Research Assistant

SAIT’s Applied Research and Innovation Services department helps partners conceptualize, prototype and deliver products to market. Join one of Canada’s top applied research colleges, innovate for the future and bring industry-generated ideas and game-changing technologies to life. 
The Opportunity   Job classification: A5128 - Laboratory Technician II Hourly rate: $27.58 Position End Date: 2026-12-31 Deadline to apply: 4:00PM, May 11, 2026  

Since 2003, Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) has been the research arm of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), one of Canada’s top research colleges. Leveraging 50,000 square feet of specialized lab space located in the heart of Calgary and supported by a team of over 60 research staff, ARIS provides a wide range of research and innovation services to industries in Alberta and across Canada.

The Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM) is ARIS’ newest centre, dedicated to advancing research in manufacturing and materials science. CIRAMM is at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering industry collaborations to address real-world challenges.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join the CIRAMM team. In this role, you will be responsible for assisting project managers with planning and coordinating activities related to ongoing and upcoming applied research projects. Reporting to the research chair, you will support project managers to ensure project deliverables are met on time, within budget, and in alignment with industry and academic standards.

This position requires a passion for innovation and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced research environment.

How you'll contribute

Support Project Activities
• Assist project managers to coordinate and manage applied research projects both internally within CIRAMM and externally with industry partners.
• Support project managers with developing and maintaining comprehensive project schedules, including resource planning, materials estimates, and manpower requirements, to meet project milestones effectively.
• Perform literature reviews to support guidelines for low-melting-point metallic alloys, referencing ASTM and ISO standards.
Laboratory Support and Experimentation
• Prepare cementitious materials and mixes as well as concrete samples.
• Design and manufacture molds and prototypes.
• Perform materials characterization procedures.
• Assist in maintaining the lab environment.
• Assist in the preparation and execution of laboratory tests and procedures, ensuring compliance with established safety and quality standards.
• Maintain and repair laboratory equipment, ensuring optimal functionality to support research activities.
• Monitor and manage inventory of materials, supplies, and laboratory consumables to prevent disruptions in research activities.
Documentation and Reporting
• Document project phases meticulously, including experimental designs, methodologies, and outcomes, to ensure accurate project records.
• Create detailed project summary reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Write and edit scientific publications and reports.
Other Responsibilities
• Support CIRAMM’s strategic objectives by performing additional duties as required, ensuring flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic research environment.

What you bring

• Post-secondary degree with relevant research experience; recent graduates in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline are preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cementitious materials and concrete.
• Demonstrated experience preparing, handling, and testing concrete and cementitious mixtures and samples.
• Familiarity with materials characterization and testing techniques.
• Excellent analytical skills with strong attention to detail in experimental work and data interpretation.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and teamwork.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel and Word) for data analysis, compilation, and report preparation.
• Experience with statistical or data-analysis software such as JMP, SPSS, MATLAB, Origin, or Minitab is considered an asset.
• Willingness to perform hands-on laboratory testing and actively contribute to collaborative research initiatives.
• Demonstrated understanding of basic project management principles.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. We understand how important communication is, and we are committed to following up with every candidate. Please know that each application is thoughtfully reviewed, and you will hear from us either way.   Together, we build bold futures    At SAIT, we equip you with the resources you need to shape bold futures for yourself and our communities. We offer a comprehensive package including:    - Generous time off to pursue other passions and support your wellbeing  - SAIT paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision benefits so you, and your family, are well supported  - Benefits supporting mental health and access to Greenshield + for virtual therapy at a reduced rate  - Access to a Health Spending or Taxable Spending Account   - Professional development opportunities through our Free Seat Program, tuition support, access to LinkedIn Learning and discounted Continuing Education & Professional Studies courses   - Defined Benefit pension through LAPP to help you retire with confidence  - Excellent dining options on campus  - Free access to our fitness facilities and group fitness classes    And the perks keep on coming!  
About SAIT 
At SAIT, we’re building bold futures. We’re a community of tenacious problem-solvers, inventive thinkers, and passionate collaborators who believe in doing work that matters.  
Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we’re driven by a desire to create an impact in our community. If you’re looking for a place where purpose meets possibility, you’ve found it here. 
We’re committed to community and belonging  
Community and belonging is essential to achieving SAIT's vision to be a global leader in applied education. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities, and/or people with intersectional identities. Learn more about Community and Belonging at SAIT.