, reviews and approves SupplyNet purchases ensuring these are eligible and being done in accordance with UAlberta and sponsor terms and conditions. Identifies issues and works with the Staff Service Centre or faculty administrators, as required, to rectify. Prepares and submits GLJV's, GLJE's and SBA's. Performs other duties as assigned by the UAlberta research team.

Budget Planning and Forecasting

Assists with the budget planning and allocation process.

Administrative Support (20%)

Administrative support services for Dr. Harper, including: + Scheduling, including managing Dr. Harper's calendar, scheduling meetings, and coordinating travel arrangements
+ Researching and preparing materials for meetings
+ Preparing a variety of materials, presentations, correspondence and information
+ Coordinating and arranging meetings, teleconferences and conferences
+ Coordinating signatures and approvals
+ Managing deadlines and to-do lists
Arranging travel and hospitality for research meetings, conferences, and research Distributing information to researchers, students, staff, and stakeholders Compiling information for tracking and reporting purposes Inputting data in a variety of administrative, financial and program databases, records and systems Assisting with program reporting activities. Assisting with the creation and update of walkthrough documents, templates and forms. Program related email/communication support. Meeting assistance, agenda distribution, taking and distributing meeting notes, fill-in support for employees on vacation. Performs other duties as assigned. A Master's degree in public health, epidemiology, or related field is required Minimum of 5 years of research experience. Experience working with Northern Canadian communities as well as Indigenous people and associated research projects is required. Ability to assist with interpretation of financial information for analysis and forecasting purposes. Strong communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills. High level of accuracy and attention to detail required. Commitment to providing timely and efficient service. Ability to make timely decisions and act on individual initiative. Ability to generate timely, accurate and professional looking reports. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suites. Knowledge of PeopleSoft software is desirable. Ability to provide administrative presentations. Superior time management skills. Knowledge of the research policies, procedures and guidelines for the major sponsors and UAlberta an asset. Demonstrated competencies in the areas of professionalism, results orientation, organizational understanding, teamwork, flexibility and adaptability.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.


The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, 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. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.




Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.




At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms--physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.




The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.




L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.