Job Description

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Job ID

72752

Location

St. Joseph's Hospital

Open Date

11/14/2025

Job Type

Short Term Employee

Close Date

11/20/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Psychiatry

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 6

Salary Range

$22.94 - $36.83 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12.1 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday - Friday from 8:00am - 4:00pm


(35 Hours per week)


7 hours, including a 60 minute unpaid lunch

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

Career Level

Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Location

McMaster Innovation Park (MIP)

Anticipated Start Date

January 5, 2026

Union, JD

Unifor Unit 1, Local No. 5555; JD00592

Unit Description:

Ranked as one of the world's Top 100 universities, McMaster University is devoted to the cultivation of human potential, realized through our innovative educational programs, cutting-edge research, and the diverse students, faculty, staff and alumni who make up the McMaster family. Dedicated to creating a Brighter World, we recognize that our people are our most valuable resource. Those who join McMaster will find a community of talented individuals who are inspired by the university's commitment to embodying the values of integrity, quality, inclusiveness and teamwork.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and versatile individual to join our research team, contributing to both laboratory-based and behavioral research activities. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience in wet lab techniques, including DNA extraction, as well as processing and assaying biological samples such as hair for cortisol analysis and saliva for telomere length measurement.


In addition to laboratory responsibilities, this position involves conducting telephone and in-person interviews with participants across the lifespan, including older adults. The role also includes assisting with behavioral data collection and coding, with particular emphasis on parent-child interactions. The ideal candidate will possess strong attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Purpose and 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.

Supervision:

No formal supervision of others is required.

Requirements:

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

Assets:

Bachelor's or Master's degree in psychology, biology, neuroscience, or a related discipline. Proven experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction, ELISA, or qPCR assays). Experience conducting research interviews with participants of varying ages, including children, adults, and older adults. Familiarity with behavioral observation and coding systems, particularly those focused on parent-child interactions. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with participants across diverse backgrounds. Capacity to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining high standards for data quality and research integrity. Three key things: experience with hair cortisol and telomere length specifically, as well as interviewing older adults (this matters because it take enormous amounts of time and experience), and parent-child behavioural coding like the Emotional Availability Scale

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

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.

Vaccination Mandate - FHS

This position is located in a host hospital or other healthcare site that has an active vaccination mandate in place. Successful applicants will need to comply with these and any other health and safety measures necessary as part of their appointment.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

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.