Research Associate

This position has an initial appointment of 1 year.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus, Edmonton.

The Research Associate is responsible for coordinating and implementing research activities across the 2SLGBTQI+ Rainbow Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub/Carrefour du savoir pour l’entrepreneuriat 2ELGBTQI+ (REKH/CSEA), including oversight of partner-led research initiatives and coordination of a community-based research stream. 

Working collaboratively with the Project Manager, Principal Investigators, Research Finance Lead, research partners, community organizations, and University staff, the position provides research leadership, coordination, monitoring, and accountability to ensure research activities are implemented effectively, meet project objectives, comply with funding, ethics, and University requirements, and contribute to high-quality research outcomes and knowledge mobilization.

The position serves as the primary point of coordination for partner research activities and supports collaboration among researchers, community organizations, and project stakeholders to advance the objectives of the REKH/CSEA Project.

Research Program Coordination and Implementation

• Coordinates implementation of the REKH/CSEA research program across multiple partner organizations and research streams.
• Oversees partner research activities to ensure alignment with project objectives, timelines, and funding requirements.
• Participates in regular leadership and project partner meetings to support coordination, collaboration, and project implementation. 
• Monitors progress and reports on research outcomes, risks, and emerging issues.

Relationship Management

• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with research partners, academic collaborators, community organizations, and stakeholders.
• Facilitates partner engagement and communication to support effective project implementation.
• Identifies implementation challenges and works collaboratively to develop solutions.

Research Oversight, Monitoring, and Accountability

• Monitors research activities against approved milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Reviews research outputs to ensure quality, consistency, and accountability.
• Maintains project documentation and contributes to evaluation and continuous improvement.

Community-Based Research Coordination

• Coordinates implementation of the Community-Based Research Stream.
• Manages research activities, timelines, ethics requirements, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contributes to data collection, analysis, evidence synthesis, and interpretation of findings.

Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination

• Coordinates dissemination of research reports, publications, presentations, and other knowledge mobilization products.
• Coordinates knowledge mobilization activities for community, academic, and sector audiences.
• Prepares knowledge products arising from the Community-Based Research Stream and contributes to project-wide products, as requested.

Grant Compliance, Reporting, and Research Administration

• Works collaboratively with the Project Team, including the sponsor
• Familiarity with granting agency guidelines and restrictions and University of Alberta policies and procedures (requires review and knowledge of Policies and Procedures) and grant compliance, reporting, and accountability processes.
• Maintains research records and ensures compliance with University, ethics, and funder requirements.
• Contributes to grant applications, progress reports, and research administration activities, as required.

The responsibilities described above are representative of the primary accountabilities of the position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list. As the REKH/CSEA Project evolves, responsibilities may be modified or expanded to meet emerging project priorities, operational requirements, and funding obligations. 

The ability to travel is required to attend events, some of which will be out of province and require overnight stays. Working hours may vary during travel.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in a relevant discipline (ie: Political Science, Gender and Women’s Studies, Business, etc.) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• A minimum of 2 years of related experience such as research coordination, community-engaged research, research ethics, grant administration, and knowledge mobilization. 
• Project coordination experience.
• Experience working with 2SLGBTQI+ populations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and research/project management software.
• Research experience working with entrepreneurs and business communities.

About The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity

The Fyrefly Institute for Gender and Sexual Diversity is a non-profit organization and research institute housed in the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta. 

Our programs focus on community outreach, creating affirming spaces, and educational advancement specifically for the 2SLGBTQ+ community through our educational programs, research, advocacy and scholarship opportunities. The Fyrefly Institute works to create a society where all queer and trans people are free of discrimination. Hope drives all of our initiatives, including education programs, research, policy development, advocacy, and community services.

How to Apply

Please submit the following required documents: 

• Cover letter
• CV/Resume
• List of References 

For questions on the position, please contact Gin Marshall, Project Manager, REKH/CSEA, at rainbowhub@ualberta.ca

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $65,369 to $81,719.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.