RESEARCH ASSISTANT (ENG-CHEM)

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University invites applications for a Research Assistant within the Department of Chemical Engineering, supporting the McMaster Advanced Control Consortium (MACC). You will manage computing hardware/software, develop models, forecast budgets, and contribute to research proposals while liaising with industry partners and university staff.

The role emphasizes data management, collaborative research, and dissemination of findings, with primarily onsite duties and opportunities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.
• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis and reporting of data.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms and related programs.
• Modify and reconfigure databases for optimal data storage.
• Write data management and quality assurance documentation.

Skills

Data management

Budgeting

Python

Matlab

CasADi

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field

Master’s degree strongly preferred

Tools

gPROMS

GAMS

Job description

Schedule Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm (35 hours/week)

Education Level Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study

Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, the Faculty of Engineering. has a reputation for innovative programs, cutting-edge research, leading faculty, and aspiring students. Engineering faculty, staff and students at McMaster pursue research and learning in more than 22 research centres, institutes and networks whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross-departmental and faculty boundaries. Outside the University, we regularly collaborate on research projects with partners in universities, the government and more than 100 companies in Canada and abroad.

About the Department

As a leading Department of Chemical Engineering in Canada, our award-winning faculty and staff create a culture of excellence both in teaching and research. We have 22 faculty members with expertise in the following areas of research: bioengineering, polymer materials and manufacturing, process systems engineering, and water-energy technologies. These areas are closely linked to our undergraduate and graduate programs. The department mentors over 100 graduates and 300 undergraduate students.

About the Position

The McMaster Advanced Control Consortium (MACC) promotes and advances process automation and related process systems engineering technologies through academe-industry interactions. The consortium is comprised of university researchers and member companies spanning petroleum, chemical, steel, materials and control technology vendor industries.

A vacancy exists for a Research Assistant associated with collaborative projects led by a group of faculty members in the Department of Chemical Engineering at McMaster University who are affiliated with MACC.

The Research Assistant will be responsible for managing the projects’ computing hardware and software infrastructure, developing first-principles and machine learning models of associated industrial process systems, documenting and advising on state-of-the-art and best practices in the use of AI tools in code generation and productivity work flows, monitoring finances through forecasting, tracking and reporting; assisting in the writing research progress reports; maintaining the project website, liaising with companies and university personnel on research interactions, IP arrangements and contracts; developing related research proposals in collaboration with university researchers and industry partners; organizing events and workshops; and making technical contributions through participation in project-related research activities.

Job Summary

Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Purpose & Key Functions

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.
• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
• Conduct structured project participant interviews.
• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters.
• Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.
• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Write a variety of letters and memos.
• Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance.
• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.
• Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures.

Supervision

• No formal supervision of others is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

• A Master's degree in Chemical Engineering is strongly preferred.

Additional Information

The successful candidate must have prior experience in the following areas:

• Engineering or Science, specifically related to the field of process systems engineering
• Developing and monitoring budgets, including tracking project funds and expenditures to ensure accurate financial reporting and oversight.
• Gathering and extracting information from external agencies
• Managing and maintaining computing infrastructure (software and hardware)
• Achieving individual outcomes while contributing to a culture of collaboration
• Partnering and working with students and volunteers
• Planning and coordinating various events and activities (virtual and/or in-person)

The successful candidate must also have and/or demonstrate:

• A working knowledge of state-of-the art process systems software, including gPROMS, GAMS, Matlab, Python, and CasADi
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills
• Resourcefulness and strong organizational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships at work
• Flexibility and adaptability when meeting deadlines with numerous interruptions
• Ability to respond creatively to resolve issues and maintain workflow
• High attention to detail while producing thorough and accurate work
• Professionalism, integrity, and ability to handle confidential information

This position requires a primarily onsite presence. Flexibility is also required to work occasional evenings, weekends and evening hours to meet the de mands of the position.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment.