Job Description

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


This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.


Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.


The Department of Biological Sciences is one of the largest and most scientifically diverse departments of its kind in Canada. Six Research Interest Groups with overlapping memberships (Ecology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Physiology and Cell Biology, Plant Biology, and Systematics and Evolution) provide expertise in all areas of biological sciences.

Position Summary

Working under the direction of Professor and Canada Research Chair Shinichi Nakagawa and of Professor Nakagawa's Centre Manager, the Research Assistant is responsible for executing the daily and strategic operations of the Centre for Open Science and Synthesis in Ecology and Evolution. The Centre conducts meta-research and research on data syntheses (e.g., meta-analyses, systematic maps, Big Data analysis) in ecology and evolutionary biology. The Centre also provides quantitative synthesis courses and workshops on research and data syntheses to ecologists and evolutionary biologists, especially targeting early career scientists (ECRs) and scientists from the Global South. The Centre aims to make ecological and evolutionary research more quantitative, inclusive, collaborative and less biased. The Centre will engage with external partners such as the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute, Alberta Environment and Parks, Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.


The successful candidate will assist the Director and Centre Manager as needed, including technical, support, research, administrative and outreach activities. In addition, the Research Assistant will carry out research activities under the supervision of the Director and Centre Manager. S/he will be responsible for purchasing lab equipment and helping with the organization of courses and workshops, as well as visitor programs, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator. S/he will also ensure that environmental and safety practices are followed in the Centre in compliance with the Environment, Health and Safety Policy at the University of Alberta and provide appropriate training to that end.


The Faculty of Science is internationally recognized for excellence in research and education. Through pioneering discovery and innovation, the faculty addresses global challenges across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, computing science, physics, mathematics, and earth sciences. Its work positions the university at the forefront of technological, environmental, and scientific advancement.
1. Financial and Budgetary (20%)


Works with Centre Manager to monitor, analyze, forecast and report on Centre financials.

Supports the completion and monitoring of Centre budgets.


2. Facilities Management (25%)


Manages space allocation (office and lab), including allocation of furniture and office equipment.

Will support the purchase of related equipment and supplies.

Will support and fulfil requests for access to/use of the computer, phone and other related systems.

Manages requests for computer, phone and system access.

Maintains and evaluates current business processes for operational and financial efficiencies. Recommends changes.


3. People Management (15%)


Contributes to the creation of an environment where diverse ideas, perspectives and achievements are recognized, rewarded and celebrated.

Coordinates the implementation of EDI (equity, diversity and inclusiveness) in the centre with PI.


4. Research (25%)


May organize research project symposia, conferences, lectures, seminars or meetings.

May assist in creating progress, scientific, financial, or final reports for stakeholders, granting agencies, or external funders.

Provides a preliminary read-through of manuscripts. Provides feedback on presentations from lab members. Provides editing as needed for students' written work.

Acts as a focal point for lab members' technical inquiries concerning coding, data storage practices, access and usage ofthe computing server


5. Relationships (15%)


Advises on the application of University of Alberta Policies and Procedures to the areas (e.g., research administration, risk management, etc.).

May complete or oversee communications activities for the centre or institute in conjunction with a communications partner or the faculty/VP office into which they report.Builds and maintains relationships with external and internal networks and partners, including collaborators, funding agencies, suppliers, etc.

Organizes a visitor programme for the Centre, including reviewing applications and helping visitors come and stay in Edmonton.

MSc is required in fields such as Biology, Zoology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Behavioural Ecology, or Computing Science, Data Science. A minimum of 3 years of direct work-related experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Programming and coding experience (e.g., R, Python, SQL, C#). Database management experience. Possesses initiative, resourcefulness, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

PhD is an asset. Research experience and scientific publications are assets. Experience with data management and databases is considered an asset. Experience in advanced statistics and AI is considered an asset. Ability to interact and communicate professionally with staff, graduate students, and suppliers/manufacturers

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 ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identite et une expression sexospecifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.