Research Associate – Pathology Full-time NEW

Research Associate

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 from March 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

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

Applies extensive knowledge in their field to perform high-level, complex research activities under the direction of a Principal Investigator. The Research Associate will join an interdisciplinary project on group A streptococcal vaccine, supervised by Dr. Greg Tyrrell (special continuing full Professor in LMP) within ProvLab, department of LMP, at the University of Alberta. The position will lead the development of immunological assays for a phase 2 strep vaccine trial, in collaboration with a research group in the department of MMI.

The candidate must have demonstrated experience in molecular PCR, serological techniques and cell mediated immunity, with a strong background in analytical and organic chemistry and molecular biology. The candidate must be proficient in data acquisition in a public health laboratory and have expertise in streptococcal epidemiology.

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 (e.g., specialized lab equipment maintenance and calibration).

May guide technical staff, students and/or post-doctoral fellows in the lab.

May advise on specialized technical procedures or equipment.

May be a co-applicant for research funding if stipulated in the appointment letter.

Will be responsible for the collection of data and verification of results for immunological assay development. Will participate in the selection of most appropriate immunological assay to be used in vaccine trial.

Will need to be able to present data to group A streptococcal vaccine trial group.

Will work with PI to disseminate results either through conference proceedings and/or manuscript publication.

Design of methodology will include the design and validation of a group A streptococcus immunological assay to measure patient's response to a group A streptococcal vaccine.

Qualifications

PhD in Microbiology or Virology, or closely related discipline (Strong background in analytical and organic chemistry, biochemistry)

Experience with molecular PCR

Experience with EIA and other immunological assay laboratory techniques such as Luminex assays, antibody class detection assays and CMI assays.

Needs to be able to work with blood and understand the procedures required to maintain cell viability.

Must be proficient/have experience in data acquisition in a public health laboratory, and have expertise in streptococcal epidemiology.

Informatics/statistical experience

Experience mentoring undergrad or graduate students in a lab and/or classroom setting

Needs to be able to clearly articulate work taking place to a large group on a regular basis.

Application Instructions

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