Research Assistant I (Two (2) Positions)

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research university in Nova Scotia is seeking two Research Assistants I to support sustainable livestock research through field data collection and laboratory analysis. The ideal candidates will assist in managing multi-modal datasets, operate imaging equipment, and contribute to various research projects related to greenhouse gas emissions from livestock. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential. This full-time role offers a salary range of $23.01-$25.29 per hour and requires in-person work on campus.

Benefits

Health and dental plans

Employee assistance program

Tuition assistance program

Qualifications

• 1+ years of research, field or laboratory experience preferred.
• Experience with greenhouse gases from ruminant animals.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 kg.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature searches and synthesize information.
• Prepare samples and conduct lab assays following safety standards.
• Manage, clean, and document datasets for analysis.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Time management

Teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Biology or related field

Job description

Research Assistant I (Two (2) Positions)

Position Title Research Assistant I (Two (2) Positions)

Department/Unit Animal Science and Aquaculture

Location Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number S224-25

Employee Group NSGEU Local 77

Position Type Term

Duration of Contract (Ten (10) months)

Employment Type Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0 FTE

Salary $23.01 - $25.29 per hour ($38,889 - $42,735 per annum, 32.5 hours per week). Both positions are 10-month term positions so annual salary will be pro-rated to $32,407 -$35,613 for each position.

Classification RE01

Provisional Statement

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University is a small research-intensive campus located in Truro, NS. Offering technical, undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, environment and related life and social science disciplines, the Faculty of Agriculture educates future leaders and generates knowledge and innovative solutions for healthy, sustainable societies. Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Assistants will support sustainable livestock research through field data collection, laboratory work, and analysis, integrating field data such as production and reproduction data with genomics and metabolomics analyses.

Key Responsibilities

• Search and synthesize literature; draft methods/results sections and appendices. Prepare slide decks, posters, and stakeholder summaries as directed. Maintain accurate lab notebooks and audit-ready records.
• Support integrated sampling for genomics, metabolomics, greenhouse gases (GHGs), and computer-vision datasets. Prepare samples; conduct basic lab assays aligned with standard operating procedures and safety standards. Operate imaging and sensing equipment. Calibrate and maintain instruments.
• Build and run bioinformatics and metabolomics pipelines with reproducible workflows. Apply statistical and machine-learning methods to multi-modal data (omics, imaging, GHGs). Generate figures, tables, and summaries for manuscripts and reports.
• Apply machine-learning methods to multi-modal datasets, including imaging and sensor data for herd monitoring and GHG /methane assessment using non-invasive tools. Collect data, ensure data quality and metadata accuracy. Manage, clean, and document datasets for analysis and reporting.
• Assist with scheduling, purchasing requests, and documentation for ethics/safety. Track inventory and consumables.
• Support onboarding/training of students on routine data and lab tasks.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in-person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Animal Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a closely related field with approximately one year of relevant research, field, or laboratory experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience working on project(s) focused on greenhouse gases from ruminant animals.
• Strong attention to detail, and analytical and time management skills, including the ability to handle concurrent tasks and shifting priorities to meet deadlines.
• Excellent teamwork and communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Ability to periodically stand and walk for extended periods in barns and fields, and lift and carry up to 20 kg. Ability to work occasionally in variable weather during field activities.

Assets

• Previous work experience with Greenfeed system.

Core Competencies

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism
• Integrity
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes health and dental plans, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter