Research Assistant – Human Nutrition

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please indicate your internal status using the “Advertisement” drop down menu when applying.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day and offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed on our Benefits Overview page .

Location – Work primarily takes place at  North Campus, Edmonton.

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just

Working for the Human Nutrition Unit

Human Nutrition research explores the links between all aspects of nutrition and human health with the ultimate goal of preventing diseases and enhancing the quality of life.  Significant contributions are being made in the areas of Nutrient Requirements our researchers are investigating nutrient digestion and metabolism with the aim of understanding nutrient requirements. Significant advancements have been made in understanding amino acid and fatty acid requirements as well as impact of dietary intake on the gut microbiome.

Position Summary

This Research Assistant position is related to work in clinical nutrition research studies and related activities. The main focus involves body composition, cardiometabolic health, dietary assessment, and e-health.  Direct contact with research participants and help in diverse activities as needed are expected. The position is fully in-person (i.e. no remote work).

The Research Assistant will work on several research projects as needed, and in patients with a variety of health conditions. The Research Assistant will primarily work on projects where the study population is individuals with obesity, patients with cancer, cancer survivors, or other chronic conditions. This position is aimed to both coordinate and support the PI and graduate students. The position required someone with substantial knowledge of human nutrition. The position requires a person who can work independently, multitask, and problem-solve effectively and efficiently. The position requires both research and administrative skills, including organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent writing/oral communication, adhering to deadlines and to the University of Alberta policy/procedures and grant agency guidelines. 

Duties

• Administrative support including responsibility for financials, petty cash and timesheets.
• Developing, maintaining and conducting practices outlined in standard operating procedures, and assisting PI in ensuring these are being followed by the research team.
• Resource to other research projects.
• Train research members as needed.
• Interactions with participants on-site at the Cross Cancer Institute and at the Human Nutrition Research Unit, including recruiting participants.
• Collects participant saliva samples and urine samples during study test days. Performs measurements of energy expenditure, body composition, physical function, muscle strength, anthropometrics, carotid ultrasound, and nutrition assessment with study participants.
• Prepares study meals and study beverage in the metabolic kitchen while following standard operating procedures. Preparations require a high degree of precision and accurate dosing using a combination of analytic scales, transfer pipettes and micropipettes. Follows sanitary practices as outlined in the study protocol and standard operating procedures including sanitizing speciality equipment using an autoclave.
• Processes blood and urine sample in research lab while implementing biosafety procedures.
• Prepares blood, urine, and breath samples for analysis including the shipment of dangerous goods for samples which need to be sent to other institutions for analysis.
• Manages REDCAP information for e-health study.
• Develops and writes
  • Communication and consultation with PI(s) regarding revisions to the research protocol, data collection procedures, protocol deviations and study related note-to-files.
  • Manages ongoing human ethics amendments/renewals and drafts new submissions for projects yet to be initiated.
  • Conduct literature reviews/searches and writes technical and research reports (as required).
  • Assist with writing research grant proposals including updating the investigator CV’s and associated reports (as required).

Qualifications

• BSc in Nutrition and Metabolism or related field. Must have an understanding and experience with applied research methods and practices. Preference will be given to registered dietitians.
• Minimum 1-2 years’ experience in a clinical setting for the equivalent demonstrated combined coordination/administrative experience in a health-related field. Previous project management.
• Excellent organizational, analytical and communication (written and verbal) skills, and high attention to detail, especially pertaining to efficient and accurate data entry and documentation.
• Able to perform well in a setting that requires multitasking and a flexible work schedule (early mornings, evenings and weekends are occasionally required).
• Proficient in using information systems including bibliographic management software (e.g. EndNote) and programs including and Microsoft Office Suite software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge of the University of Alberta policy and Procedures is a significant asset.
• An expertise in nutrition and laboratory experience is considered an asset.
• Knowledge in using ESHA Food Processor Software is considered an asset.

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.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.