Research Coordinator, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute

Description

The Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Coordinator . This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Coordinator will help support the setup and operation of a research program focused on pediatric neurodevelopment and its underlying molecular mechanisms. The lab integrates human cell systems, mouse models, and biochemical approaches. In parallel, the group maintains an active research program in Berlin, Germany, requiring coordination across two sites. The initial phase will be fast-paced and require a high degree of flexibility and initiative. This is a hands‑on role at the interface of research, lab operations, and administration during an active setup phase.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage day‑to‑day laboratory operations to ensure efficient setup and functioning of the research program


• Coordinating activities and communication between the Calgary and Berlin teams


• Establish, implement, and maintain laboratory workflows, standard operating procedures, and experimental pipelines


• Prepare, submit, and manage regulatory approvals, including human ethics, biosafety, and animal protocols


• Coordinate laboratory setup, including equipment procurement, installation, maintenance, and interaction with institutional units (facilities, safety, administration)


• Manage purchasing, track expenses, and support budget‑related processes for the laboratory


• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions to ensure continuity and progress of research activities


• Act as a central point of coordination between the Calgary and Berlin research teams, ensuring alignment of workflows and priorities


• Oversee safe and compliant operation of laboratory equipment and infrastructure, including maintaining appropriate inventory and supplies


• Train and support staff and trainees in laboratory procedures, equipment use, and compliance requirements


• Provide hands‑on support in wet lab activities as needed, including working with biological samples in accordance with safety standards


• Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment in line with institutional and regulatory requirements


• Communicate effectively with the Principal Investigator and relevant stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress, challenges, and priorities


• Operate with a high degree of independence, taking ownership of tasks and driving activities forward under broad direction


• Supporting the preparation of research proposals and related documentation


• Identifying bottlenecks and implementing practical solutions to keep projects moving

Qualifications / Requirements

• BSc, MSc, PhD in a relevant field (e.g. neuroscience, biology, biochemistry or related discipline), or equivalent combination of education and experience


• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a research laboratory environment (wet lab setting preferred)


• Must be familiar with University of Calgary structures and regulatory processes


• Demonstrated experience with regulatory processes, preferentially at the University of Calgary (e.g. human ethics, biosafety, animal protocols)


• Experience setting up or managing laboratory operations, workflows, or infrastructure


• Ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment and support technical setup (or willingness to learn these skills)


• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple tasks and stakeholders


• Managing selected administrative processes related to the research program


• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and drive tasks to completion


• Strong communication skills and ability to interact effectively with researchers, trainees, and administrative units


• Experience supervising or training others is an asset


• Familiarity with university systems and administrative processes is desirable


• Experience working in a wet lab environment, including handling of biological samples and adherence to relevant safety and compliance standards is preferred


• Ability to work independently under broad direction and take ownership of tasks


• High level of concentration, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving


• Comfortable dealing with complex and evolving situations and making decisions when appropriate


• Team‑oriented, with a collaborative and pragmatic approach


• Ability to recommend and implement improvements to methods, procedures, and workflows


• Knowledge of laboratory safety standards and certifications (e.g. WHMIS)

Application Deadline

April 13, 2026

About the University of Calgary

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EEO Statement

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 Office of Institutional Commitments and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture.

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