Job Description

Position Overview

The Department of Anthropology & Archaeology in the Faculty of Arts and the Arctic Institute of North America (AINA) invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The RA will report to the Principal Investigator of the Canadian BioGenome Project. The successful candidate may need to travel to other locations in Canada and internationally to attend conferences, workshops, and other project-related activities.

The primary goal of the Canadian BioGenome Project is to support genomic tool development for species at risk through the generation of a high-quality reference genome and to demonstrate how genomics tools can be directed and used by diverse end users to accomplish commonly held objectives around conservation, biodiversity, restoration and monitoring. The RA will collaborate with species experts, end users, and Indigenous partners on species selection and sequencing, support workshop-related activities, assist with development and launch of the cross-walk tool and geospatial database, as well as, help co-design knowledge mobilization process and genomics communications materials.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Participate in identification and selection of species that are of specific relevance to Canada for sequencing:

• Tier 1 ecosystem-based selection of 4-5 species, including those from the sub-Arctic and Arctic, for sequencing.
• Highest priority Canadian species review and Tier 2 species selection.
• Facilitation of three Indigenous-expert workshops for Tier 3 species selection and compilation.
• Assist with Case Study related activities:
• Planning, facilitating, and reporting of Muskoxen, Eastern Long-toed Salamander, and Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake workshops.
• Planning, facilitating, and reporting of the First Nation(s) consensus-based workshop to establish their local priorities for genomic tool development to meet First Nations objectives for monitoring and conservation on their lands in southwestern Alberta.
• Training highly qualified personnel in sample collection and genomic analysis, performing consultation and restoration planning with end users, and surveying of park users on attitudes towards genomics and towards species restoration.
• Generating updated information on the status of muskoxen in Canada for uptake by
• national and global conservation organizations.
• Generating updated information on the value and need for genomics to be incorporated into the conservation breeding and population augmentation activities for Massasauga rattlesnake in Canada for uptake by national and global conservation organization.
• Assist with cross-walk tool development and launch
• Assist with geospatial database (and associated products) development and launch
• Assist with knowledge mobilization product development and distribution
• Participating in regular project team meetings and collaborating with the various work package leads
• Producing literature for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Contributing to Genome Canada\'s project progress report

Qualifications / Requirements:

• PhD in Molecular Ecology and Population Genetics
• Extensive lab and field experience (9+ years) in environmental genomics, eDNA, and qPCR
• In-depth knowledge of product design, validation, and commercialization processes
• Previous work experience with First Nations communities
• Record of research productivity and knowledge translation
• Experience in workshop and scientific committee oversight
• Must be comfortable working in a diverse team and have good interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and resourcefully

Application Deadline: September 25, 2023. Applications will be reviewed as they are received

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

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The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

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We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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