RESEARCH ASSISTANT (ENG-CHEM) at McMaster University

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton, ON seeks a Research Assistant (ENG-CHEM) for a 6.5-month term. The role involves experimental work, data collection, modeling, and optimization framework development under the Civil Engineering management.

It is a full-time, on-site position with entry-level to mid-level requirements. The department emphasizes data analysis, project budgeting, and collaboration across research teams.

Qualifications

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

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 databases to optimize data storage and reduce entry complexity.
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
• Communicate with project sites and personnel; participate in meetings.

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Tools

SigmaPlot

GraphPad

MS Word

Excel

Access

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Apply for RESEARCH ASSISTANT (ENG-CHEM) at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON, CA. This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth.

Job ID 78846 Job Title RESEARCH ASSISTANT (ENG-CHEM) Regular/Temporary Temporary Location Central Campus Open Date 2026/09/25 Job Type Short Term Employee Close Date 2026/10/01 Employee Group Unifor Unit 1, Staff Favorite Job Department Chemical Engineering Full/Part Time Full-Time Salary Grade/Band Grade 6 Salary Range $26.99 - $38.03 (hourly) Job Code JD0592 Existing Vacancy Yes - Newly Created Position Contract Duration 6.5 Months Target Number of Openings 1 Hours per Week 35 Posting Details Schedule Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, 35 hours/week Education Level Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study Career Level 2 years of relevant experience Anticipated Start Date November 23, 2026

Job Description

Research Assistant (JD00592) Engineering a Brighter Future https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/

About the Faculty

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 Department of Chemical Engineering is welcoming applications for the position of Research Assistant The successful incumbent must demonstrate prior experience in modeling and parameter estimation of biological processes. The work will also involve running experiments, collecting data, and coming up with variations to the process model to best describe the data, and to use it to develop an optimization framework. This position will report to Dr. Prashant Mhaskar at the Department of Chemical Engineering.

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

• Experience working in a post-secondary environment is considered an asset.
• A Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering is considered a strong asset.

Additional Information

• Running experiments and collecting data
• Building and maintaining models
• Running an optimization problem
• Creating presentationsWriting manuscripts

The successful candidate must have and/or demonstrate

• 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
• Ability to plan and perform experiments using standard techniques
• High attention to detail while producing thorough and accurate work

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

• Working with data collection software, such as SigmaPlot and GraphPad Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Flexibility is required to work occasional evenings, weekends and evening hours to meet the demands 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. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679 to communicate accommodation needs.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to [e-mail] or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.