Research Assistant, Clinical Neurosciences

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Calgary invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Movement Disorders Program of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. The position is full-time and fixed-term for about one year with grant-based extension potential.

The role involves collecting and analyzing data, managing databases, coordinating patient recruitment and assessments, and contributing to ethics submissions and grant applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a health-related field or 2+ years in health care/health research.
• Experience with neurological disorders and neurological rating scales is an asset.
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistics is an asset.
• MS Office Suite and Internet skills at intermediate to advanced levels.
• Familiarity with statistical software (SPSS, SAS, STATA or R).
• Ability to create and manage a research database (REDCap).
• Knowledge of research ethics/regulations for granting agencies (e.g., Tri-Council).
• Desire to develop new skills and take initiative; strong organization and multitasking abilities.
• Knowledge of University of Calgary processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in collecting biomaterials, data, entering data, analyzing data, and maintaining clinical research databases.
• Handle biospecimens like blood and skin samples per protocols.
• Interact with subjects and apply research rating scales.
• Contribute to design/research processes including methodologies, recruitment, and data analysis.
• Prepare reports, assist with manuscript writing, and present results.
• Coordinate a clinical study: recruit patients, schedule assessments, manage reimbursements.
• Conduct literature reviews and knowledge syntheses.
• Prepare ethics submissions and grant applications for new/modified projects.
• Obtain necessary approvals from Alberta Health Services and ethics boards.
• Compile tables/charts/graphs for papers and presentations.
• Process data with statistical software for basic trend analyses.
• General operational duties to manage time, tasks, and keep space organized.
• Generate PowerPoint presentations for PI and team.
• Support additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Neurological disorders knowledge

Quantitative methods & statistics

MS Office proficiency

Statistical software (SPSS/SAS/STATA/R

REDCap data management

Independent and team work

Data entry and data management

Education

Bachelor's degree in health-related field

Tools

REDCap

SPSS

SAS

STATA

R

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Department of Clinical Neurosciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Assistant. This Full-time Fixed Termposition is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Research Manager in the Movement Disorders Program, Calgary Parkinsons Research Initiative.

The Movement Disorders Program and Calgary Parkinsons Research Initiative is recruiting a Research Assistant to collaborate in various clinical research projects in the Movement Disorders Program. We are looking for someone who is eager to take advantage of the opportunities for personal growth inherent in our research program while at the same time producing outstanding results. The ideal candidate will bring both the attention to detail needed for the routine aspects of research and also the unconventional thinking to envision new project directions.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Research Support:

• Assist in collecting biomaterials, data, entering data, analyzing data, and managing and maintaining clinical research databases
• Assist with the collection and handling of research biospecimens, such as blood and skin samples, as required by research protocols
• Interact with study subjects and apply research rating scales
• Participate in design and development of research processes including identification of methodologies, proposal development, recruitment strategies, and data analysis processes
• Prepare research reports, contribute to the writing of manuscripts, and give presentations resulting from research activities
• Coordinate a clinical research study, recruiting patients, scheduling, performing patient assessments, reimbursements, and coordination of physician exams
• Conduct literature reviews and knowledge syntheses
• Write and develop ethics submissions and grant applications for new research projects initiated and modifications for current projects if necessary
• Complete and manage approvals for Alberta Health Services as necessary and required by the research ethics board
• Compile tables, charts, graphs, and summarized statistics for integration in research papers and reports. This includes materials for presentation and publication
• Process data using statistical software to conduct basic analyses of trends in support of the research project

Operational Support:

• Manage own time and project tasks effectively. Demonstrate strong communication, team and interpersonal skills, and an ability to exercise judgement and take initiative to solve problems within established guidelines via conversation with project lead
• Keep office and work area clean and safe
• Generate PowerPoint presentations on behalf of Principal Investigator and research team, to be used when presenting to various internal and external stakeholders
• Assist with presenting as requiredOther related duties as assigned

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in a health-related field and/or a minimum of 2 years of experience in a health care setting or health research
• Experience with subjects with neurological disorders, cognitive and neurological rating scales an asset
• Knowledge of quantitative research methods and statistics an asset
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet skills
• Basic to advanced skills in statistical software programs (SPSS, SAS, STATA or R)
• Able to create and manage a research database (REDCap)
• Knowledge of research ethics and regulations for granting agencies (eg. Tri-Council)
• Must be eager to develop new skills and to seek out new challenges
• Excellent organization skills, including the ability to work independently and to multi-task
• A positive attitude and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are critical to success
• Knowledge of the University of Calgary processes and procedures is desirable

Application Deadline: September 24, 2026

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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

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 ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

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.