Research Associate (limited Term)

Date Posted: 02/27/2025
Req ID: 41755
Faculty/Division: UofT Mississauga
Department: UTM:Ofc of the ViceP, Research & Innovation& Centre for Robotics Observations of the Biosphere and the Environment (CROBE)
Campus: University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)

DESCRIPTION

U of T Mississauga—the second largest campus of Canada’s top-ranked university and the only research university in Ontario’s booming Peel Region—is one of the world’s great catalysts of human potential. Our employee community hums with the energy of 3,400 faculty, librarians and staff, who power our campus with curiosity, connection and care. We work together to spark life-changing research and innovation, make an indelible mark on the world by building equitable cities and societies, enable healthy lives, create a sustainable future and ignite entrepreneurship. Above all, we prioritize student success and seek to give our 16,500 students the lift of a lifetime through learning and discovery. We love to open opportunities available nowhere else for our community to achieve their ambitions and make their unique contributions to Canada and the world.

This work all comes together on a spectacularly green campus, alongside the Missinihe-ziibi (Trusting Creek or Credit River), where we seek to honour truth, reciprocity and reconciliation on the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We’re thrilled to welcome those who want to learn more about us and to be part of what we do.

Reporting to the Principal Investigator, Professor Ingo Ensminger, the Research Associate (Limited Term) position plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective operation and utilization of the Centre for Robotics Observations of the Biosphere and the Environment (CROBE) research infrastructure while supporting the program's administrative and technical needs. The Research Associate will also work closely with the UTM, Office of the Vice-Principal, Research & Innovation, the CROBE Governing Board and the Divisional Research Offices.

It is also expected that the candidate will be an active research participant and provide technical and scientific support for research trainees. At all times, the individual will be expected to support the overall research, training and outreach missions of the lab.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES

The successful incumbent will help establish and manage the Centre for Robotics Observations of the Biosphere and the Environment (CROBE) and serve as its Technical Manager. They will support the Co-Directors in managing a research infrastructure program and ensuring efficient operations and optimal utilization of equipment and resources. This includes:

1. Financial Management & Budget Support: assist Co-Directors with budget planning, tracking, and reporting; process and monitor equipment-related expenses; support financial documentation and reporting requirements.
2. Infrastructure Implementation: coordinate the deployment and maintenance of research equipment and infrastructure; oversee equipment inventory and maintenance schedules; ensure compliance with institutional and safety regulations; support the implementation of technical systems and processes.
3. Equipment Usage Management: process and coordinate equipment usage requests; maintain booking schedules for all research equipment; apply Governing Board guidelines for equipment allocation; track equipment utilization and generate usage reports.
4. Vendor Relations: serve as primary liaison with equipment vendors and service providers; lead the negotiation of service agreements and maintenance contracts; manage procurement processes in coordination with university purchasing systems.
5. Administrative Support: support bi-monthly CROBE Governing Board meetings; track and implement Board decisions regarding equipment allocation; document and maintain equipment usage guidelines and procedures; assist in coordinating annual stakeholder meetings.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Education: Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field such as Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geography, Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or related.

Experience: At least three (3) years’ experience in technical or research equipment management or equivalent; Drone Pilot Certificate – Advanced Operations (already obtained preferred); strong organizational and project management skills; experience with budget management and financial tracking; excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work with academic researchers and technical vendors; Driver’s license (Full G).

Preferred Qualifications: Experience processing and managing remote sensing data; demonstrated experience operating drones for data collection purposes; hands-on experience with one or several types of remote sensing equipment, particularly LiDAR, Solar-Induced Fluorescence (SIF) sensors, Hyperspectral sensors, Thermal sensors, RGB cameras; experience troubleshooting and resolving complex electronic and mechanical issues with field research equipment and drone systems; familiarity with research infrastructure management.

To be successful in this role you will be:

1. Technical Problem-Solver: Capable of rapidly diagnosing and resolving equipment malfunctions in field research environments.
2. Proactive Resource Manager: Strategically coordinate equipment allocation, maintenance, and logistics to maximize research efficiency.
3. Detail-Oriented Documenter: Track equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and research infrastructure protocols.
4. Efficient Communicator: Interact effectively with academic researchers, technical vendors, and administrative stakeholders.

*Please note that this is a limited term Research Associate position for a 2-year period.*

Closing Date: 03/27/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $52,574 - $98,576
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching