Research Assistant (I)

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) within McMaster University is hiring a Research Assistant (I) to support longitudinal studies on frailty and chronic diseases in aging. Responsibilities include statistical analysis of CLSA data, data management, and preparing scientific papers and presentations.

The role involves designing databases, maintaining data quality, coordinating with remote sites, and contributing to publications while adhering to established protocols and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• 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, 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.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Data management

Scientific writing

Liaison/communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Tools

SAS

R

Job description

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Requires 2years of relevant experience

Anticipated Start Date

October 1, 2026

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

Research Assistant (I)

JD0436

Project Description:

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), located within the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) in the Faculty of Health Sciences, is currently welcoming applications for a Research Assistant (I).

The CLSA is a large, national, long-term study of more than 50,000 men and women who were between the ages of 45 and 85 when recruited. The aim of the CLSA is to find ways to help us live long and live well and understand why some people age in healthy fashion while others do not. More information is available at www.clsa-elcv.ca.

We are hiring a Research Assistant (I) to support research funded longitudinal studies on the topics of frailty and chronic diseases in aging. They will primarily be responsible for statistical analysis of CLSA data, interpretation of results, and contributing to the preparation of scientific papers and presentations.

Job Summary:

The Research Assistant (I) is responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Duties and 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, 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.
  

Qualifications:

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

Assets:

• Experience with statistical analysis of large population cohorts, such as Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) and SAS and R software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of longitudinal methods, handling of missing data, and appropriate use of sampling weights.
• Experience with scientific writing and presentations.
• Prior work experience conducting aging research in the areas of frailty and chronic disease.
• Completion of a Masters degree in population or public health would be an asset.

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:

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.