Description
The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Recurring Part-time position is for approximately 4 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Research Assistant will report directly to the PI and work closely with collaborators in Toronto and a graduate student in Calgary. The role involves a combination of desk-based analysis (75%) and fieldwork (25%) in Calgary. Peak workload is expected in July-August, when data collection will intensify. The position requires flexible working hours, including occasional weekend work, to accommodate weather conditions. While the work does not involve dangerous or stressful conditions, outdoor fieldwork may expose the assistant to varying weather and terrain. The role is designed to be dynamic, with responsibilities increasing during the fieldwork phase.
The primary purpose of this position is to assist in investigating the impact of urban environments on plant communities, focusing on woody regeneration in Calgary and Toronto. The Research Assistant will conduct statistical analysis, prepare figures and text for publication, and support fieldwork, including plant identification surveys. They will do so in collaboration with a large team of both practitioner and graduate student researcher collaborators.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Data Analysis and Manuscript Preparation: Conduct statistical analysis and prepare figures for publication, ensuring reproducibility and adherence to open science principles. Expected outcome: A manuscript prepared to publication level with high-quality, reproducible results.
- Fieldwork and Plant Identification: Assist with plant identification surveys and site descriptions in Calgary, using dichotomous keys and online resources to accurately identify species. Expected outcome: Complete and accurate vegetation surveys, contributing valuable field data for analysis.
- Collaboration and Communication: Coordinate effectively with collaborators, ensuring smooth data sharing and integration. Expected outcome: Successful collaboration with the research team, contributing to the project's timely progress and manuscript preparation.
- Adherence to Best Practices: Follow best practices for research and fieldwork, ensuring data integrity and research transparency. Expected outcome: Research conducted with a high level of rigor and accuracy, meeting professional and scientific standards.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Proficiency in R and RStudio for data analysis.
- Working knowledge of plant ecology, particularly forest ecology and eastern temperate species.
- Basic knowledge of QGIS and spatial data management.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Familiarity with Zotero for reference management.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research setting.
- Attention to detail in fieldwork, including plant identification using dichotomous keys and online resources.
Application Deadline: May 21, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 1.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
