Research Coordinator, Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST), VP Research

Position Overview

The Indigenous Research Support Team in the VP Research portfolio invites applications for two Research Coordinators. These Full-time Fixed Term positions are for approximately 12 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) is a pilot project launched within Research Services 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 environments. The overarching intention of the project is to strengthen and identify existing resources for Indigenous communities and stakeholders, university researchers, and further partners to promote collaborative, reciprocal, and culturally responsive research.

The project affirms the University of Calgary's Indigenous Engagement Strategy, ii'taa'poh'to'p, which was launched in 2017. ii'taa'poh'to'p 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 reconciliation.

The IRST understands that responsible and ethical research with Indigenous communities and within Indigenous environments demands the need to build and develop mutually beneficial partnerships, observing the contextual challenges and opportunities for increasing rapport and capacity. The IRST serves to provide the opportunity for Indigenous communities to connect with a research body that can help to facilitate and identify the endeavors they would like to explore. The IRST will be a key point of contact for any university researchers doing work with or in Indigenous communities or on Indigenous lands. In continuity, the IRST is an advisory entity that will provide guidance to researchers and scholars on the proper processes and protocols for Indigenous research.
 

Position Description

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

Program Administration (40%)

• Providing assistance in the preparation and support of travel claims and financial reconciliation processes
• Interactions with Supply Chain Management
• Manage the administration and organization of all team and/or stakeholder interactions
• Event and meeting organization

Research Administration (40%)

• HR process assistance, budget monitoring, analysis and internal reporting
• Supporting research administration and grant application processes and proposals, including writing and review
• Help identify funding opportunities

Advising and Leadership (20%):

• Provide mutual support in conflict resolution
• Support Indigenous Faculty in university-wide conversations around honouraria, gifting, and financial obligations as it relates to working with Indigenous collaborators
• Strong ability to work with Indigenous faculty and academic community
• Strong work ethic and ability to be proactive
• Strong ability and desire to cultivate connection and rapport that results in positive, collegial relationships
• Ability to adapt to a variety of circumstances and demands of work pace
• Ability to problem solve and work in a team-oriented environment

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree required
• Minimum 2 -4 years of related experience in a research setting supporting research activities
• Knowledge of Indigenous research practices and effective research with Indigenous communities
• Understanding of historical and current challenges related to colonialism
• Understanding parallel paths and ethical space
• Experience with financial management, including proficiency in budgeting and resource planning
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and confidentiality in dealing with external agencies and researchers
• High level concentration, resourcefulness, and creativity
• Determine own priorities and deadlines
• Demonstrate strong communication, team and interpersonal skills
• Resourceful, innovative, and creative problem solving
• Conduct and oversee technical procedures Work independently and with broad directives with minimal direction
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with public and private grant writing and reporting

Preferred:

• Indigenous lived experience is preferred (self-identifying as Indigenous and or experience living/working with Indigenous peoples and/or communities
• Knowledge of University of Calgary core business systems

Application Deadline:  July 31, 2020

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 I

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

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

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 professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.