General Immigration

I'm looking for some guidance because I'm getting mixed information online. I recently completed my Master's in Engineering in Alberta and I'm in the process of applying for my PGWP. My department has offered me a full-time Research Assistant position for one year, and there's a good chance they'll encourage me to continue into a PhD afterward. I'm trying to figure out how this would affect my permanent residence options. Does full-time paid Research Assistant experience count as eligible Canadian work experience for PR programs such as Express Entry or Alberta's provincial pathways? Or would