Job Description

Position Information

Position Title

Research Assistant

Department/Unit

Faculty of Dentistry - General

Research Project

Mobilizing a pan-Canadian network for omics and oral health via CHMS cycle 7 using deep sequencing to uncover antimicrobial resistance

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

GP88-25

Employee Group

Grant-Paid (PSAC local 86001)

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

12 months

Employment Type

Part Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

0.25

Salary

$53,726 - $59,040 per annum, prorated to $13,432 - $14,760 for 0.25 FTE

About the Organization

This project aims to create the first nationally representative database of the Canadian oral microbiome and to study patterns of antimicrobial resistance and related risk factors using saliva samples and data collected from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) Cycle 7. We will sequence the oral microbiome and analyze the presence of antimicrobial resistant genes (ARGs). We will explore how ARGs vary by age, sex/gender, access to dental care, income, race/ethnicity, and immigration status. We expect that ARGs will be more common in older adults, women, and people facing dental care barriers--especially among lower-income, racialized, and newcomer communities. We will also investigate whether ARGs cluster within households, and if this is influenced by social factors.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will serve as the primary project coordinator and will be responsible for completing all regulatory requirements necessary for project execution. This includes coordinating multi-institutional ethics submissions; overseeing biosafety, security, and other human-studies regulatory compliance; coordinating the shipment of biospecimens; and liaising with federal agencies, including Statistics Canada and the Statistics Canada Biobank. The position will also require performing epidemiological analyses to address the primary research question.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all aspects of project coordination and execution, ensuring timelines and deliverables are met. Prepare and secure required approvals, including ethics applications, multi-institutional agreements, biohazard/biosafety clearances, and federal security authorizations. Oversee logistics for biological specimen handling, including shipping, tracking, and compliance across participating centres. Organize and facilitate team activities, such as meetings, workshops, and presentations, including agenda preparation and minute-taking. Conduct epidemiological analyses on processed data to address the primary research objectives and support evidence-based outcomes. Develop and deliver scientific outputs, including manuscripts, reports, and presentations for stakeholders, granting agencies, and academic audiences.

Note

The successful applicant may work in-person on campus, primarily remotely (from within Nova Scotia with occasional presence in-person on-campus), or perform a hybrid of the two as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements.

Required Qualifications

Masters degree in oral health, epidemiology, public health, health administration, or a related discipline with demonstrated knowledge and experience with ethics processes and other regulatory requirements governing human research. Excellent written, verbal, and public-speaking communication skills. Strong attention to detail, sound problem-solving abilities, and effective project-management skills, with a proven capacity to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Advanced computer skills, with demonstrated proficiency in MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, and Project.

Assets

TCPS 2: CORE-2022 certification required; additional research certifications (e.g., GCP, RCR). PhD.

Additional Information

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.



We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed

here

.


Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

11/20/2025

Close Date

11/27/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/19941