Research Assistant

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Lab Operations and Inventory Coordinator to support lab management at North Campus Edmonton. This role combines hybrid work with hands-on inventory control, safety compliance, and reagent handling to keep research progressing smoothly.

You will coordinate ordering, track supplies in Quartzy, maintain WHMIS documentation, train students, and assist with audits while upholding university policies and a safe, organized lab environment.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Biological or Medical Sciences or equivalent experience considered.
• 1–3 years in an academic research environment.
• 1–3 years in maintaining lab operations and inventory tracking.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ordering and tracking of laboratory reagents and materials.
• Maintain safety documentation (SOPs, SDS) and ensure compliance with WHMIS and EHS policies.
• Ensure proper labeling of waste containers and arrange waste disposal pickups.
• Train lab members on disposal procedures and safety practices.
• Assist with regulatory audits and maintain a clean, organized lab environment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Independent work

Education

Undergraduate degree in Biological or Medical Sciences

Tools

MS Office

Google Apps

Zoom

Quartzy

PeopleSoft

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 1 year plus 1 day.

Location

- This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations and Inventory Management:

• Coordinate the ordering using online supplyNet, tracking, and maintenance of laboratory reagents, consumables, and materials using the lab inventory system on Quartzy. Ensure materials are stored in accordance with manufacturing and safety standards and in compliance with UofA policy/procedures.
• Liaise with departmental members regarding laboratory safety, equipment maintenance, and waste disposal procedures; maintains safety documentation (SOPs, SDS), coordinates routine inspections, monitors equipment maintenance schedules (monthly), and ensures adherence to WHMIS, institutional EHS policies, and applicable federal/provincial regulations.
• Ensure proper labeling of all waste containers (contents, hazards, dates)
• Arrange scheduled pickups with institutional waste disposal services
• Ensure compliance with storage limits and timelines for hazardous waste
• Train lab members on proper disposal procedures
• Monitor and restock waste containers (e.g., sharps bins, biohazard bags)
• Assist with documentation for regulatory audits or inspections
• Maintain a clean, organized laboratory environment.

Laboratory Support And Mentorship

• Serve as a technical resource for undergraduate and graduate students within the lab. Assist the PI in providing hands-on training to undergraduate students and volunteers.

Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (Biological or Medical Sciences preferred); equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered as follows:

• 1 to 3 years of experience in an academic research environment.
• 1 to 3 years of experience in maintaining lab operations
• 1 to 3 years of experience in inventory tracking and management

Skills

• Demonstrated proactive organizational and excellent time management skills with demonstrated problem-solving and multi-tasking skills with proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize work effectively.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities; being persuasive, engaging, clear and credible communication to gain support and commitment in various situations.
• Superior interpersonal skills and verbal / written communication skills to deal effectively with varied and diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated high standard of professionalism and proven ability to build and maintain strong collaborative working relationships in a team environment while.
• Proven ability to strategize and develop creative and efficient solutions and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates initiative within scope of responsibilities.
• Demonstrated superior attention to detail and high levels of accuracy are required.
• Strong working knowledge of relevant Faculty / Dept and UAPPOL policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Proven experience and ability to perform in-depth searches on various databases, online retrieval services, internet search tools, websites, etc. to support project activities.
• Proven beginner-level knowledge, skills, and abilities working effectively / efficiently with a wide variety of computer technologies and programs including: MS Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel); Google Applications, Google suite (Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Forms); Zoom/video conferencing, website maintenance, and PeopleSoft (Campus Solutions).

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA). This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

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

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

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.