This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has a term length of 2 years, with the possibility of renewal funding permitted.

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

The Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio encompasses services which support the Institution and its researchers in the provision of effective and compliant research activities. Reporting to the Director, Research Security, this position will be responsible for supporting the UA research ecosystem in safeguarding research and researchers by ensuring the necessary policy and procedures are in place, identifying and addressing privacy considerations, and liaising with external and internal stakeholders to ensure all relevant considerations (e.g. legal and policy requirements, privacy considerations, Access, Community and Belonging (ACB) considerations) are integrated into the organization’s safeguarding research framework and research security requirements reflected in legal assessments. This work will advance the objectives of the Safeguarding Research Office and the university’s safeguarding research framework. In fulfilling this role the position will be responsible for consulting with internal (policy leads, legal counsel and advisors, ACB leads) and external (counterparts at other Canadian and international universities) stakeholders.

This role requires significant capacity to work independently, to take initiative, and to exercise excellent judgement. This position will be responsible for identifying policy considerations relevant to research security including those relating to Privacy, Legal Authority, Compliance with University Policy and Provincial and Federal legislation and regulation as well as International legislation relating to export controls, sanctions and research security.

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.

Develop and maintain an inventory of policy documents (policy, procedure, code, collective agreement) relevant to research security (25%)

• Draft and maintain procedures for the Safeguarding Research Office, and supporting library and resources.
• Maintain an evergreen inventory of UAPPOL policies with a research security nexus and identify possible amendments to existing policies and procedures to advance the safeguarding research framework.
• Interpret and advise on existing policy documents and their relevance to research security.
• Identify relevant policy documents (e.g. legislation, regulation, United Nations resolutions) at the provincial, federal and international level.
• Conduct regular scans of provincial, national and international requirements that could impact the University’s
• Safeguarding Research program and provide related strategic policy advice.

Propose and seek approval for new or amended policy documents (25%)

• Propose new policies and procedures as required or policy amendments and advance through UA approvals process.
• Consider privacy considerations, behavioural insights findings, UA commitments, and service excellence principles in all policy development.
• Support education/awareness of new and existing policies and procedures relating to research security.
• Propose amendment to existing policies and procedures or draft new policies to ensure compliance with provincial, federal and international legislation, regulation and policy. This would include requirements relating to research security, export controls, controlled-goods and sanctions.
• Develop expert understanding in the University’s governance structure and policy and process development and approval process.
• Coordinates review and approval of policy proposals for additions or amendments to UAPPOL.
• Provides oversight and review of any policies or procedures of the Safeguarding Research Office.
• Leads process innovation and provides recommendations for continued improvement of Safeguarding Research Governance processes and structures.

Serve as central point of contact between the Safeguarding Research Office and key policy stakeholders (25%)

• Support decisions/opinions with a research security element by acting as a subject-matter expert on research security and the UA’s safeguarding research framework.
• Liaise with other units as necessary on behalf of the Safeguarding Research Office for any questions or requests for advice or instances of possible contravention of requirements relating to research security.
• Conduct media-scanning to identify any developments at the international, federal, provincial or institutional level with an impact on the policy and legal aspects of the safeguarding research framework.
• Liaise with counterparts at other universities in Canada and internationally to identify, share and implement best practices in research security.
• Leads consultations with key policy stakeholders and reflects input in policy advice to Director, Research Security.

Support the institution’s risk assessment and risk mitigation processes and research security implementation support (25%)

• Support strategic policy advice for consideration of the VPR and University of Alberta safeguarding research governance committees and working groups.

• Provide advice to the Director of Research Security and RIS portfolio for any investigations of contravention of the Responsible Conduct of Research Framework or other policy or legal requirements relevant to research security.

• Provide input and advice to members of the Safeguarding Research Office with regard to relevant issues/aspects of a risk assessment, including review of agreements, MOUs or other partnership or contractual documents.

• Provide input to members of the Safeguarding Research Office on the policy aspects of risk mitigation plans.

• Provide policy advice to the Safeguarding Research Office on any instances of suspected non-compliance with policy or regulatory requirements.

• Provide support to Safeguarding Research Office in assessing the effective implementation of risk mitigation plans by UA researchers (i.e. through audits, development of reporting requirements etc.).

• University degree required, MA preferred.

• Experience in the development or implementation of policy and/or legislation.

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision on a wide variety of tasks with competing priorities.

• Ability to be responsive to multiple internal stakeholders and capably prioritize projects and communicate prioritization and timelines to all stakeholders.

• High level of critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills required.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication (oral and written) skills.

• Ability to work diplomatically with a broad range of individuals and groups, including at executive levels.

• Ability to work with sensitive and confidential materials.

• Computer proficiency using Microsoft Office and Google applications.

• Familiarity with national security or geopolitical issues is an asset.

• Knowledge of intellectual property protections and export controls is an asset.

• Knowledge of legislation in export controls, sanctions, and controlled goods is an asset.

• Knowledge of granting and contracting processes is an asset.

• Familiarity with the University of Alberta or experience in another post-secondary institution is an asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

Ability and willingness to attain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance is required.

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*.*

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.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

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.