Research Data Management Implementation Specialist

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

Job summary

The University of Alberta is hiring an RDM Implementation Specialist to operationalize the Institutional RDM Strategy at North Campus, Edmonton. The role requires senior leadership in coordinating RIS, the Library, IST, and faculties to advance data stewardship and compliance with Tri-Agency mandates.

Working in a hybrid setup, you will translate strategic goals into actionable plans, monitor progress, and report on metrics while engaging diverse campus partners and Indigenous data governance

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a relevant discipline is required.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Strong knowledge of data management, governance, and Indigenous data sovereignty.

Responsibilities

• Lead institutional RDM initiatives as part of the Steering Committee.
• Develop detailed implementation plans with scope, deliverables, timelines, stakeholder roles, and metrics.
• Assess RDM readiness, gaps, and research data governance needs.
• Engage researchers, ADRs, and central units to build capacity.
• Monitor trends and advise on policies, tools, and governance.

Skills

Data principles

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Relationship building

Technical proficiency

Education

Graduate degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

Google Workspace

MS Office

Zoom

Remote collaboration platforms

Job description

Job Description

This position has a term length of 2 years from the date of hire.

This position has a term length of 2 years from the date of hire.

Location

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

Reporting to the Director, Research Ethics and Integrity, the Research Data Management (RDM) Implementation Specialist provides senior-level leadership for the operationalization, execution, and continuous evaluation of the University of Alberta Institutional Research Data Management Strategy. Co-led by the Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio and the University of Alberta Library, this key strategic initiative advances institutional RDM capacity, service pathways, and responsible data stewardship across campus.

The Implementation Specialist translates high-level institutional strategy into actionable operational plans, priorities, metrics, and coordinated activities across RIS, the Library, Information Services & Technology (IST), Colleges, Faculties, and the broader research community. Exercising significant independent judgment, the incumbent evaluates institutional RDM readiness, identifies gaps, and leads the development and execution of tailored implementation frameworks.

By aligning U of A practices with evolving Tri-Agency mandates, funder and journal expectations, Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles (CARE/OCAP®), privacy requirements, and FAIR data standards, the RDM Implementation Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting research excellence, integrity, and innovation across the institution.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Execution: As part of the Institutional RDM Steering Committee, lead institutional RDM initiatives arising from the U of A RDM Strategy, including awareness campaigns, tool development, service pathways, and policy/process enhancements.
• Project & Action Planning: Develop detailed implementation plans defining scope, deliverables, timelines, stakeholder roles, communication needs, and effectiveness metrics.
• Needs & Gap Assessments: Conduct institutional assessments regarding RDM services, researcher needs, Data Management Plans (DMPs), data deposit, sensitive data, and Indigenous data governance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Design engagement processes with researchers, Associate Deans of Research (ADRs), graduate students, research administrators, Indigenous partners, and core central units (Library, IST, Ethics, Privacy, Records Management).
• Resource Development: Design and adapt RDM guidance, templates, decision aids, training resources, and service pathways for diverse research disciplines.
• Community Building: Support and sustain an institutional RDM Community of Practice for continuous engagement, knowledge exchange, and discipline-specific implementation.
• Horizon Scanning: Monitor local, national, and international RDM trends, including Tri-Agency policies, publisher requirements, FAIR principles, CARE principles, OCAP®, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty to inform local strategy.

RDM Strategy Implementation Planning, Governance & Evaluation (35%)

• Strategic Advisory: Provide strategic advice, risk analysis, and actionable recommendations to the AVP RIS, Director of RDM Strategies, and the Steering Committee regarding implementation priorities and barriers.
• Framework Evaluation: Evaluate the U of A Institutional RDM Strategy and implementation framework to determine required resources, tools, policies, and governance structures.
• Tracking & Reporting: Maintain mechanisms to track progress, evaluate metrics, identify under-resourced activities, and recommend corrective action.
• Briefings & Governance: Lead the preparation of high-level briefing materials, decision documents, environmental scans, and progress reports for senior leadership and governance committees.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate institutional risks related to funder compliance, research competitiveness, privacy, ethics, and long-term research integrity.

Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation & Capacity Building (20%)

• Consultation & Advice: Provide practical advice and guidance to researchers and administrators on RDM requirements, DMPs, data deposit, and responsible data stewardship.
• Education & Outreach: Design and deliver engaging RDM workshops, information sessions, and consultation events in collaboration with institutional partners.
• National & Regional Engagement: Participate in internal, regional, and national RDM forums, including the Digital Research Alliance of Canada Network of Experts.
• Policy Responses: Coordinate institutional responses to Tri-Agency and funder consultations related to evolving RDM requirements.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• A graduate degree in a relevant discipline is required. An undergraduate degree with substantial directly related experience in research data management, research administration, library or information services, policy implementation, or institutional program delivery may be considered. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Data Principles & Sovereignty: Deep understanding of FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable); practical application experience is a strong asset. Understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty, including the First Nations Principles of OCAP® and CARE principles. Experience supporting Indigenous-engaged research is highly valued.
• Project Management: Proven ability to apply project management strategies to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept to execution.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical skills with demonstrated judgment in assessing system gaps, evaluating risks, and developing policy or workflow recommendations.
• Communication & Facilitation: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to translate complex compliance/technical topics for diverse academic audiences.
• Relationship Building: Highly developed interpersonal skills with a collaborative, diplomatic approach to building bridges across faculties, central units, and external networks.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with collaborative tools including Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets), MS Office, Zoom, and remote collaboration platforms.

About Us

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

At The Office of the Vice President - Research (VPR) , research is at the core of what we do. The VPR team supports and advances the university's large and complex research enterprise, providing leadership, guidance and diverse research services.

VPR supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research and partnership activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.