Research Associate

This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Trust/Research Academic Staff Agreement this position has an approximate appointment of two years and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits and annual salary range of $59,822 – $82,266.

Location – This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

Working for the 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 teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Working for the Department

The School of Public Health (SPH) at the University of Alberta was the first school of public health accredited in Canada in 2012 by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). SPH offers a course-based Master of Public Health (MPH), an MA in Community Engagement (course-based and thesis-based), and thesis (MSc and PhD) graduate programs, supported by 31 faculty members. Currently, there are approximately 320 graduate students. SPH is among the top 5 research-intensive faculties in the University. 

Our team is studying the mechanisms by which malaria-infected red blood cells damage the placenta and compromise the health of the fetus. We are focused on the ligands and receptors that mediate host-parasite interactions and the factors within the placental environment that regulate parasite binding to the placenta. The RA will develop a new project to study fetal responses to malaria infection. They will design RNA transcriptomic experiments to profile expression of fetal genes within different cell types of the placenta. They will also characterize changes to the glycome in placental tissues during malaria infection.

Position 

A Research Associate role is available immediately to join a project on the pathogenesis of placental malaria. The applicant will lead the design of transcriptomic experiments to assess the impact of placental malaria on gene expression in the fetal-derived human placenta and will contribute to experiments to study the interactions of infected red blood cells binding to host receptors in placental tissues. Candidates must have demonstrated experience in placental biology; specifically, they require the skills to isolate primary trophoblast cells and work with placental explants and tissues. Experience with placental imaging and placental signaling are essential. Candidates must be highly motivated to advance their academic career and be excited about research. The candidate must work well in a team and enjoy mentoring undergraduate and junior graduate students.

Duties 

• 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.

Qualifications

• PhD in the biological sciences
• Specific experience in placental physiology is required
• Expertise in transcriptomics and proteomic analysis is required
• Strong track record of publications
• Enthusiasm to work as part of a team
• Experience supervising undergraduate and junior graduate students
• Strong written and oral communication skills
  

As part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requirements, the university must conduct recruitment efforts to hire Canadians and permanent residents before offering a job to a temporary foreign worker. To ensure we remain in compliance with these regulations, please include the appropriate statement in your application “I am a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident” or “I am not a Canadian Citizen/Permanent Resident”.

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.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.