Indigenous Research Advisor, Research Services

Description

The Research Services Team in the Office of VP Research invites applications for an Indigenous Research Advisor. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 18 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Research Services works with the University of Calgary's research community to advance the research enterprise. The Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST) was launched within RSO to address 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 the project is to strengthen and identify existing resources for Indigenous communities and rightsholders, university researchers, and other affiliated partners in order to promote ethical, collaborative, reciprocal, and culturally responsive research. IRST affirms the University of Calgary's Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p, which seeks to implement and communicate commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, and to provide pathways for transformation that advance the deep learning required for meaningful reconciliation. The University of Calgary is committed to establishing a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent campus community that respects, includes, and promotes Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, learning, and research.

The Indigenous Research Advisor reports to the Manager, International Research Support Team, this position specializes in supporting Indigenous research through the lens of funding while also supporting IRST projects, programs, events, and resource development. This role collaborates extensively as needed with both the External and Internal funding teams, as well as Institutional Programs within Research Services. The role provides expert advice and guidance on incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing and being in research within the grant competition review process to researchers.  The Indigenous Research Advisor will also support the institutional funding proposal review process. They will provide training on Indigenous research funding review wise-practices, evaluate and strengthen appropriate internal review procedures, and recommend and implement changes to better support Indigenous research. The incumbent is expected to keep abreast of best practices in supporting Indigenous research applied at other post-secondary institutions and the differentiating factors through participation in national communities of practice or networks.

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

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

• Provides researcher-facing support and consultation on the development and submission of Indigenous research funding applications.
• Contributes to UCalgary internal Indigenous funding application review processes with specific consideration given to ensuring alignment with Indigenous research wise-practices as well as with funding agency application development guidelines; and reviewing proposals for strategic content with accuracy to budgetary information.
• Liaises with legal services when necessary to support Indigenous research contract development as related to competitions and help resolve outstanding issues from an IRST program perspective.
• Proactively identifies risks related to the completion of Indigenous research funding projects and develops mitigating strategies.
• In collaboration with the whole IRST team and under the direction of the IRST Manager, the Indigenous research Advisor will develop events, programming, and resources, as well as facilitate ceremonies and workshops to support intercultural understanding and capacity building in Indigenous research at the University of Calgary.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A master's degree is required or commensurate work experience.
• 5 years of related experience (or combination of Indigenous-related research or research administration landscape).
• Highly developed organizational, analytical, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, and capacity to work as a team member are critical.
• Demonstrated capacity to traverse research projects and quantitative and qualitative methodologies from and across a wide variety of disciplines.
• A strong understanding of the Canadian research funding landscape is required, including a strong awareness of the Tri-Council agencies and their affiliated policies and regulations.
• Experience supporting researchers or project leaders in an academic, industrial, or community setting.
• Expert knowledge of local and national guidelines, recommendations, and legislation relating to Indigenous research.
• Expertise in university-based research collaborations with Indigenous communities and leadership is essential.
• The candidate must have the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with the internal and external community.
• Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to assess, plan, coordinate and work under the direction of shared leadership as required.
• Must demonstrate professionalism, discretion, courtesy, and respect in all interactions.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite; in particular, MS Word, MS Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint are required.
• Comfortable working with technology and internet-based applications and portals.
• Demonstrated understanding of the cultural knowledge and communication skills required to connect with Indigenous students, schools and communities.
• Strong affiliation with Indigenous communities across Western Canada, and extensive knowledge on indigenous cultures.
• Knowledge of current issues and best practices in the Canadian context for Indigenous education and support services for Indigenous students.
• Advising skills, preferably in an educational setting and/ or with regional Indigenous people/communities.

Application Deadline:  September 5, 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.