Job Description

Description
This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the , this position has a comprehensive and an annual salary range of $59,822 to $67,303. This position has an end date of March 31, 2027.
Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
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 First Peoples 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. .
Working for the Department of Medicine
The Department of Medicine is the largest department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta with over 250 academic faculty members and over 400 trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and residents). The Department of Medicine's core mission is to undertake outstanding education, research and high-quality clinical care to provide the best possible health outcomes for Albertans. We have 14 divisions that work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, multicultural and ethnically diverse collegial environment.
Position Summary
The Research Associate will lead research and development initiatives focused on advanced spinal cord micro-implants for the treatment of spinal cord injuries (SCI). Working under the supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI), the incumbent will play a pivotal role in experimental design, microfabrication, in vivo/vitro testing, data analysis, and dissemination of results. This position requires a high level of technical expertise in biomedical engineering, electrophysiology, and neurotechnology, as well as strong project coordination and mentorship skills.
Duties
Research & Development

• Lead and execute research activities related to the development of spinal cord micro-implants and neural interface technologies.
• Design and fabricate microelectrodes using advanced photolithography and laser-based microfabrication techniques.
• Develop and refine novel cable and connector systems for neural applications.
• Operate and maintain high-precision equipment such as microwelding and CNC machinery.
• Conduct comprehensive bench testing using a range of high-resolution imaging technologies and perform electrochemical assessments to validate device performance.

In Vivo and Experimental Work

• Lead and support surgical procedures and implant testing in large animal models.
• Record, analyze, and interpret electrophysiological and biomechanical data from experimental studies.
• Develop surgical skill sets tailored to large animal models and refine implantation techniques.
• Program, automate, and manage experimental protocols and data acquisition systems.

Scientific Communication & Knowledge Dissemination

• Design and manage individual experiments, including data collection protocols and quality standards.
• Analyze and interpret research data; summarize findings for reports, presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and multimedia formats.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and may serve as an author or presenter at scientific conferences.

Project Planning & Support

• Assist in the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals.
• Contribute to the strategic planning of future research directions and lab capabilities.
• May serve as a co-applicant on research funding proposals, where applicable.

Laboratory & Team Management

• Oversee daily lab operations, including equipment maintenance, procurement, and budget monitoring related to the spinal cord micro-implant studies.
• Ensure calibration and efficient operation of specialized lab instruments.
• Guide, mentor, and provide technical oversight to junior staff, students, and postdoctoral fellows.
• Advise on specialized procedures, experimental design, and technical troubleshooting.
• May coordinate operations across multiple labs or research locations, depending on project scope.

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD/Postdoctoral in Biomedical Engineering, Neuroscience, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in microfabrication, neurotechnology, and preclinical research.
• Proficiency in advanced data analysis, programming experimental workflows, and scientific writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong leadership, project management, and mentoring abilities.
• Proven track record of contributing to research publications and grant applications.

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 inclusivity 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.
Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight September 19, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

Skills Required