Indigenous Clinical Trials Operations and Partnerships Specialist

University of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

University of Alberta is seeking an Indigenous Clinical Trials Operations and Partnerships Specialist to lead the operational delivery of complex, multi-site trials within ICTU. You will translate trial needs into actionable workplans, advance Indigenous governance, and build trusted partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across the research lifecycle.

The role combines portfolio accountability with relational accountability, data sovereignty and culturally responsive

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education, community-engaged experience and operational expertise.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex, multi-party initiatives in Indigenous, community, health, research or public-sector environments.
• Deep understanding of distinctions-based Indigenous contexts, protocols, relationships and ways of working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
• Strong relational skills, cultural humility and sound judgment, including respect for community authority and Indigenous decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Independently plans, coordinates and delivers a portfolio of complex, concurrent clinical trials and research initiatives from feasibility and start-up through implementation, closeout and return of results.
• Analyzes operational requirements, resources, timelines, budgets and risks; develops integrated project plans, monitors progress, resolves complex operational challenges and recommends course corrections within delegated authority.
• Builds and sustains relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and research partners, integrating distinctions-based protocols, community direction, Indigenous governance, data sovereignty and relational accountability into trial delivery.
• Leads the operational integration of community engagement, research agreements, consent, data stewardship, knowledge sharing, reciprocity and benefit commitments throughout the research lifecycle.
• Coordinates clinical trial operations, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, integrating applicable research ethics, ICH Good Clinical Practice, Health Canada requirements, TCPS 2 Chapter 9, institutional policies and community-specific obligations into practical workflows.
• Strengthens team capability and continuous improvement by providing functional guidance, developing tools and resources, supporting knowledge mobilization, documenting lessons learned and recommending improvements to ICTU and CTO processes.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Project coordination

Negotiation

Problem solving

Education

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

MS Office

Collaboration tools

Data management systems

Job description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

This position has a term length of2 years.

Location

This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work. Work primarily takes place at North Campus Edmonton.

The Indigenous Clinical Trials Operations and Partnerships Specialist leads the operational delivery of complex, multi-site clinical trials within the Indigenous Clinical Trials Unit (ICTU). Reporting to the ICTU Director, this role combines portfolio-level operational accountability with a specialized mandate to advance Indigenous-led, distinctions-based, and relationally accountable health research. Working with substantial independence, the Specialist translates trial requirements into actionable workplans, integrates community governance and ethics, and builds trust-based partnerships across First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, investigators, and institutional partners.

• Independently plans, coordinates and delivers a portfolio of complex, concurrent clinical trials and research initiatives from feasibility and start-up through implementation, closeout and return of results.
• Analyzes operational requirements, resources, timelines, budgets and risks; develops integrated project plans, monitors progress, resolves complex operational challenges and recommends course corrections within delegated authority.
• Builds and sustains relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers and research partners, integrating distinctions-based protocols, community direction, Indigenous governance, data sovereignty and relational accountability into trial delivery.
• Leads the operational integration of community engagement, research agreements, consent, data stewardship, knowledge sharing, reciprocity and benefit commitments throughout the research lifecycle.
• Coordinates clinical trial operations, quality assurance and regulatory compliance, integrating applicable research ethics, ICH Good Clinical Practice, Health Canada requirements, TCPS 2 Chapter 9, institutional policies and community-specific obligations into practical workflows.
• Strengthens team capability and continuous improvement by providing functional guidance, developing tools and resources, supporting knowledge mobilization, documenting lessons learned and recommending improvements to ICTU and CTO processes.

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education, community-engaged experience and operational expertise.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating complex, multi-party initiatives in Indigenous, community, health, research or public-sector environments.
• Deep understanding of distinctions-based Indigenous contexts, protocols, relationships and ways of working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples.
• Strong relational skills, cultural humility and sound judgment, including respect for community authority and Indigenous decision-making.
• Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess risks, develop options and recommend solutions.
• Ability to rapidly acquire and apply clinical trial knowledge, including ICH Good Clinical Practice, Health Canada requirements, research ethics, privacy, quality systems and site operations.
• Working knowledge of Indigenous research ethics and data sovereignty, including TCPS 2 Chapter 9, community-specific protocols and agreements, and OCAP® principles where applicable.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities across multiple complex initiatives, maintain accurate documentation and deliver results with limited supervision.
• Strong facilitation, relationship management and written and oral communication skills, including preparing clear plans, briefings, reports and decision records.
• Ability to navigate diverse academic, clinical and community environments, adapting to differing authorities, priorities and expectations.
• Proficiency with common office and collaboration tools, with the ability to learn clinical trial, ethics, data and project management systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel, including to rural and remote communities, and work occasional evenings or adjusted hours as required.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.