Ethics and Process Specialist, Indigenous Research Support Team, Research Services

Position Overview

The Indigenous Research Support Team within Research Services invites applications for a Ethics and Process Specialist. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 2 years (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Services Office (RSO) works with the University of Calgary's research community to advance the research enterprise. The Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST) addresses identified challenges being overcome by the Indigenous faculty members at the University of Calgary as well as challenges associated with research being carried out in Indigenous communities, with Indigenous peoples, or on Indigenous lands. The overarching intention of IRST is to strengthen and identify existing resources for Indigenous communities and stakeholders, university researchers, and other affiliated partners in order to promote ethical, collaborative, reciprocal, and culturally responsive research.

The Ethics and Process Specialist reports to the IRST Manager and collaborates with the Ethics & Compliance Manager, the Ethics team in RSO, and the Chairs of the University's Research Ethics Board (REB). While the Manager of the IRST is the primary contact for external stakeholders, this role acts as the internal point of contact for UCalgary researchers proposing or conducting Indigenous research, developing protocols and processes to ensure effective operations in this portfolio and partnering with Research Service's Ethics Team in the processing of Indigenous-related research ethics applications. Overall, the Ethics and Process Specialist collaborates with their team members to advocate for and contribute to ethical Indigenous research and intercultural capacity building within RSO and across the campus research community.

There are three main focuses for the work of the Ethics and Process Specialist:

• Consulting with researchers as they go through the process of human-subject ethics applications (pre-application, during the application writing process, and through the delegated reviews process). The Ethics role works with both the Conjoint Faculties Research Ethics Board (CFREB: non-health faculties) and the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB: Health faculties).
• Working to support the institutional ethics review with the CFREB, CHREB, and the RSO Ethics and Compliance teams to review/consult with delegated reviewers on Indigenous research ethics applications.
• Working on IRST projects, including special events, programs, outreach, workshops, and resources to enhance and support understanding of Indigenous research wise-practices and processes.

This role supports the continued indigenization of the University of Calgary. Click here to see more job opportunities with an Indigenous scope.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Assist the Manager, Ethics and Compliance, Ethics team, and REB Chairs in understanding the various local and national policies and procedures related to Indigenous research ethics.
• Support the Ethics team in in facilitating the review of ethics applications for Indigenous research, including, but not limited to:
  • Indigenous-focused researchers in the preparation and submission of their human research ethics applications;
  • Reviews and provides REBs support with on-going administration of primarily Indigenous human research ethics applications; and
  • Attend REB meetings when Indigenous research ethics applications are discussed.
• Maintain an in-depth understanding of various complex and nuanced local and national requirements and regulations, and awareness of international research movements primarily related to Indigenous research ethics, while also maintaining a strong knowledge of ethical issues in research involving human participants more generally.
• Applies a high level of critical thinking and understanding of the relevant research context, assesses applications for common ethical issues primarily related to Indigenous research and notifies reviewers and the Chairs regarding participant risk.
• Advise researchers on university policies, procedures, requirements, and supports related to Indigenous research in a manner that is both culturally appropriate and driven.
• Advise researchers on Indigenous research ethical practice including ensuring engagement with Indigenous communities' cultural protocol, local to projects.
• Providing specific cultural protocol for Treaty 7 research.
• Advise researchers on best practices for engaging in community-based Indigenous research.
• As invited, attend academic and/or research unit workshops and meetings to provide expert knowledge on relevant policies, procedures, requirements, and supports.
• Assist with workshops and training programs related to university policies, procedures, requirements, and supports for faculty and researchers engaging in Indigenous research.
• At the direction of the Associate Vice-President (Research) and/or the Vice-Provost (Indigenous Engagement), undertake the creation or updating of relevant University Policies and Procedures and Guidelines under the supervision of the IRST Manager.
• Liaise with relevant RSO units in addition to other University units in influencing policies or procedures related to Indigenous research ethics.
• Work with the IRST Manager and leadership in stewarding relevant policy and procedure approvals.
• Provide recommendations related to Indigenous research ethics.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree is required with a preference to candidates with a graduate degree.
• 4-5 years experience working with university research teams, preferably teams engaged in Indigenous research.
• It is considered an asset to have an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
• Indigenous candidates with lived experience and/or experience living/working with Indigenous peoples and/or communities is preferred.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous research methodologies, community engagement, community based/community driven research, Indigenous intellectual property, and cultural protocols.
• Experience in developing policies or procedures, including as a member of a team undertaking such a development.
• Experience supporting researchers or project leaders in an academic, industrial, or community setting.
• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by researchers in a university setting is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to develop a high level of knowledge of relevant University policies and processes.
• Established knowledge of the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS2).
• Willingness and ability to develop comprehensive understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty governance such as the First Nations principles of Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) Principles.
• Knowledge in local and national guidelines, recommendations and legislation relating to Indigenous research and working on Indigenous lands and waters, such as UNDRIP and the TRC Calls to Action.
• Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of initiative and sound judgment coupled with related experience in an administrative supports.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing workloads and priorities.
• Ability to work independently and be a strong team player.
• Ability to use tact, good judgement, and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential situations.
• Ability to build trusting, supportive, and productive relationships internal and external to the unit.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with management and other leaders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working with relevant computer programs, such as Microsoft applications. Knowledge of University of Calgary core business systems considered an asset (e.g. PeopleSoft, IRISS, RMS).
• Expertise in university-based research collaborations with Indigenous communities and leadership is valued. The incumbent should have comprehensive understandings and experience in navigating complex and competing priorities within Indigenous contexts.
• Demonstrated cultural competencies that affirm Indigenous ways of being, doing, knowing and connecting, and the incumbent is recognized by Indigenous communities as a trusted and respectful colleague.

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled; however, applicants will be reviewed as they are received.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3 (salary range $5,129.37 - $8,035.30/month). Salary will be negotiated based on a combination of education and experience.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.