Job Type

Short Term Employee

Close Date

11/26/2025

Employee Group

Unifor Unit 1, Staff

Favorite Job

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Salary Grade/Band

Grade 6

Salary Range

$22.94 - $36.83 (hourly)

Contract Duration

11.9 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study

Career Level

Requires 2 years of relevant experience

Anticipated Start Date

December 1, 2025

Job Description

Research Assistant
(ENG, Mechanical Engineering)
(JD00592)

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 Research Group

The Didar Lab is a multidisciplinary research group, within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, developing bio-inspired nano-biomaterials and devices that prevent pathogen spread and advance diagnostics and therapeutics. By integrating nanotechnology, microbiology, and biomaterials engineering, our work addresses global health challenges in food safety, infectious diseases, and point-of-care testing. Guided by the pillars of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and translational science, the lab offers a dynamic environment for researchers to create technologies that improve human health.

Job Summary

Responsible for organizing and administering one or more research projects within required deadlines under the direction of a Principal Investigator or project leader.

Representative Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the collection, entry, verification, management, analysis, and reporting of data.
• Use statistical software to analyze data and interpret results.
• Design and maintain databases, data collection forms, error checking methods and related programs for efficient collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Modify and reconfigure databases to ensure the optimal storage of data and minimize data entry complexities.
• Troubleshoot moderately complex computer problems.
• Write data management and operations documentation for the project.
• Liaise between the project centre and remote project sites and personnel.
• Conduct structured project participant interviews.
• Ensure that the relevant research methodology is applied and all research material is handled in accordance with established protocols, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in the development of promotional strategies and related materials to encourage participation and support for research projects.
• Develop presentations and present information and training sessions to project personnel and project participants.
• Keep project participants informed of project progress through regular reports and newsletters.
• Gather and compile information and data required for the preparation of scientific papers, abstracts, and graphs.
• Conduct literature searches.
• Oversee the extraction and compilation of data required for reports and disseminate data to research groups and collaborating partners.
• Implement and maintain the research project budget. Create financial projections and make adjustments to the research project budget throughout the fiscal year.
• Exercise appropriate budget controls, monitor, and reconcile accounts.
• Write a variety of letters and memos.
• Participate in research project meetings and propose recommendations for procedure modifications and development in the areas of data management, quality control, and assurance.
• Write, update, and archive data management and quality assurance conventions.
• Respond to inquiries received from project personnel regarding relevant project issues and procedures

Supervision

• No formal supervision of others is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.
• Requires 2 years of relevant experience.

Assets

• MASc. Degree in Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences is considered an asset
• Experience writing technical proposals is considered a strong asset

Additional Information

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, and testing of advanced biomaterials, as well as the execution of biological assays to evaluate their performance. Responsibilities will also include supporting technical writing initiatives (e.g., CIHR grant applications), implementing safety and training protocols, assisting with budget planning, and enhancing the efficiency, documentation, and maintenance of a wet lab environment.

The candidate will join a collaborative and dynamic research team of scientists, graduate students, and engineers, working closely with team members and contributing to the lab’s multidisciplinary research goals.

The successful candidate must have and/or demonstrate:

• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to handle a high volume of tasks
• Excellent attention to detail while producing thorough and accurate work
• Strong scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Proven ability to collaborate in a dynamic team environment, which includes both internal and external partners
• Sound judgment, with the ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities, processes, or environments
• A high degree of professionalism and integrity

The successful candidate must also have previous experience in the following areas:

• Familiarity with microbiology, mammalian and stem cell cultures and biomaterials
• Familiarity with experimental protocols and data collection techniques
• Ability to contribute to grant writing, project proposals, and/or industry reports
• Contributing to and working on industry-facing projects
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

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:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

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.