Research Assistant

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta North Campus Edmonton invites applications for a Research Assistant to support the PI and research team. The role focuses on coordinating REB applications, assisting with grant proposals, and managing REDCap databases while ensuring compliance with ethics and funding guidelines.

Responsibilities include REDCap design, data security, recruitment materials, consent processes, and liaison with participants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• 1–2 years in an academic research environment.
• Proficiency with REDCap for databases and data collection.
• Strong grasp of human research ethics and ARISE at U of A.
• Experience with grant application portals and administrative requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication for participants and documents.
• High attention to detail and organization for deadlines.
• Some roles may involve assisting with study collection.

Responsibilities

• Draft, format, and submit REB applications, amendments, and renewals.
• Monitor ethics timelines and ensure compliance with policies.
• Maintain records of ethics correspondence, approved protocols, and consent forms.
• Assist PI with preparation and formatting of grant applications and funding proposals.
• Gather documents, format CVs, and ensure proposals meet funding guidelines.
• Assist with literature searches and reference management (EndNote, Zotero).
• Design, build, test REDCap data capture instruments and surveys.
• Manage REDCap user access, project settings, and data security.
• Monitor data quality, perform data entry, and generate reports.

Skills

REDCap

Ethics principles

Grant applications

Written & verbal communication

Attention to detail

Study coordination

Data security

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Psychology)

Tools

REDCap

EndNote

Zotero

Job description

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. This position has a term length of 11 months.

Location

This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

The Research Assistant provides administrative and operational support for the Principal Investigator (PI) and the research team. The primary focus of this role is to facilitate research projects by coordinating Research Ethics Board (REB) applications, assisting in the preparation and submission of grant applications, designing and managing research databases using REDCap, and supporting participant recruitment efforts. This position ensures that research operations are compliant with institutional and funding agency guidelines while maintaining accurate and secure data collection processes.

Responsibilities

• Ethics Administration & Compliance (25%)
• Draft, format, and submit initial Research Ethics Board (REB) applications, amendments, and annual renewals.
• Monitor ethics approval timelines and ensure all research activities remain compliant with institutional policies.
• Maintain accurate records of all ethics correspondence, approved protocols, and consent forms.
• Grant Application Support (25%)
• Assist the PI in the preparation, formatting, and compilation of grant applications and funding proposals.
• Gather required administrative documents, format CVs (e.g., Canadian CCV), and ensure proposals adhere strictly to funding agency guidelines and deadlines.
• Assist with literature searches and reference management (e.g., EndNote, Zotero) for grant narratives.
• REDCap Database Management & Data Entry (25%)
• Design, build, and test electronic data capture instruments and surveys using REDCap.
• Manage user access, project settings, and data security protocols within the REDCap environment.
• Monitor data quality, perform routine data entry, and generate reports/data exports for the research team.
• Participant Recruitment & Coordination (25%)
• Develop and distribute recruitment materials (e.g., posters, social media posts, email outreach) in alignment with approved ethics protocols.
• Act as the primary point of contact for potential participants, answering questions, screening for eligibility, and scheduling study visits.
• Conduct informed consent processes and ensure participants have a clear understanding of study requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Kinesiology, Health Sciences, Psychology, or related discipline) is preferred.
• Experience: 1-2 years of experience in an academic research environment.
• Skills: Proficiency in database design and management, specifically using REDCap.
  • Strong understanding of human research ethics principles and experience navigating institutional ethics application systems (e.g., ARISE at U of A).
  • Familiarity with grant application portals and administrative requirements.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for interacting with participants and drafting technical documents.
  • High attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage multiple deadlines.
  • In some cases, assistance with study collection will be needed (e.g., run computer, work with biological samples).
  • WHMIS and biohazard training is required.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

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 .

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

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.

About The Team

Ranked among the world’s top 10 in sports-related disciplines (QS World Rankings 2017–2019), the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation excels in diverse areas including sport science, exercise physiology, health, tourism, rehabilitation, and recreation management. For more than 50 years, the faculty has advanced community health and quality of life through its research, teaching, and outreach.