Job Description

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

RESEARCH ASSISTANT (I) (ENG-MECH)

Job ID

71713

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

09/02/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

09/08/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 7

Salary Range

$25.70 - $39.89 (hourly)

Contract Duration

12.2 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm (Onsite)

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Requires 2 years of relevant experience



Anticipated Start: October 1, 2025

Research Assistant (I)

(Mechanical Engineering)

(JD00436)

Engineering a Brighter Future

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

About the Faculty

Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, the Faculty of Engineering has a reputation for innovative programs, cutting-edge research, leading faculty, and aspiring students. Engineering faculty, staff, and students at McMaster pursue research and learning in more than 22 research centres, institutes and networks whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross-departmental and faculty boundaries. Outside the University, we regularly collaborate on research projects with partners in universities, the government and more than 100 companies in Canada and abroad.

About the Position

We welcome applications for the

1-year, Limited-Term

position of

Research Assistant (I)

at the Centre of Excellence in Personal Equipment and Materials (CEPEM) within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. CEPEM is a research centre at McMaster University focused on assisting the research and development needs for Canadian companies with a mission of developing the next generation of personnel protective equipment for future.


The

Research Assistant

will be responsible for coordinating several industry projects in the area of nonwovens manufacturing using pilot scale equipment. Subsequent characterization and testing of the developed nonwovens as per various standards will be performed as per the application criteria.

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 relevant field of study. Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

Experience working in a post-secondary environment is considered a strong asset Experience with nonwoven production methods including melt-blowing, electrospinning, solution blowing is considered a strong asset

Additional Information

The successful candidate must have and/or demonstrate:

Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle a high volume of tasks Excellent attention to detail while producing thorough and accurate work Strong scientific reasoning, problem solving, and applied statistical skills Proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment, which includes both internal and external partners, as well as academic and industrial partners Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills Sound judgment, with the ability to handle confidential information with discretion Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities, processes, or environments A high degree of professionalism and integrity

The successful candidate must also have previous experience in the following areas:

Proficient application and use of project management tools (e.g. Smartsheet) to manage research timelines, resources, and progress Ability to contribute to grant writing, project proposals, or industry reports Contributing to and working on industry-facing projects Proficiency in polymer characterization tools and formulation Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

NOTE

: Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

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.

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.