Research Associate Full-time

Research Associate

This position has an initial one-year appointment from the start date.

Location – This role is in-person

Position Summary

The Research Associate will join a multidisciplinary research program that applies artificial intelligence to medical imaging. The position will oversee the organization and management of research projects, data infrastructure, and code repositories, while ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the lab. The Research Associate will contribute to the preparation of publications, grant applications, and research ethics protocols, and will play a key role in coordinating and mentoring students.

Candidates must have a PhD and demonstrated experience working with medical imaging data and familiarity with AI methods and tools such as PyTorch. Strong skills in project management, scientific communication, and research coordination are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Designs individual experiments, data collection protocols and standards under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.
• Determines most appropriate methodology to meet identified research goals.
• Oversees/conducts data collection. Conducts advanced analysis of research data and results.
• Summarizes, analyzes and organizes data for publication. Participates in the writing of research papers, the preparation of presentations and/or other publications. May be considered as a co-author or presenter.
• Assists in the preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals.
• May be responsible for the maintenance and efficient operation of the lab.
• May guide technical staff, students and/or post-doctoral fellows in the lab.
• May advise on specialized technical procedures or equipment.
• Establishes and maintains organized data management systems, including standardized protocols for data storage, annotation, and sharing across the research group.
• Manages and maintains version-controlled code repositories (e.g., GitHub), ensuring proper documentation, reproducibility, and accessibility of lab software and analysis pipelines.
• Coordinates project timelines, milestones, and deliverables across multiple concurrent research studies, keeping the Principal Investigator informed of progress and potential issues.
• Help with mentoring graduate and undergraduate students, providing guidance on research methods, project planning, and scientific writing.
• Prepares and submits research ethics applications, amendments, and annual renewals in accordance with institutional requirements.
• Contributes to the preparation of progress reports and other documentation required by funding agencies.
• Attends seminars, conferences, and workshops related to AI and medical imaging to stay current with developments in the field and identify opportunities for the research program.
• Supports a culture of reproducible and well-documented science within the lab, including establishing best practices for experimental record-keeping and code documentation.
• Assists with the onboarding of new lab members, ensuring they are trained on lab protocols.

Qualifications

• PhD in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, medical physics, or a closely related field.
• The candidate must have at least 2 years' experience working with medical imaging data and a working knowledge of AI and deep learning concepts, including familiarity with frameworks such as PyTorch.
• Proficiency in Python and experience with version control systems, particularly Git and GitHub, are required.
• Strong organizational and project management skills are essential, with the ability to coordinate multiple projects, datasets, and collaborators simultaneously.
• Excellent scientific writing skills are required, including experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications, grant applications, and research ethics submissions.
• Experience mentoring or coordinating the work of students is an asset.
• The candidate should be a clear communicator, a proactive problem-solver, and someone committed to maintaining high standards of data integrity and reproducible research practices.

Application Instructions

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

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $63,465 – $79,339.

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 the Team

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

About 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, 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. Learn more. 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.