Research Associate

at  Western University

ABOUT WESTERN

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada’s most beautiful campuses.

ABOUT US

Earth Sciences is the science of the planet Earth. We seek to understand the Earth’s internal structure and composition; its dynamic character (earthquakes, volcanoes, plate tectonics); the processes that occur within it; the processes that shape its surface and the materials that constitute its surface layers; the connections between Earth’s surface processes, climate and our environmental sustainability; the origin, occurrence, extraction and conservation of the Earth’s natural resources (minerals, fossil fuels, soils, and water); the place of the Earth within the Solar System, and the history of life on Earth.
Western’s Department of Earth Sciences is a close-knit and dynamic department combining cutting edge academic and applied research with strong mentorship and teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Our graduates can be found in industry, academia and government across Canada and around the world. Come see us in the Biological and Geological Sciences Building to see what Earth Sciences has to offer.

Education:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline; PhD in a relevant discipline preferre

Experience:

• 3 years’ working experience in a related academic research environmen

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are require

Please note that this position is anticipated to be filled internally by reappointment.
The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to research projects, and carry out or oversee original and independent research under the general direction of a principle investigator. The incumbent may play a lead role in training staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and/or post-doctoral fellows, and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment. Will also assist with; compiling and summarizing analytical results for scientific publications and reports, tracking and reporting of laboratory costs and user fees to various stakeholders, and ordering and maintaining lab supplies.
Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline; PhD in a relevant discipline preferred

Experience:

• 3 years’ working experience in a related academic research environment

Skills, Abilities & Expertise:

• Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
• Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one’s own unit
• Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports
• Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes

• Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required

• Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy- Familiarity with University research policies and practices

• Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies

• Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges
• Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
• Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
• Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
• Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
• Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
• Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems