Position Overview

The Department of Medicine in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for 2 Fieldwork Research Assistant(s). This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 11 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Invesitgator and will be part of an interdisciplinary research project that uses wastewater to track the epidemiology of COVID-19 infection rates in Calgary and select communities throughout Alberta (https://www.ucalgary.ca/news/research-proves-testing-hospital-wastewater-covid-19-can-help-catch-localized-outbreaks-faster).

You will work together with researchers in the Faculties of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the main and Foothills campuses, and at the University’s Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets (ACWA) facility in SE Calgary, that is part of the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment plant.

The work will be based out of ACWA and involve the coordination, planning, preparation, and implementation of all fieldwork-related activities together with another fieldwork assistant and a team of researchers that includes graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty members. 

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

  • Technical
    • Assisting with wastewater sample collection based on established standard operating procedures
    • Logging sample details into the database upon arrival at ACWA
    • Performing routine field equipment maintenance and cleaning
    • Assisting research team members with tracking of inventory of sampling consumables (bottles, gloves, etc)
    • Assisting with wastewater sampler installations and troubleshooting when there are mechanical issues
  • Reporting and Publications
    • Maintain a clear and well-documented log of all data and samples collected
    • Meet with the research team weekly for project update meetings
  • Safety and Environment
    • Understanding of standard operating procedures of the equipment used in collection of wastewater samples
    • Will need to successfully complete the following training courses: WHMIS, Laboratory Safety Biosafety, Spill Response, Confined Spaces, and ACWA specific site safety training
  • Other
    • Manage time effectively to complete project work
    • Perform other duties, as assigned by the project leadership team
    • Contribute on a daily basis towards a positive working environment within a large and diverse team of colleagues working on the WBE program

Qualifications / Requirements:

  • High School diploma required, Post-secondary education an asset.
  • A Class 5 (or equivalent) driver’s license (no GDL) and qualified to drive in Alberta
  • Basic fieldwork experience and a strong interest in doing fieldwork (eg. undergraduate field school)
  • Ability to overcome the “yuck” factor working with wastewater
  • Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions to complete sample collection
  • Commitment to safety and safe work practices
  • Detail-oriented, diligent, and focused on data quality
  • Ability to interact professionally with diverse stakeholders (including technical and research staff)
  • Motivated to work in a team as well as work independently
  • Ability to prioritize workload, tasks, assignments and responsibilities and is able to handle a number of tasks simultaneously
  • Available to work a flexible and potentially changing schedule
  • Demonstrated professionalism, maturity, and good judgment
  • Knowledge of WHMIS

Application Deadline:  July 25, 2022

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the General Job Family, Phase I.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about the Cumming School of Medicine visit Careers in the Cumming School of Medicine.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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