Research Finance Officer, College of Arts & Science

In March 2020, Canada’s national health research funder, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, announced funding to establish nine Indigenous health research centers across the country under its Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (NEIHR) program. This network of centers is intended to be funded from 2020 to 2035 (15 years), to create and sustain supportive research environments driven by and grounded in Indigenous communities in Canada.

The nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research, Training and Mentorship Networks that make up the Saskatchewan NEIHR (SK-NEIHR, skneihr.ca) are a dynamic, vibrant group of over 100 researchers and community partners, led by Indigenous academics, in partnership with Métis Nation-Saskatchewan, FSIN, and other community partners. Our community-post secondary network celebrates our diverse Indigenous identities, cultures, languages and traditional homelands, including the resistance and resilience of our ancestors to European colonization and Settler society. The majority of our network members are First Nations and Métis people of this territory, and as such our commitment to one another extends far beyond research partnerships and funding opportunities. Collectively, we, our parents, grandparents, and our children spent our childhoods in the families and communities this network serves.

The National Coordinating Centre acts as a secretariat, supporting the nine funded NEIHRs across Canada. It has four primary functions: facilitating the NEIHR Council, coordinating a national NEIHR evaluation strategy, hosting an annual gathering on Indigenous health research, and supporting national and international research collaborations.

Our Network’s Vision: For all First Nations and Métis people in Saskatchewan to experience optimal health and wellness across their lifespan. At the heart of our vision is a shared understanding that the knowledge, wisdom, resilience, and innovation of Métis and First Nations Peoples are foundational to the wellbeing of our families and communities, and are key to research and interventions aimed at eliminating endemic health disparities and structural inequities that contribute to poor health and social outcomes.

For more information about our network and its activities, we encourage you to visit our website and Facebook page.

Primary Purpose:

The primary purpose of this role is to support and facilitate research, training and mentorship as part of the plans outlined in the funded research proposal. The incumbent will provide research and administrative support for the Saskatchewan NEIHR network and the NEIHR National Coordinating Centre, under the direction of Dr. Robert Henry and other principal investigators of the SK-NEIHR, and Ms. Fleur Macqueen Smith, the SK-NEIHR’s Manager.

Nature of Work:

The Research Officer is accountable to Dr. Robert Henry, the nominated principal investigator, and Ms. Fleur Macqueen Smith, the Saskatchewan NEIHR’s Manager. You will join a small staff team who work collaboratively and are accountable to each other to support these networks. This is a fast-paced work environment, and you will need to balance competing priorities and shifting timelines and exercise judgment and discretion.

The Research Officer will provide research, financial and administrative support to researchers, staff, students and community partners. This is a two-year term position, with possibility of extension. They need to have experience in Indigenous health research, University of Saskatchewan financial and administrative procedures, health research administration and financial management. This position requires collaborative, participatory and interdisciplinary approaches to network research activities, inclusive of Indigenous, person-oriented and community-based approaches. The incumbent will demonstrate a high level of diplomacy and professionalism while contributing to achieving directions. They will work to ensure respectful and ethical approaches to scholarships/grants/research while at the same time maintaining positive environment within the NEIHR and NCC networks, partnering universities and communities.

The Research Officer acts as an office manager, provides financial management of research funds, interprets the university procedures, coordinates meetings and events.

The networks’ offices are located at Station 20 West in Saskatoon and the Health Sciences Building E-wing on campus, with some travel to meet with researchers at University of Regina, First Nations University, people in First Nations and Métis communities throughout Saskatchewan, and staff of community organizations. Regular travel across the province is required.

Accountabilities:

Work will be undertaken with the direction, guidance, and support of the Saskatchewan NEIHR’s Manager and Research Leads. The Research Officer will be involved in a range of tasks, which will include:

• Working collaboratively with the Manager of SK-NEIHR to ensure that the research objectives laid out in the SK-NEIHR grant are met, and the network is functioning well.
• Working collaboratively with staff in the NCC to ensure that the research objectives laid out in the NCC grant are met and the coordinating center is functioning well.
• Providing research, administrative and financial assistance to PI Dr. Robert Henry, as well as other PIs of the network to support their academic research projects and events.
• Providing support to SK-NEIHR Manager Fleur Macqueen Smith in her duties overseeing these research networks

Research administrative and financial management:

• Overseeing and management of the Saskatchewan NEIHR’s and NCC’s research funds, compliance with reporting process according to the University’s procedures, internal audit of funds and report to the SK NEIHR manager
• Working with FAST Finance, Banner, Connection Point (Jira), Concur, AboutUS and other University of Saskatchewan systems.
• Providing advice, consultation and support to researchers, staff, and students on financial and administrative requests. Dealing with requests from sponsors for award agreements, disbursement and/or receipt of funds to/from partner institutions and correspondence regarding inter-institutional award agreements.
• Providing general administrative support as booking travel, submitting travel and other expenses for reimbursement, research and income requisitions, working with external contractors and contract writing, procurements.
• Ensuring financial reports and annual progress reports are submitted as required, adhering to institutional processes. Responsible, under the direction of the manager and NPI for obtaining information.

Event organization:

• Organization of major events as SK-NEIHR annual retreat, Research Engagement Day, NCC in person meetings, National Gathering of Graduate Students conference (Saskatchewan involvement), and financial/administrative support for these events.
• Any other events for the NEIHR, such as webinars, workshops, talks and other similar events on the three partner university campuses and in communities
• Travel arrangements and reimbursements for researchers, staff and students.
• Procurement and contracting for events as per University of Saskatchewan procedures.
• Coordinates and prepares material for meetings and events, room and catering booking, online meeting technical support and booking, preparing agendas and logistical information for events and meetings, minute taking and distribution of material or moderating meetings as required.

Research and grant submission support:

• Supports the grant submission process in diverse areas of expertise with a particular focus on tri-agency funding programs, including internal grant review processes.
• Liaises with university research offices on research fund/grant needs and timelines.
• Maintains complete and accurate files for each grant and award, including all documents received from funders and applicants. Oversee the secure storage of data (physical and digital) and maintains archives of correspondence.
• Provides support for CVs for researchers in the network, working with UnivRS, CIHR’s ResearchNet, and other online submission systems.
• Ensures financial and annual progress reports are submitted as required, adhering to institutional processes. Assist in obtaining information required for annual institutional progress reports for agencies.
• Prepares budget projections for grants and other agencies as needed.
• Assists with research ethics applications; data collection, organization, and analysis; research income requisitions; contracts; report writing and research.
• Helps organize research field trips, including travel to the field to assist researchers with on-the-spot organization, data collection, and processing if needed. s
• Promotes the interests of the network and networking at conferences, field trips, and during visits to other institutes/organizations/communities.
• Provides writing, editing and other research support as needed.
• Engages and works with Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous community members in a respectful and understanding manner.

Human resources:

• In consultation with the Manager, liaises with USask Human Resources, interviewing and hiring for positions, and overseeing staff as needed.
• Assists with recruitment of personnel, preparing job postings, payroll forms, student awards, honoraria and related paperwork, ensuring with compliance with sponsor and university requirements.
• Helps new staff to become familiar with USask procedures, onboarding and outboarding staff.

Education: A graduate degree, supplemented by at least three years of demonstrated experience working in an Indigenous research environment or similar research setting and business/finance degree or certificate.

License: Class 5 SK Driver License is required for travel within the province.

Experience: The incumbent requires in-depth knowledge of the research administration in university setting, financial management and reporting, research project management process, familiarity with research proposal development, funding, and research policies and processes in academic environments. The incumbent should be familiar with First Nations and Métis communities in Saskatchewan and have strong relationship-building skills. Comprehensive knowledge of the various processes on the continuum of research which includes both quality improvement and research with the major focus on community-based research and Indigenous research methods.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the ability to engage respectfully with Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders; have a knowledge of Indigenous cultures, philosophies, practices, social and economic issues and strengths, as they pertain to Indigenous health research and methodologies; and have knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous traditions and protocols. Knowledge of Indigenous health and health research, and issues in reconciliation and decolonization is important.

They should be comfortable with technology, including hosting online meetings using remote technologies such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, and be familiar with using Microsoft 365 and other common research and office applications. They should exercise discretion in written correspondence (including email and other technologies) and with in-person and online meetings. They also should be comfortable with the University financial software as FAST, Banner, Concur, Pcard reconciliations, AboutUs and University Research System (UnivRS).

The University of Saskatchewan is committed to employment equity and diversity. Applications from Indigenous persons are encouraged for this role, particularly those with First Nations, Métis or Inuit identity. If relevant, please include this as part of your application, and describe your relationship with your community or communities.

Skills:

Financial Management:

• Proficiency in project management and financial management of research funds.
• Experience in reporting, fund operation, and knowledge of financial principles.
• Knowledge of administrative work practices and processes to provide multi-functional support, including reviewing and consolidating account data, processing invoices, and executing research contracts.
• General accounting experience processing expense claims, cheque and income requisitions, accounts reconciliations and financial reporting.

Communications and Organization:

• Ability to establish and build partnerships with diverse teams inside and outside the university.
• Sound judgment, tact, discretion, and professional integrity.
• Knowledge of protocols in Métis and First Nations communities.
• Ability to maintain positive relations with faculty, students, and the public.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively.
• Capacity for independent initiative and collaborative work with academic and administrative staff.

Research:

• Familiarity with Canadian peer-review granting systems and procedures, such as the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research, CIHR application procedures, and CIHR’s ResearchNet.
• Knowledge of scientific and research work practices, gained through experience in academic or collaborative research environments.
• Familiarity with research grant application processes and administrative management policies.
• Understanding of Indigenous research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, community-based participatory, and mixed methods.
• Demonstrated ability to organize events and projects.

Indigenous Health:

• Knowledge of Indigenous health research, integrated knowledge translation, and Indigenous data sovereignty.
• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, languages, governance, and issues related to truth, reconciliation, decolonization, cultural humility, and safety, as well as race, sex, and gender.

Inquiries regarding this position can be directed to Fleur Macqueen Smith at ***fleur.macqueensmith@***usask.ca

Department: Indigenous Studies
Status: Term Two Years with the possibility of extension

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 9/2/2025

Closing Date: 9/8/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.