Indigenous Clinical Trials Operations and Partnerships Specialist

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 of 2 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.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter. Applicants should use their cover letter to describe their relevant experience and demonstrate their ability to:  

• Work safely, respectfully and relationally with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, recognizing distinctions-based contexts, community authority, protocols and priorities. 
• Navigate ambiguity and emerging areas of practice, particularly Indigenous clinical trial research, by approaching unfamiliar challenges with curiosity, humility, critical thinking and a willingness to learn alongside communities and partners. 
• Coordinate complex initiatives, build relationships and develop practical solutions while balancing research requirements with community direction and commitments.  Please include specific examples from your professional, community, educational or lived experience where relevant.

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.