Research Associate

Posted Oct 30, 2026

Job description

With an international reputation for success, Western ranks as one of Canada's top research-intensive universities. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western also provides an exceptional employment experience, offering competitive salaries, a wide range of employment opportunities and one of Canada's most beautiful campuses.

The Department of Surgery has over 100 surgeons and scientists, one basic science graduate degree program, and seven Royal College academic training programs; enrolling over 160 trainees at various levels. The Department is comprised of eight Divisions: Cardiac Surgery, General Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, Paediatric Surgery, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Urology.

Notwithstanding Paediatric Surgery, each Division has an active post-graduate residency training program. In addition there are four sub-units tied to one or more Divisions: The Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC) based at St. Joseph’s Health Care, London; the Multi-Organ Transplant Program based at University Hospital; the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic based on Western’s campus; and the Trauma Program based at Victoria Hospital.

The Research Associate will apply their expertise and knowledge to research projects, and carry out or oversee original and independent research under the general direction of a principle investigator. The incumbent may play a lead role in training staff, graduate students, undergraduate students and/or post-doctoral fellows, and in resolving issues that arise in the research environment.

The incumbent will develop research and project plans, and design, build and run experiments. The Research Associate will evaluate and interpret experimental results, develop models or correlations, and prepare reports and other written material for presentations and/or submissions to various stakeholders as required.

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a relevant discipline; PhD in a relevant discipline preferred Experience: - 3 years' working experience in a related academic research environment Skills, Abilities & Expertise:
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of relevant scientific/research principles
  • Ability to collaborate across internal and external boundaries to meet common objectives, improve outcomes and support work beyond one's own unit
  • Communication skills to describe technical concepts effectively to both novice and sophisticated users, and to complete detailed analytics and reports
  • Advanced skills in software and applications used to produce and analyze research outcomes
  • Ability to provide solutions and ideas for improvement by using imaginative approaches where constructive thinking and innovation are required
  • Detail-oriented with an ability to function and process information with high levels of accuracy- Familiarity with University research policies and practices
  • Ability to adhere to legislated safety requirements and Western safety policies
  • Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges
  • Ability to multi-task and maintain an organized and effective personal work environment
  • Ability to work in a fluid and evolving work environment with changing deadlines and priorities
  • Ability to work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work
  • Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner
  • Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve department goals
  • Demonstrated ability to research/investigate issues and resolve problems

Western offers a broad and exciting variety of part-time and temporary employment opportunities with ample room for job exploration and growth. Within our beautiful campus, you are part of a progressive work environment that promotes work/life balance including access to our state-of-the-art recreation centre. Apply for an opportunity to be part of the Western community and contribute to its success!

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership.

Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing.

Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/ . The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58

  • Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

To ensure that your application is given full consideration, please complete all relevant sections of the application. In addition, you can choose to supplement your application with a cover letter and current resume. Consideration of applicants will include an assessment of previous performance, experience, and qualifications.

Applicants should have oral communication skills in English.

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.

Description copied from Western University's careers page. Read the full posting before you apply.

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