Research Coordinator, Surgery

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Calgary invites applications for a Research Coordinator in the Department of Surgery within the SPHERE program. The role supports national CIHR-funded ARMOR study coordination, ethics, data management, and reporting across Canada.

The successful candidate will manage sub-sites, liaise with the PI and SPHERE team, handle budgeting and grant-related tasks, and adapt to fast-changing project requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years progressive research administration/coordination experience.
• Strong knowledge of standard research procedures and policies in large universities.
• Familiarity with electronic research systems (REB applications, research finance, PeopleSoft).
• Experience with REDCap including report generation and project design would be an asset.
• Budgeting experience and ability to manage research project finances.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ARMOR study initiation and ongoing management across Calgary and sub-sites in Canada.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and maintain REB approvals and renewals.
• Assist sub-sites with ethics applications and contract setup with SPHERE and CSM Legal.
• Interface with sub-sites and study staff; troubleshoot issues and maintain contact points.
• Prepare and submit external reports, newsletters, and study SOPs; manage study budgets.

Skills

Research administration

Project coordination

REB systems

REDCap

Budget management

Grant submissions

Alberta Health Services knowledge

Education

Master's degree

Bachelor's degree with applicable experience

Tools

PeopleSoft

Job description

Description

The Department of Surgery in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Coordinator. This Full-time Fixed Termposition is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The Strategies for Precision Health in Breast Cancer (SPHERE) research group is seeking a Research Co-ordinator. The position will support research projects initiated by SPHERE researchers that frequently involve complex co-ordination. The position requires detailed knowledge of the research administration and management systems within the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services. The need for strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to make judicious decisions are essential requirements.

The successful candidate's primary responsibility will be to initiate, co-ordinate and manage a national CIHR funded multi-site study: Arm Morbidity following Axillary Surgery for Node-Positive Breast Cancer (ARMOR). The research co-ordinator will be responsible for sub-site initiation, liaison between the University of Calgary as lead site and sub-sites and the day-to-day co-ordination and management of the study. The candidate will further support Dr. Laws and other SPHERE PIs in executing other aspects of their research programs, including but not limited to grant submissions, ethics/legal, financial management and coordinating research team members.

The position requires strong innovative problem-solving ability. Flexibility and the ability to handle change with ease are essential. The position requires the ability to address complex situations daily and the display of good judgment. Impact of error is high.

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

ARMOR Study:

• All research management and coordination tasks associated with the study


• Operational set-up of study at the University of Calgary and sub-sites across Canada


• Ensure regulatory compliance is maintained local and sub-sites across Canada


• Assist sub-sites with ethics applications as needed. Maintain a central database of REB approval and renewal dates for sub-sites


• Work with CSM Legal and the SPHERE program manager to initiate and maintain contracts with each sub-site over the lifetime of the study


• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with study staff at each study site. Act as point of first contact with sub-sites and independent troubleshooting of problems arising with sub-sites as needed


• Co-ordinate regular group update meetings with sub-site research staff


• Write and co-ordinate content for quarterly newsletters


• Develop and maintain study specific standard operating procedures


• Budget monitoring; responsible for overseeing all research accounting matters, budget reconciliation, reviewing financial reporting to funders and facilitating sub-site recruitment payments


• Undertake all external reporting related to ARMOR


• Make recommendations to the Principal Investigator as to study design, recruitment, consenting process, regulatory process and study execution. Provide regular updates to the Principal Investigator on study progress


• Undertake all recruitment, consenting and enrollment for Alberta sites and sub-sites with virtual recruitment. Undertake all follow-up with study participants as needed. Act as first point of contact for study participants

Other tasks:

• Advise on and identify funding opportunities for upcoming projects. Establish and maintain a SPHERE funding opportunity database


• Manage all aspects of the research projects initiated by the Principal Investigator and other SPHERE Principal Investigators as assigned


• Assist with operational set up and maintenance of research projects as assigned


• Manage research project funding as assigned


• Preparation of written materials including funding applications, research protocols, external reporting, publications and presentations


• Co-ordinate research funding applications for the Principal Investigator and assist with funding applications for other SPHERE Principal Investigators as needed


• Participate in the planning, design and execution of research projects


• Support trainees, research assistants and students working on research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator


• Contribute constructively to SPHERE team-based culture, ensuring interactions with SPHERE team members and collaborators are positive


• Manage complex study data, which will include Level 4 health data in accordance with Alberta Health Services and University of Calgary policies and procedures


• Liaise with Alberta Health Services administrative data teams (CancerData, SPOR) and research administration to ensure timely access to clinical and administrative datasets for use in research projects. This can include complex data management and access procedures

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Master's degree in applicable field. Bachelors degree with direct applicable experience may be considered


• A minimum of 5 years progressive research administration/co-ordination experience, preferably in a clinical or health services research environment


• Strong working knowledge of standard research procedures,[AL2.1][SI2.2] policies and processes of large research universities is essential


• Familiarity with electronic research systems (REB application systems, research finance, PeopleSoft) is essential


• Experience with RedCap including report generation and project design would be an asset


• Demonstrated ability to create and manage research project budgets


• Strong understanding of and experience in research funding writing, co-ordination and application processes


• Familiarity with Alberta Health Services research administration processes will be an asset


• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks in a self-directed manner


• Detail-oriented, organized and adapts quickly to change


• Capacity to thrive in a time-sensitive, fast-moving environment


• Ability to multi-task, remaining efficient and organized while handling multiple projects and priorities


• Excellent problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills are essential


• Demonstrated initiative and ability to seek out answers to questions and problems and apply existing technical knowledge and experience to unique situations


• Ability to deal tactfully with sensitive issues

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026

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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

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 ([e-mail]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.