Description

The Dean's Department in the Cumming School of Medicine is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Clinical & Health Services Research

The Director, Clinical & Health Services Research (Director) reports to the Senior Associate Dean (Health Research), works collaboratively with the Associate Dean, Clinical Trials and is a member of the Cumming School of Medicine operational leadership team.

The position is responsible for all aspects of clinical research resource management including, financial, staff and facilities management. High volume and diversity of work, driven by numerous deadlines, shifting priorities, and peak periods can, at times, result in high levels of stress and will require managing competing interests while ensuring a satisfactory outcome for all. The position requires the ability to work independently, handle complex situations, make discretionary decisions, all while observing the highest level of confidentiality. The work is primarily indoors with few physical requirements.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

LEADERSHIP

• On behalf of the UC, lead provincial initiatives that further the clinical research landscape in Alberta
• Working closely with the Provincial Director - Clinical Trials, lead and develop grant applications to fund clinical research infrastructure at the University and in Alberta
• Formulate and develop strategic plans that align with associated University and CSM strategic plans. Oversee and manage key clinical research programs (Calgary Centre for Clinical Research, Heritage Medical Research Clinic)
• Provide guidance to the leadership of the CSM Legal Unit, Centre for Health Informatics and W21C
• Oversee selection, procurement, implementation and operation of Clinical Trial platforms
• Oversee the administration of the Clinical Research Fund grant competitions
• Advocate for and develop space for clinical research activities to build research capacity
• Assist with strategic planning related to growing pillars 2-4 research within the CSM
• Expertise will be called upon to assist Institutes/Departments in developing business plans and implementation of strategies

STRATEGIC PLANNING

• Consults with the research community and University leaders to help establish a collective vision for growth in pillars 2-4 research
• Seeks to establish strategic partnerships to enable growth in pillars 2-4 research
• Advises VPR leadership on trends and assists with strategic planning related to growing pillars 2-4 research within the University
• Identifies and acts on opportunities for growth in clinical research
• Identifies key challenges and service gaps and proposes, develops and implements solutions
• Seeks out best practices for clinical research administration services and proposes, develops and leads change management initiatives

SUPERVISION

• Manages or acts as a leader and coach of employees within the department (Calgary Centre for Clinical Research, Heritage Medical Research Clinic)
• Responsible for performance evaluation, performance management, recruitment and discipline up to and including termination for the direct reports

BUDGET/FINANCIAL

• Oversees operational funds for clinical research including annual budgeting and reporting
• Works with the Provincial Director - Clinical Trials to seek out funding opportunities to support clinical research initiatives
• Work with CSM Fund Development to pursue external funding sources
• Develop or act as a resource in the review of major grant applications (Strategy for Patient Oriented Research grants, CIHR team grants, Canadian Foundation for Innovation grants, Ignite grants)
• Manage awarded funds and provide financial reporting according to the funding agreement
• Develop full scale project plans and budgets and define scope, project tasks and resource requirements
• Manage day-to-day operational aspects of projects such as budget, resources, and deadlines
• Responsible for ongoing analysis and redevelopment of the financial components

PARTNERSHIP & COMMUNCIATONS

• Guide and manage partnerships within CSM and with other relevant UC units
• Work closely and collaboratively with Health System Access (Acute Care Alberta) to enhance efficiencies of study approvals and grow health research
• Guide and manage partnerships between CSM and external stakeholders including Acute Care Alberta, Alberta Innovates and the University of Alberta, focusing on those that are relevant for achieving program goals
• Engage CSM faculty members to obtain their views and perceptions about progress with clinical research administration, including suggestions for future implementation activities
• Ensure that CSM faculty members and key stakeholders are informed of activities relevant to clinical research
• Ensure effective communications between the Senior Associate Dean, CSM leadership, Directors of Research Institutes, Department Chairs, the UC VPR, other University of Calgary Faculties, and Acute Care Alberta

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Masters degree or PhD in a health or business-related discipline required
• 10+ years of experience in an academic/healthcare work setting with 5+ years in a leadership role preferred
• Proven success record in leading similar programs including managing finances and staff
• Strong written and oral communication, organizational management skills, time management skills, project management skills
• Experience in public speaking and presentations
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with senior research and administrative staff in multiple research and health care areas to foster collaborative research and knowledge exchange activities
• Proven ability to develop collaborations and create strategic vision
• Experience with financial planning, budget management and process design
• Familiarity with principles of academic institutions and health delivery systems
• Previous experience in rolling out programs, using guidance and tools
• Experience in coaching and motivating people
• Experience in government and community relations
• Ability to implement programs with minimal oversight
• Capacity to work independently, acting as the principal contact for multiple groups
• Good understanding and experience of managing partner and stakeholder relationships
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to handle sensitive leadership information with utmost confidentiality
• Experience in a University setting
• Strong computer related skills including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint etc), knowledge of PeopleSoft would be an asset
• Excellent problem-solving skills, impacting the quality of the program services as well as individuals
• Advanced analytical, organizational, planning, negotiation and decision making skills required
• Understanding of the importance of ethics and risk management in clinical trials
• Strong team skills and the ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including academics, government agencies, health regions, national and international contacts in industry

Application Deadline: August 13, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Management and Professional Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.