Research Assistant I

Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

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Job Requisition ID: 2026-02805

Time Type: Part time

Employee Group: Staff

Job Category: Research and Innovation

Employment Type: Temporary

Department: Faculty of Science - Biology - Administration

Hiring Range: $47,210.94 - $59,013.67

Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

This position is being offered as a temporary contract. Term: 4 months

Please note that the salary range listed reflects full-time hours. The final salary will be adjusted based on the part-time hours for this position. This position is 20 hours a week.

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Research Assistant I will work in a supported learning environment to assist Dr. Kesen Ma and other research staff, as applicable, with various research activities. This position will work in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo. The Research Assistant will conduct laboratory activities in microbiology and molecular biology including, but not limited to, growth of microorganisms, molecular biology procedures (DNA extraction, gene cloning and expression, PCR), reagent preparation, laboratory maintenance and perform related duties as assigned.

Key Accountabilities

.

Research Support:

• Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

o General laboratory maintenance and organization

o Assistance in the day to day operations of the lab(s)

o Restocking research materials

o Preparation of materials for experiments according to research specifications

o Maintains research related records and databases, entering data according to established protocols

o Carries out simple tests and measurements

o Assist with routine tasks in data collection, sampling, identification and research preparation

o Provide general assistance with research participants, fieldwork, and collection of specimens/data, as required

o Performs basic literature research

o Assists with special projects and other duties related to the research

Required Qualifications

Education

• Completion of a BSc degree or equivalent education and experience

• Degree in the field of biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or biotechnology is preferred

Experience

• Demonstrated laboratory experience in microbiology/molecular biology is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

• Knowledge of University of Waterloo policies and procedures is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Intermediate computer skills and knowledge of software applications used in an office/lab setting, including word and excel.

• Proven high-quality customer service interactions with faculty, staff and students.

• Proven aptitude for attention to detail.

• Demonstrated decision-making and independent problem solving skills

• Excellent communication skills, oral and written.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.