Research Associate - Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science

Description

The Department of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science invites applications for a Research Associate. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Associate will report directly to the PI, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and will play a central role in advancing research on wildlife movement, resource selection, monitoring, inventory, and conservation.

This is a full-time position primarily focused on data analysis, spatial modeling, and collaborative research coordination. Most work will be computer-based, though periodic travel, including weekends, may be required to conduct field work, meet with government and NGO partners, or to participate in workshops and conferences.

The position requires strong analytical ability, independence, and the capacity to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, collaborative research environment.

• 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), identifying 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 modeling 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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

April 8, 2026

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

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

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