Program Lead, VAST Health Research Training Program, Clinical Neurosciences

Description

The Department of Clinical Neurosciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Program Lead. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The VAScular cognitive impairment Training Platform (VAST) is a multiprovincial, interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and interinstitutional training collaborative initiated in 2022 (vast-training.org). The mission of VAST is to build a nationwide, openly accessible learning platform, complementing traditional university curricula and graduate programs, that provides a diverse set of trainees with individualized, mentored, adaptive learning paths to prepare them for careers in multiple sectors: academic, private for-profit, private non-profit, government, and healthcare.

The Program Lead will be required to work independently to oversee the successful development of partnerships within the University of Calgary; with our institutional collaborators at multiple universities including Sunnybrook Research Institute, Universite de Montreal, University of Ottawa, and St. Francis Xavier University; and with partnering community organizations, research networks, and companies.

Work duties outside of normal office hours will be required occasionally. Travel within Canada may be required.

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

• Coordinate VAST Health Research Training Platform activities:
  • Provide project management and support in major initiatives of strategic importance
  • Take the lead in preparing proposals, communications, and presentations
  • Coordinate and schedule meetings, including preparing presentations, agenda, minutes, and supporting documents
• Develop and manage the online learning platform:
  • Lead the development of the VAST curriculum through engaging learners, mentors, and partners to focus on relevant content and skills
  • Ensure information is up to date on the VAST website
  • Coordinate online learning modules and workshops using software such as Zoom and YouTube
  • Manage learning courses and certificates using software such as MoodleCloud
  • Schedule online lectures and workshops with mentors, presenters, and learners
• Support the VAST Executive Committee in developing and executing platform strategy and partnerships:
  • Help to identify and facilitate new research and strategic collaborations and partnerships both internal and external to the University of Calgary
  • Prepare reports to the Platform Advisory Committee at the University of Calgary and to partner organizations
  • Support and empower a group of people with lived experience to advise on platform strategy, lead/participate in the development and evaluation of knowledge mobilization tools, and lead/participate in training learners how and why to work with people with lived experience researchers
• Coordinate the annual conference and other in-person events:
  • Book and coordinate in-person events including the annual conference, workshops, knowledge dissemination events, and community outreach activities
  • Obtain quotes, book, and rent space, arrange for audiovisual support, prepare meeting agendas and other materials, manage expenses and reimbursements
• Manage VAST platform finances:
  • Manage the platform budget
  • Manage the VAST research account including expenses and purchases
  • Preparing progress reports to the funders including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Related Master's Degree required, PhD Degree preferred
• Training in a health sciences-related field, such as biology, medicine, epidemiology, or biomedical engineering, is an asset
• Minimum five years of related experience including at least three years of project management experience, and experience developing and managing a network of professional contacts and related activities
• Ability to work both independently, and in a team environment
• High-level organizational skills
• High-level written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate the benefit of research training to a wide variety of audiences
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to mentor and coach others
• Previous experience in a university environment is required
• Previous experience with delivery of educational programs is an asset
• Previous experience with online learning software is an asset
• Previous experience with web design and programming is an asset

Application Deadline:  May 31, 2024

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.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, 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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

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.