Research Assistant in Chemistry Synthesis Conjugated Frameworks in Dalhousie University – Canada

Summary

Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, is seeking a part-time Research Assistant for a one-year term position in the Chemistry Department. The role involves supporting the Thompson synthetic chemistry research group, which focuses on conjugated chemical frameworks for photo- and chemo-active materials. The successful candidate will primarily provide research administration and coordination support, including financial management, grant administration, and liaison with university departments and funding agencies. Applicants should have an undergraduate degree and at least five years of experience in research administration within the chemical sciences, with a strong background in managing budgets and grant proposals for agencies like NSERC. The position offers a salary of $51,526 – $65,227 per annum (pro-rated to $10,305 – $13,045 for 0.2 FTE) and has a closing date of October 9, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Chemistry
Position Type	Term
Discipline	Chemistry
Research Area	Synthesis and evaluation of new chemical entities involving conjugated chemical frameworks, particularly pyrroles and other conjugated chemical species for photo- and chemo-active materials.
Degree Required	Undergraduate degree
Experience	Minimum five years experience in research administration or executive administrative role supporting research in chemical sciences, preparing funding proposals, managing budgets, reporting to granting agencies, working with research administration software, and supporting procurement activities.
Salary	$51,526 – $65,227 per annum ($10,305 – $13,045 based on 0.2 FTE)
Funding	Grant-Paid
Contract Duration	1 year
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-09
Required Documents	Resume, Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Employer Address	Dalhousie University Halifax Nova Scotia Canada B3H 4R2; Agricultural Campus Truro Nova Scotia B2N 5E3
Employer Contact	1-902-494-2211 (Halifax); 1-902-893-6600 (Agricultural Campus)

About the Project

The research project focuses on the synthesis and evaluation of new chemical entities involving conjugated chemical frameworks, specifically pyrroles and other conjugated chemical species. The goal is to develop and evaluate technologies for potential photo- and chemo-active materials. The Thompson synthetic chemistry research group at Dalhousie University leads this research, which is supported by external granting agencies and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage research operating budgets, including financial tracking, reconciliations, invoicing, and reporting compliance.
• Coordinate and contribute to grant administration activities, such as funding proposals, progress reporting, milestone tracking, and deadline management.
• Provide comprehensive research administration support to facilitate research activities, projects, and personnel.
• Liaise with university departments, funding agencies, and external partners for financial, administrative, payroll, and research-related processes.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, records, and other documentation to support research operations, funding requirements, and knowledge dissemination.
• Contribute to team effectiveness through recruitment support, promotion of an inclusive research environment, and active participation in group activities and university policies.

Required Skills

• Undergraduate degree.
• Minimum five years experience in research administration or executive administrative role supporting research in chemical sciences.
• Minimum five years experience beyond academic training in preparing funding proposals, managing budgets, and reporting to granting agencies (e.g., NSERC) for chemical sciences research.
• Minimum five years experience beyond academic training working with software for research administration and materials acquisition in chemical sciences (e.g., MS Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Chrome River, DalBuy).
• Minimum five years experience beyond academic training supporting research administration, training, and procurement activities in chemical sciences, including making recommendations on budget allocations and personnel-related matters.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research environments.
• Ability to effectively manage competing priorities and multiple projects.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in financial and confidential record-keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for individuals with an undergraduate degree and extensive experience (minimum five years) in research administration, particularly within the chemical sciences. Candidates should have a strong background in financial management, grant proposal preparation, and reporting to granting agencies. Proficiency in research administration software and excellent communication skills are essential. Individuals who can work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments are encouraged to apply. A Master's degree in a science discipline is considered an asset.

About the Employer

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university, serving as a driver for the region's intellectual, social, and economic development. It is located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro Bible Hill. The university is a national and international institution, with over half of its almost 21,000 students coming from outside the province. It has 6,000 faculty and staff and celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this contract?

The contract duration is 1 year.

What is the full-time equivalency (FTE) for this position?

The full-time equivalency (FTE) for this position is 0.2.

What is the salary for this position?

The salary is $51,526 – $65,227 per annum, which is $10,305 – $13,045 based on a 0.2 FTE.

What are the required qualifications for this role?

An undergraduate degree and a minimum of five years of experience in research administration or an executive administrative role supporting research in chemical sciences are required.

What documents are required to apply?

Applicants must submit a Resume and a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Is hybrid work an option for this position?

Yes, hybrid work is an option, combining in-person campus work with remote work within Nova Scotia, as agreed upon operational requirements and university guidelines.