
The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging is a research center at McMaster University focused on aging optimization. It pursues this goal through interdisciplinary teams that work with older adults and key stakeholders. The institute leverages platforms like the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal and collaborates with the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging. Its work spans biology and behavior, aging-related mobility, and health outcomes to reduce costs and improve well-being. The initiative aims to impact Canadian aging populations at scale through education, research collaboration, and public-facing resources.

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging is a research center at McMaster University focused on aging optimization. It pursues this goal through interdisciplinary teams that work with older adults and key stakeholders. The institute leverages platforms like the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal and collaborates with the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging. Its work spans biology and behavior, aging-related mobility, and health outcomes to reduce costs and improve well-being. The initiative aims to impact Canadian aging populations at scale through education, research collaboration, and public-facing resources.
Job ID
73558
Job Title
Administrative Assistant, Academic III
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Location
Central Campus
Open Date
12/22/2025
Job Type
Continuing
Close Date
01/16/2026
Employee Group
Unifor Unit 1, Staff
Favorite Job
Department
Materials Science and Engineer
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Salary Grade/Band
Grade 6
Salary Range
$22.94 - $36.83 (hourly)
Existing Vacancy
Yes - Backfilling as Existing
Hours per Week
35
Target Number of Openings
1
Job Code
JD0677
Posting Details
Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
Education Level
2-year Community College diploma in Office Administration or related field of study
Career Level
Requires 4 years of relevant experience
Anticipated Start Date
February 16, 2026 (Tentative)
Job Description
Administrative Assistant, Academic (III) - JD0677
Department of Materials Science & Engineering
Engineering a Brighter Future
https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/about-us/strategic-plan/
About the Faculty:
Ranked among the top engineering schools in Canada and worldwide, the Faculty of Engineering has a reputation for innovative programs, cutting-edge research, leading faculty, and aspiring students. Engineering faculty, staff, and students at McMaster pursue research and learning in more than 22 research centres, institutes and networks whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross-departmental and faculty boundaries. Outside the University, we regularly collaborate on research projects with partners in universities, the government and more than 100 companies in Canada and abroad.
About the Department:
The Department of Materials Science & Engineering at McMaster University is a dynamic hub of innovation, combining rigorous fundamentals with cutting-edge research in biomaterials, data-driven and computational materials science, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure materials, and smart devices. Our faculty and students push boundaries to design, characterize, and deploy materials that address real-world challenges across health, energy, environment, and technology. With a high rate of co-op engagement and strong support for interdisciplinary collaboration, the department offers a stimulating environment for those passionate about translating materials discovery into impact. The department nurtures a vibrant community that supports over 200 undergraduate students and nearly 65 graduate students in their academic and professional pursuits.
The Administrative Assistant, Academic (III) supports the Undergraduate Program of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering and provides administrative services to the department's faculty members and students and supports the department’s Academic Department Manager. Major responsibilities include timetabling and scheduling all undergraduate classes ensuring a conflict schedule for approximately 200 undergraduate students; co-ordinate the hiring & payroll activities of student workers and temporary/casual employees; processing various financial activities such as journal entries, cheque requisitions, non-PO vouchers, travel & expense reports, p-card reconciliations and purchase orders; collection, verification and management of undergraduate program information for accreditation and program reviews; co-ordinating special events, committee meetings, calendar and curriculum changes/conflicts, faculty-candidate interviews; assisting in the coordination of the Tenure and Promotion process, and various other duties assigned by the department Academic Department Manager, UG Associate Chair and Chair. This position is also responsible for maintaining an active departmental website; administering the department's social media sites and updating as required.
The successful candidate will be expected to work as part of the department's administrative team, providing back-up and assistance to other team members as required.
Job Summary:
Responsible for providing administrative support for an academic program or department. Plans and coordinates a variety of academic program or department events and activities and is also accountable for monitoring the graduate program budget and forecasting financial gains and shortfalls. Performs the duties of the position in accordance with established policies, procedures, and calendar of events. Responsible for ensuring adherence to quality standards and procedures for short-term staff.
Purpose and Key Functions:
Requirements:
2 year Community College diploma in Office Administration or related field of study.
Requires 3 years of relevant experience.
Qualified candidates will have a thorough understanding of McMaster's undergraduate programming and academic policies; excellent customer service skills; proficiency with standard desktop applications including Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams and Access; advanced skills in Microsoft Excel; demonstrated experience using financial, human resources and student administration modules in Mosaic/PeopleSoft; demonstrated experience with website content management; knowledge of communication technologies and social media/networking sites (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIN); relevant work experience in an academic department; basic accounting skills; exemplary written and oral communication skills and the ability to prepare communications for dissemination. This position requires an individual capable of handling a diverse workload in a busy environment, the ability to meet multiple and simultaneous deadlines and perform equally well individually and as part of a team. The successful applicant will be expected to take initiative to improve processes and develop new processes to adapt to changing conditions.
How To Apply
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
to communicate accommodation needs.
Hybrid Work Language
To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.
Interview Experience
At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.