Research Associate

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta invites applications for a Research Associate to lead high-level research in peptide‑based diagnostics for human ocular diseases. You will design experiments, coordinate activities with engineers, clinicians, and researchers, and contribute to scholarly publications and grant proposals.

The role involves mentoring students, collaborating across disciplines, and working at North Campus, Edmonton, in a hybrid environment with remote and in‑person work.

Qualifications

• PhD required or equivalent advanced research experience.
• Postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Experience in biomedical or molecular research, peptide/protein interactions, or diagnostic assay development is ideal.
• Ability to design experiments, troubleshoot procedures, and interpret complex data.

Responsibilities

• Execute research on peptide‑based diagnostics for ocular diseases.
• Design and optimize peptide screening, characterization, and validation experiments.
• Analyze data and contribute to publications, reports, and grant applications.
• Coordinate research activities and collaborate with students, researchers, and clinical partners.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students involved in research projects.

Skills

Experimental design

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Scientific communication

Mentoring or supervision

Organizational skills

Education

PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Chemical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has an initial appointment of one year.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

The development of targeted molecular diagnostics for ocular diseases is an emerging area of biomedical research with the potential to improve early detection, disease characterization, and clinical decision‑making.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will play a key role in a multidisciplinary research program focused on the development and validation of peptide‑based diagnostic tools for human ocular diseases.

The Research Associate will apply extensive knowledge of biomedical research, peptide screening and characterization, molecular recognition, and assay development to lead high-level and complex research activities. The position will involve the independent development of experimental plans and research approaches, coordination of research activities, analysis and interpretation of experimental data, and collaboration with researchers, clinicians, trainees, and external partners.

The successful candidate will also contribute to the academic activities of the research group.

Responsibilities

• Executes research on the development of peptide-based diagnostic technologies for ocular diseases.
• Designs and optimizes experimental approaches for peptide screening, characterization, and validation.
• Analyzes and interprets research data and contributes to publications, reports, and grant applications.
• Coordinates research activities and collaborates with students, researchers, and clinical partners.
• Mentors undergraduate and graduate students involved in research projects.

Qualifications

• PhD in Biomedical Engineering or Chemical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Postdoctoral research experience or equivalent advanced research experience in a relevant field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in biomedical or molecular research, preferably involving peptide/protein interactions, molecular recognition, targeted diagnostics, assay development, biomaterials, or related areas.
• Experience working with biological samples or tissues and developing or validating experimental diagnostic assays is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to independently design experiments, troubleshoot experimental procedures, analyze complex datasets, and interpret scientific findings.
• Strong record of scientific communication, including preparation of manuscripts, reports, presentations, and/or research grant applications.
• Experience supervising or mentoring undergraduate students, graduate students, or other research personnel is preferred.
• Previous university-level teaching, laboratory instruction, tutorial delivery, or student assessment experience is considered an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment involving engineers, scientists, clinicians, students, and external collaborators.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple research activities and priorities in a collaborative academic environment.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $81,719.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more . At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns. The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well‑being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.