Research Associate Full-time NEW

Research Associate Position

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has an initial appointment of 1 year.

Location – This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The position is part of an interdisciplinary research team (>5 members) at the intersection of structural biology, immunology, and protein biochemistry. The position holder is expected to take on substantial responsibilities in developing new aspects of research within the given research project(s) described below. Furthermore, the Research Associate will operate the Talos F200C electron microscope that is located within the containment laboratories of the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases. Similarly, the position holder will be involved in student supervision (graduate, undergraduate, and summer students). The Research Associate reports directly to the PI. The Research Associate will work within the framework of two research project areas:

1. Structural investigations on protein misfolding diseases using electron microscopy and other techniques.
2. Immunological characterization of protein aggregates involved in Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities include:

1. Operation of the Talos F200C electron microscope, working with local and outside users on characterizing their samples using the instrument and its ancillary devices.
2. Train, supervise, and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and summer students in all aspects of scientific research that fall within the framework described above.
3. Conduct scientific investigations, resulting in oral presentations, poster presentations, and scientific publications that describe the research outcomes.

The responsibilities can be grouped into the following key responsibility areas:

Electron microscopy

• Run the Talos F200C electron microscope that is located within the containment facilities of the Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases;
• Work with outside users on characterizing their samples using the Talos F200C electron microscope;
• Maintain the Talos F200C electron microscope and coordinate required service calls with the SFR engineers and supervise their work in containment as necessary;
• Report the instrument status to the PI and other qualified users; Immunological analyses
• Use immunological techniques to analyze disease-relevant protein aggregates and assemblies;
• Establish protein expression systems for antibodies, antibody fragments, and their antigens;
• Characterize monoclonal antibodies, including their molecular structures, detailed epitopes, and binding affinities;

Trainee supervision and education

• Train, supervise, and mentor graduate students, undergraduate students, and summer students in the use of the Talos F200C electron microscope and all other aspects of scientific research that go with it;

Scientific outcomes

• Produce high quality figures and data representations for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications;
• Give scientific presentations (in oral and poster form) at university events, conferences, and other occasions;
• Write, review, and edit scientific manuscripts that describe the research outcomes;

Qualifications

The following skills and abilities are required for the position:

• Minimum of 5-year experience as a postdoctoral fellow, working at the intersection of structural biology, immunology, and protein biochemistry with detailed knowledge of protein misfolding-diseases
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical abilities in protein biochemistry, structural biology, and immunology. As demonstrated through research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Expert knowledge in operating of a Talos F200C electron microscope.
• Demonstrated experience in administrative tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with regard to student training and group management.
• Strong written communications (manuscripts, progress reports, etc.) Using MS Office programs and other output modalities.
• Strong oral communications (seminars, conference presentations, workshops, etc.) For in-person and online communications.
• Proven ability to work well both independently and in a team environment

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” to submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 to $71,402.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, 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.

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 belonging 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, Métis 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'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.