
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
73583
Job Title
LEAD TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Location
HSC- Central Campus
Open Date
01/05/2026
Job Type
Limited Term (>12 months)
Close Date
01/29/2026
Employee Group
Unifor Unit 1, Staff
Favorite Job
Department
CSU - Faculty
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Salary Grade/Band
Grade 10
Salary Range
$32.81 - $52.36 (hourly)
Contract Duration
26.3 Months
Existing Vacancy
Yes - Newly Created Position
Hours per Week
35
Target Number of Openings
1
Job Code
JD0642
Posting Details
Schedule
Mon - Fri (8:30-4:30)
Education Level
Bachelor's Degree
Career Level
Experienced, non-manager
Job Description
Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.
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OnSPARK (https://onspark.ca/) is a health data platform that undertakes research in support of quality improvement and innovation across the long-term care (LTC) sector in Ontario. Operating in close collaboration with health system, government and academic partners, OnSPARK securely integrates and curates real-world data from LTC homes to enable high-impact, evidence-informed and (especially) sector-relevant research involving both de-identified and PHIPA-sensitive data.
The Lead Technical Support position works within CSU and supports the OnSPARK Data Platform, playing an essential role in ensuring smooth and secure day-to-day operations. Main responsibilities: i) providing technical/compute environment compliance leadership for the secure operation of the Platform in accord with McMaster institutional cybersecurity policies, the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004), Research Ethics Board requirements, OnSPARK’s Data Governance Framework and other relevant policies/regulations; and ii) leading/managing technical aspects of the OnSPARK platform operations and projects.
This role requires an interest in data security, strong technical troubleshooting skills, good communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The Lead Technical Support position is integral to maintaining a secure, reliable and efficient compute environment for OnSPARK projects.
The Lead Technical Support provides Level II technical support with respect to software applications and hardware. Responsible for investigating moderate and complex issues by confirming the validity of the problem and seeking for known solutions related to these more complex issues. Leads project implementation including defining the project, monitoring progress, and planning the required sequence of activities. Provides supervision to a team of Level II technical support staff.
Supervise and direct the activities of 1 to 4 continuing employees.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, or a related field of study.
Requires 4 years of relevant experience, including one year of supervisory experience.
The position starts as soon as possible and it is a new opportunity within the department.
Graduate degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field.
Experience with information system requirements/operation in a compute environment containing personal health information (PHI) that satisfies PHIPA and/or similar privacy legislation.
Key responsibilities of the OnSPARK Lead Technical Support include:
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+.
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Hybrid Work Language
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Interview Experience
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Knowledge of AI systems, machine learning workflows, or analytics development environments.
Experience supporting research in academic, healthcare, or applied research settings.
Familiarity with secure data-access platforms, user-account workflows, and/or identity/access management tools.
Experience troubleshooting and supporting software applications used in research, analytics, and/or data management.
Ability to collaborate effectively with technical teams, including IT services, data engineering, and analytics/AI.
Support to ensure the compute environment conforms with Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board (HiREB), PHIPA, McMaster security and similar requirements for PHI.
Support for secure workflows, including assisting with appropriate access controls/permissions, access credentials, passcodes, file management, resource allocation, managing user accounts, and other day-to-day tasks required for PHIPA-aligned compute operations.
Contribute to training and onboarding, provide technical guidance and input into the design of training materials and supporting training sessions led by another team member.
Supporting the Analytics Team/users in navigating tools and applications, and in addressing compute environment challenges.
Troubleshooting and problem resolution, addressing software glitches, system errors, and technical challenges encountered by the OnSPARK team.
Software/hardware installation and maintenance, including updates, and providing system configurations.
Technical coordination with IT and engineering teams, working closely with McMaster IT services, and the OnSPARK Data Analytics and AI Development teams, to support secure compute environments and meet the technical requirements for research and analytic projects.
Operational reliability, ensuring that technical issues are identified and resolved promptly to minimize disruption to research, analytics, and platform development activities.