W21C Clinical Research Lead, Department of Medicine

Description

The Ward of the 21st Century in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Clinical Research Lead. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Program Manager, Clinical Trials, W21C, the Clinical Research lead supervises and directs front line clinical trials staff in the completion of projects. They will oversee multiple clinical projects for internal and external stakeholders in academic, community, government, and industry fields. They are responsible for leading the development of project proposals and protocols, supporting the Program Manager, Clinical Trials in the development of trial budgets, submitting abstracts, developing academic publications, and reporting to trial sponsors and funding bodies. Judgement requires discretionary decision making which impacts programs, services, and/or Centre operations.

Peak periods during the year are stressful due to high volume. Work requires the management of competing interests with satisfactory outcomes for all involved and is driven by constant and at times competing deadlines via multiple federal funders, provincial funders, municipal funders, trial sponsors, the University of Calgary, and Alberta Health Services. This position will work in an environment where there is ambiguity, continuous change and shifting priorities.

Experience with clinical trial start-up processes within the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services is considered a strong asset. This is a six-month position, with a strong possibility of renewal based on performance and operational requirements.

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

• Clinical Research Support and Management:
  • Develop, coordinate, and carry out clinical trial research activities for the W21C in consultation with the principal investigator(s), Program Manager, Clinical Trials, and W21C‿s Directors
  • Provide strategic advice and methodological expertise in the development of new project proposals and protocols
  • Ensure all stakeholders are kept informed of individual trial progression as necessary
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior project staff and trainees on the execution of clinical trials
  • Ensure compliance with all hospital and government regulations for research involving human subjects
• Supervision and Leadership:
  • Facilitate and oversee W21C clinical trials team in the execution of clinical trials, including Clinical Research Nurses, Clinical Research Coordinators, Research Assistants, and students
  • Challenges others to develop as leaders while serving as a role model and mentor
  • Lead and manage the planning and implementation of multiple clinical trials, including coordination with W21C Operations to ensure appropriate staffing resources required for project success
• Communication and Relationships:
  • Support the dissemination and knowledge translation of research findings to internal and external stakeholders
  • Serve as an ambassador and representative of the W21C
  • Develop project communication management plans and ensure key stakeholders are informed of project progression
  • Work with the W21C communications team to ensure effective and efficient communications of research activities and outcomes within the team, W21C network, and external stakeholders including the health system, government, and industry partners
  • Facilitate meetings with external stakeholders, including potential clients, funders, and project stakeholders
• Strategy:
  • Contribute to the preparation of proposals for grants and contracts, reports, strategic documents, and business plans to support the goals of the W21C
  • Work in collaboration with the W21C Directors to formulate and execute W21C strategic research priorities
  • Facilitate research and innovation activities to align with W21C and health system priorities

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Graduate degree in health sciences, biomedical technology, public health, or a research focused discipline. Closely related experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree
• Experience with clinical trial start-up processes within the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services is considered a strong asset
• Progressive advancement in research project management
• Clinical Trial training, including any of the following courses is an asset: Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit: Leadership in Patient Oriented Research: Pragmatic Clinical Trials Certificate Program; Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI Program); National Institutes of Health (NIH): Protecting Human Research Participants; Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans; Northern Alberta Clinical Trials + Research Centre (NACTRC) - Study Coordinator Training Program
• 5-7 years progressive experience in clinical trial project management and coordination, human research, and stakeholder engagement
• Knowledge of the University environment preferred
• Direct experience planning and executing clinical trials, particularly multi-site trials
• Successful track record of implementation of a wide variety of projects and initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships and facilitate collaboration between diverse groups
• Experience successfully negotiating solutions to complex problems and balancing competing interest for resources
• Experience supervising a team of researchers and/or students
• Experience writing ethics proposals, development of data collection forms, enrolment of participants, data analysis, and report generation
• Well developed knowledge and expertise with the health care system, particularly conducting research with health system stakeholders, clinicians, and patients
• Familiarity with government, University of Calgary, industry, and health system stakeholders preferred
• Thorough understanding of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Guidelines and Health Canada and FDA regulations, and Alberta's Health Information Act and Privacy Act

Application Deadline:  June 27, 2025

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 Institutional Commitments ([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.