Job Description

DescriptionThis position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire and offers a .Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.Working at the University of AlbertaThe University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Mxc3xa9tis, 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 Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science (AFNS)The Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science (AFNS) offers research and teachings related to the fields of Animal Science, Food Science and Bioresource, Human Nutrition and Plant Biosystems.AFNS offers undergraduate Bachelor of Science degrees in Agriculture, Animal Health, Agricultural/Food Business Science and Nutrition & Food Science each with a variety of majors. AFNS students can also pursue a course-based or thesis-based Master of Agriculture, Master of Science or a PhD.PositionThe University of Alberta is seeking a Research Coordinator to support the K-HANDLE CKD study, a controlled feeding trial investigating the effects of potassium from minimally processed and ultra-processed foods on potassium balance in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Research Coordinator will perform sample preparation for nutrient content analysis, assist in menu development and test-running recipes, oversee participant recruitment and dietary intervention logistics.
This role requires a strong background in clinical research, controlled feeding studies, and food preparation for dietary studies. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining study compliance, ensuring participant safety, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary research team.Duties1. Study Coordination & Implementation (40%)

• Coordinate the recruitment and screening of study participants, including pre-screening through Connect Care, obtaining informed consent, and scheduling study visits.
• Ensure strict adherence to controlled feeding protocols, overseeing the distribution and monitoring of study diets.
• Manage the randomization process for dietary intervention periods, ensuring participant compliance with food intake and reporting deviations.
• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP), Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS-2), and University of Alberta Research Ethics guidelines.
• Collaborate with research staff, and kitchen personnel to facilitate menu development, food preparation, and adherence tracking.
• Test-run menu recipes to ensure feasibility and palatability for participants.

2. Food Sample Preparation & Nutrient Analysis (25%)

• Assist in menu development and food sample preparation for freeze-drying and mineral composition analysis.
• Ensure consistency in food preparation and nutrient composition across dietary phases.
• Work with laboratory teams to analyze mineral content of food samples.
• Maintain strict quality control procedures in food handling and preparation to ensure nutrient consistency in controlled diets.

3. Clinical & Laboratory Support (20%)

• Perform phlebotomy (venipuncture) for blood sample collection at designated time points in accordance with study protocols.
• Assist in collecting urine and stool samples, ensuring adherence to sample handling and storage protocols.
• Monitor participants' fluid balance, blood pressure, body composition, and biochemical markers during the dietary intervention.
• Ensure participant safety by conducting regular assessments and reporting adverse events to the principal investigators and safety board.
• Oversee meal test procedures, including post-prandial blood draws.

4. Data Management & Reporting (15%)

• Maintain accurate study logs, electronic data capture systems (e.g., REDCap), and regulatory documentation.
• Prepare and submit ethics applications, amendments, and progress reports for regulatory bodies.
• Assist in data collection, quality assurance, and preliminary data analysis.
• Generate progress reports for investigators, sponsors, and funding agencies, ensuring transparency in study milestones and compliance with funding agreements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a health-related field (e.g., Nutrition, Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health).
• Phlebotomy certification with hands-on experience in venipuncture.
• Experience in controlled feeding studies.
• Strong knowledge of clinical trial coordination, participant recruitment, and study execution.
• Proficiency in data collection, management, and regulatory compliance (REDCap, Excel, SPSS, or other statistical software).
• Experience working with biochemical sample collection, processing, and storage.

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, Mxc3xa9tis 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'Universitxc3xa9 de l'Alberta s'engage xc3xa0 crxc3xa9er une communautxc3xa9 universitaire oxc3xb9 chaque personne se sent valorisxc3xa9e, oxc3xb9 les obstacles xc3xa0 la rxc3xa9ussite sont xc3xa9liminxc3xa9s et oxc3xb9 des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se dxc3xa9velopper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifixc3xa9es. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premixc3xa8res nations, Mxc3xa9tis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapxc3xa9es; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identitxc3xa9 et une expression sexospxc3xa9cifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer xc3xa0 la diversification des idxc3xa9es et xc3xa0 l'universitxc3xa9 xc3xa0 postuler.Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight May 1, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.

University of Alberta