Research Data and Infrastructure Lead

Simon Fraser University; Surrey; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid-work

Pension plan

Tuition waiver

Professional development funds

Vacation

Job summary

Simon Fraser University in Surrey, BC invites applications for the Research Data and Infrastructure Lead to shape data governance, infrastructure, and analytics across the Stephens Family School of Medicine's expanding portfolio.

The role requires a Master’s in Biostatistics or Data Science with 8+ years in medical or academic settings, strong skills in R/Python/SQL, data privacy, and Indigenous data sovereignty; you will mentor researchers and drive cross-institutional collaboration.

Qualifications

• In-depth experience developing data governance and management practices.
• Experience with health or administrative datasets and analytics.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional research projects.

Responsibilities

• Establish scalable research data governance, infrastructure and analytics practices.
• Develop dashboards and reporting tools to support research planning.
• Mentor researchers and learners, and foster Indigenous data sovereignty in practice.
• Collaborate with SFU IT, Research Computing and external partners.

Skills

Data governance

Health data analytics

Data infrastructure

Indigenous data sovereignty

Strategic leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Biostatistics or Data Science

Tools

R

Python

SQL

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

In the School of Medicine, we are committed to shaping the future of healthcare through innovative education, groundbreaking research, and community engagement. As we embark on this journey to redefine medical education, we are seeking passionate individuals who are eager to contribute to our mission.

We envision a medical education system where students and residents learn as part of a team in primary care, community-level settings and patient-centred environments. Our curriculum considers social, environmental and prevention contexts while seeking to advance reconciliation by embedding and equalizing Indigenous knowledge systems in our learning, research and practices. As we establish the School of Medicine in Surrey, B.C., we will foster our growing relationships with the local community, Fraser Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, physicians and Indigenous partners who will help us meet the diverse health needs of the communities we serve. We seek to improve access to primary care throughout the province while resting on a solid foundation of high-quality, accredited education and world-class research efforts that keep us oriented toward measurable and socially accountable outcomes.

About the Role

The Research Data and Infrastructure Lead will help establish the data and analytics foundation needed to support the Stephens Family School of Medicine’s expanding research portfolio. This role will lead the development of research data governance, infrastructure, systems, repositories, dashboards, and analytical practices that enable secure, high-quality, and efficient research. Working collaboratively with School leadership, faculty, researchers, SFU IT, Research Computing, and external partners, the Lead will manage and analyze complex provincial and national datasets and translate findings into insights that support research planning and strategic decision-making. Key initiatives will include developing a scalable research data infrastructure and governance framework, improving data access and management processes, building research performance dashboards, supporting linked administrative data projects, and strengthening cross-institutional research collaboration. The role will also contribute to embedding Indigenous data sovereignty and OCAP principles into research data practices, while mentoring researchers and learners and strengthening data literacy across the School.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and technically proficient research data leader with experience developing data governance frameworks, research infrastructure, and analytics solutions within healthcare or academic environments. They should have strong expertise in managing large and complex datasets, data quality, privacy, research ethics, and regulatory compliance, with proficiency in R, Python, and SQL. Strong analytical, project management, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex data into meaningful insights. The candidate should be collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable mentoring researchers and learners. Experience with Indigenous data sovereignty and OCAP principles, as well as building cross-institutional partnerships, will be important to success.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Biostatistics or Data Science, Health Sciences, Health Policy or related discipline and eight years of related professional experience within a medical or academic institution or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Research Data Governance & Management: Experience developing and implementing data governance frameworks, policies, standards, and research data management practices.
• Health Data Analytics: Demonstrated expertise managing and analyzing large-scale, linked health or administrative datasets using R, Python, and SQL.
• Research Data Infrastructure: Experience designing, developing, and optimizing research data systems, repositories, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Data Compliance & Indigenous Data Sovereignty: Strong knowledge of research ethics, privacy and regulatory requirements, data-sharing practices, and OCAP principles.
• Strategic Collaboration & Leadership: Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor researchers and learners, and build effective partnerships across academic, healthcare, and community environments.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].