Department of Biological Sciences - Research Associate, Faculty of Science

Overview

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Research Associate. The Full‑time Fixed‑Term position lasts approximately six months (based on grant funding) and may be extended. The Research Associate will report directly to the Principal Investigator and will play a central role in advancing research on wildlife movement, resource selection, monitoring, inventory and conservation. The position is primarily focused on data analysis, spatial modelling and collaborative research coordination.

Most work will be computer based, though periodic travel, including weekends, may be required to meet with government and NGO partners, or to participate in workshops and conferences.

• Lead the design, coordination and analysis of multi‑institutional wildlife research projects.
• Conduct quantitative and spatial analyses of wildlife movement and habitat‑use data to identify ecological patterns and management implications.
• Evaluate and compare monitoring approaches (e.g., aerial surveys, remote sensing, community‑based monitoring) and identify innovative tools and technologies to improve efficiency and data quality.
• Develop predictive models and synthesize results into technical reports, peer‑reviewed manuscripts and partner‑oriented summaries.
• Serve as a liaison between academic, governmental and NGO partners to align research objectives and promote knowledge exchange.
• Provide mentorship and supervision to graduate and undergraduate researchers, promoting skill development and research excellence.
• Support grant writing, project reporting and dissemination of research outcomes to diverse audiences.
• Represent the research group at national and international meetings, workshops and conferences.
• Contribute to maintaining a safe, inclusive and collaborative lab culture, consistent with University and Faculty values.

• PhD in Wildlife Biology, Applied Ecology, Conservation Science or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in spatial ecology and movement data analysis, including experience with GPS telemetry, camera‑trap data or similar large ecological datasets.
• Proficiency in advanced statistical modelling and spatial analysis, including R, GIS platforms and, ideally, remote sensing tools.
• Strong publication record in peer‑reviewed journals relevant to wildlife ecology, conservation or monitoring.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor research teams, including students and technical staff.
• Experience working with a broad range of collaborators, including government, NGOs and Indigenous partners, with demonstrated ability to communicate across disciplines and knowledge systems.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, with experience presenting to technical, policy and community audiences.

Final date to receive applications: January 2, 2026

We are an equal‑opportunity employer. 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.

To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).