Research Assistant, College of Kinesiology

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable educational institution in Saskatchewan is looking for a Research Assistant to join the bone health research team. The role involves study coordination, participant recruitment, and ensuring ethical compliance. The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in Kinesiology or a related field and has at least 2 years of health research experience. The role offers a salary range of $53,001 - $74,217 per annum and is full-time with a term of 1 year, providing an opportunity to contribute to significant research initiatives.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in health research.
• Record of research productivity and community engagement.
• Ability to manage and organize workload efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee study coordination for the Canadian Bone Strength Development Study.
• Lead participant recruitment and manage study budget.
• Ensure compliance with ethical research practices.

Skills

Written and verbal interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Critical thinking skills

Knowledge of ethical compliance

Research database management

Education

MSc or PhD in Kinesiology, Health Sciences, or related disciplines

Tools

REDCap

Job description

Research Assistant, College of Kinesiology

Primary Purpose: We are seeking a Research Assistant/Coordinator with a “can do” attitude and strong interpersonal and organizational skills to join the bone health research team in Dr. Saija Kontulainen’s Laboratory for Bone Imaging and Structure (LIMBS), located within the College of Kinesiology. The position will primarily focus on study coordination and technical support for the Canadian Bone Strength Development Study (CanBSDS) in children with and without Type 1 Diabetes.

Typical Duties:

• Oversee study coordination across the CanBSDS sites (Saskatoon, Calgary, Ottawa and Montreal)
• Address queries from all 4 sites
• Establish and maintain effective and productive relationships with research team members, participants and community partners
• Coordinate local and national team meetings
• Maintain up-to-date records of project progress, number of participants recruited and enrolled
• Update relevant study documentation (SOPs, consent forms, etc) to reflect current processes and communicate to all sites
• Lead preparation and submission of ethics amendments. Communicate relevant changes and assist with submissions to REB at all sites
• Update the study website and social media sites
• Ensure all research is conducted ethically and in compliance with Tri‑Council Policy Statement on Research Ethics and institutional policies
• Assume project management responsibilities, including assistance in the research contract and ethics applications and amendments
• Lead participant recruitment activities including planning for recruitment events, communicating with participants and scheduling measurement appointments in Saskatoon
• Assist with data collection, analysis, recording, and reporting
• Assist with preparation/receiving shipments between sites
• Secure completeness of data entry from all sites into the database
• Oversee secure storage of data and confidential records
• Manage study budget including assisting with fund transfers and tracking expenditures
• Co‑develop and coordinate knowledge transfer sessions within the community
• Identify suitable funding opportunities for research initiatives and assist with preparation of submissions

Education:

MSc or PhD degree in Kinesiology, Health Sciences or related disciplines

Experience:

At least 2 years of experience in health research

Skills:

• Exemplary written and verbal interpersonal skills
• Ability to liaise with health professionals and researchers to establish and maintain working relationships
• Superior organizational, problem solving and critical thinking skills with attention to detail
• Ability to assume independent work and seek support only when required
• Experience in managing and organizing workload efficiently
• Knowledge of compliance with ethical, institutional and lab processes, practices and procedures
• Record of research productivity and participant/community engagement
• Knowledge of research database management and familiarity with REDCap is an asset
• Training for specific tasks such as data acquisition, analysis and management will be provided as needed

Please note, only those that are shortlisted will be contacted. Inquiries and resumes regarding this position can be directed to Dr. Kontulainen ([e-mail])

Department: College of Kinesiology
Status: Term 1 year with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 FTE
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $53,001.00 - 74,217.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 6
Posted Date: 11/13/2025
Closing Date: 11/26/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity‑deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.