Research Administrative Assistant (part-time)

at  Toronto Metropolitan University

Department: Chemistry & Biology
Position supervisor: Dr. Lesley Campbell
Contract length: Until Dec 30, 2024
Hours of work per week: 20
Position type: non-union casual
Rate of pay: $30/hour
About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)
At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.
Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
About the Team
Through its next-generation, modular, distributed, and efficient technology for controlling the environment, creating nutrient cycles, and monitoring CEAs, our TMU Canadians’ Environment Agricultural Technology (CanEAT) Research Alliance will transform the CEA industry both in Canada and globally. Our diverse team is composed of engineers, biologists, and chemists. The long-term objective of CanEAT is to tackle one of the most pressing challenges that humanity faces today: providing fresh fruit and vegetables for an ever-expanding population while simultaneously preserving the environment and our economic advantage. Our vision is to build a future where food production is resilient, diverse, and environmentally sustainable in the long run.
The opportunity

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive individual to join our team as a part-time Administrative Assistant, to provide comprehensive administrative support to the research groups of two professors. This position requires exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently. Responsibilities include:

• Calendar Management: Assist in scheduling appointments, meetings, and events for the professors, ensuring optimal time management and prioritization.
• Communication Management: Handle phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication, maintaining professionalism and responding promptly and effectively.
• Meeting Support: Attend meetings, take detailed notes, and prepare concise summaries or action points as required.
• Time Management: Assist in managing the professors’ schedules, helping to prioritize tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Errand Running and Purchasing: Handle various errands, including purchasing supplies, materials, or equipment needed for the professors’ work.
• Travel Planning: Plan and organize domestic and international travel arrangements, including booking flights, accommodation, and transportation, while considering budgetary constraints.
• Presentation and Report Preparation: Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and other documents, ensuring accuracy, formatting consistency, and adherence to deadlines.
• Correspondence Management: Draft and edit correspondence, memos, and other written materials on behalf of the professors.
• Liaising with Industrial Partners: Act as a liaison between the professors and external industrial partners, maintaining professional relationships and coordinating collaboration efforts.
• Organization Systems: Maintain and organize electronic files and documents using Google Drive or similar platforms, ensuring easy access and efficient retrieval of information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in using Google Drive and other office productivity tools.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proactive and self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Flexibility to accommodate occasional overtime or schedule adjustments as needed.
• Previous experience in a similar administrative or personal assistant role is preferred.

How to apply
Please send a letter of interest, a resume and the names (and contact details) of two referees to Dr. Lesley Campbell at lesley.g.campbell@torontomu.ca by October 3, 2023.

Toronto Metropolitan University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion

• We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca.
• Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources:
• Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to submit a request.
• External candidates who do not have TMU login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
• All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

• Calendar Management: Assist in scheduling appointments, meetings, and events for the professors, ensuring optimal time management and prioritization.
• Communication Management: Handle phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication, maintaining professionalism and responding promptly and effectively.
• Meeting Support: Attend meetings, take detailed notes, and prepare concise summaries or action points as required.
• Time Management: Assist in managing the professors’ schedules, helping to prioritize tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Errand Running and Purchasing: Handle various errands, including purchasing supplies, materials, or equipment needed for the professors’ work.
• Travel Planning: Plan and organize domestic and international travel arrangements, including booking flights, accommodation, and transportation, while considering budgetary constraints.
• Presentation and Report Preparation: Assist in preparing presentations, reports, and other documents, ensuring accuracy, formatting consistency, and adherence to deadlines.
• Correspondence Management: Draft and edit correspondence, memos, and other written materials on behalf of the professors.
• Liaising with Industrial Partners: Act as a liaison between the professors and external industrial partners, maintaining professional relationships and coordinating collaboration efforts.
• Organization Systems: Maintain and organize electronic files and documents using Google Drive or similar platforms, ensuring easy access and efficient retrieval of information