Job Description

Research Assistants are normally students, in a University of Winnipeg undergraduate program, employed to assist with tasks related to research. Work is performed within defined guidelines and under supervision of a more senior researcher or faculty member. Position Overview: Parkinson\xe2\x80\x99s disease (PD) is a progressive motor disease of aging, with symptoms including poor coordination, rigidity and tremor. These motor-symptoms are due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra resulting from the lack of dopamine. The cause of PD is not fully understood, and there are no existing therapies that can halt the progression of PD. One of the major therapeutical treatments of PD is the use of levodopa (L-DOPA), the precursor of dopamine which can pass the blood-brain barrier, providing some restoration of dopamine signaling and alleviation of symptoms. L-DOPA is a non-protein amino acid, it is a secondary metabolite produced as a defensive compound by some plants, such as faba bean (Vicia faba). Faba bean has a history of use as a PD therapy but this not well supported by rigorous scientific research. The objectives of this research are to systematically study whether or not faba bean extracts could improve the motor behavior of PD (fruit fly model), and if so, through what types of mechanisms (or pathways). Duties:

• Perform scientific research in a collaborative research environment, duties include:
  • Sample extraction from seeds of legume, liquid chromatography operation, maintenance, data collection and analysis;
  • Take care of fruit flies and be able to cook fly food according to the experimental schedule;
  • Perform bioassays to monitor the behavior of flies under various treatment;
  • Record all the experimental procedures, raw data, have the capability to interpret/summarize data.
• Note: work related to this job will be partially conducted in RC building, and two trips per week to the St. Boniface Research Center is required for fruit fly feeding and bioassays.

Qualifications:

• Normally an undergraduate student at the University of Winnipeg who has successfully completed a minimum of 60 credit hours.
• Preference may be given to a student who enrolled in a Chemistry or Biochemistry program at the University of Winnipeg.
• Should have an overall high academic standing (>B+).
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Able to work independently in a confined space.

Please include include student number, unofficial transcript and a brief CV in your application. Past academic performance may be a significant factor in selection decisions. Condition(s) of Employment:

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

The period of work will be from June 5, 2023 - August 31, 2023 and the estimated total hours of work will be 0 - 200 hours. Note: This position is represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada - Research Capacity Unit. Note: The work described in this posting will be conducted in-person.
The University of Winnipeg is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse staff and faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research environments, and is essential to academic and institutional excellence. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and encourage women, racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQ+ persons to confidentially self-identify at time of application. The University of Winnipeg is committed to ensuring employment opportunities are accessible for all applicants. If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca. The personal information of applicants is collected under the authority of the University of Winnipeg Act and 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. All personal information collected via the recruitment process is used to assess the applicant\xe2\x80\x99s suitability, eligibility, and qualifications for employment, and to otherwise support recruitment activities. This information will be provided to participating members of the recruitment process. Questions regarding the collection of your personal information may be directed to the Director, HR Services, 515 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3B 2E9 or human_resources@uwinnipeg.ca. The University of Winnipeg has a Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that requires all those coming to designated indoor campus spaces to provide proof they are fully vaccinated. The Policy was suspended effective May 2, 2022. However, prospective employees should know that the Policy may be reinstated in the future based on changing public health circumstances.