Department VPRI Research Integrity Support

Posted date July 18, 2025

Closing date August 6, 2025

Position Type Full Time - Operating Funded

Description

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $67,731 to $112,811. This position has an end date of August 31, 2027.

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

Working at the University of Alberta

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 First Peoples 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**.**

Working for the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation)

VPRI supports the university's research function, helping ensure those involved in research, partnership and innovation activities adhere to the highest operational, financial, legal, ethical and safety standards. We also develop and administer policies to ensure regulatory compliance.

Position

The Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio encompasses services supporting the Institution and its researchers in the provision of effective and compliant research activities. The Safeguarding Research Office (SRO) within RIS, reporting to the Director, Research Security is responsible for the University’s safeguarding research framework, support for the U of A safeguarding research governance framework, awareness-raising, training, capacity building, risk identification and mitigation, compliance with all applicable federal, provincial and international requirements, and management of several related programs. This position will provide leadership to a team of Safeguarding Research Specialists and Implementation Support Leads, and daily oversight of the Contract Security Program, Controlled Goods Program and Travel Security Program. The Senior Officer will also act on behalf of the Director, Research Security as required.

This role requires significant capacity to work independently, to take initiative, and to exercise excellent judgement. This position carries significant responsibility due to the requirement to manage staff, and to work directly and effectively with researchers/faculty and staff across a range of disciplines. The actions and decisions of the incumbent will reflect directly on the SRO and the VPRI portfolio as a whole.

Duties

Leadership of the Risk Identification and Mitigation Teams within Safeguarding Research Office

• Accountable for the shared central email account for the Safeguarding Research Office to ensure that requests are properly and promptly routed, actioned and labelled.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to the Safeguarding Research Specialists (SRSs) and Implementation Support Leads (ISLs), ensuring alignment with organizational goals. This includes guiding them in risk identification and mitigation, enhancing due diligence processes, and supporting the Risk Assessment Sub-Committee (RASC) of the Research Security Impacts Committee (RSIC) through effective coordination and resource allocation. Focus on fostering a proactive approach to research security and driving continuous improvement in operational effectiveness.
• Support teams through identification and acquisition of information management and information technology solutions and development of supporting processes.
• Lead and facilitate strategic meetings with the Safeguarding Research Specialists (SRS) and Implementation Support Leads (ISLs) to enhance communication and collaboration, effectively addressing challenges while providing constructive feedback and guidance. Ensure that the activities of both teams are anchored in robust procedures, methodologies, and reporting standards, promoting alignment with organizational objectives and driving continuous improvement in performance and accountability.
• Engage in daily strategic consultations with the Director of Research Security to ensure effective oversight of the Safeguarding Research Specialists (SRSs) and Implementation Support Leads (ISLs), aligning their efforts with organizational performance objectives. Proactively identify and escalate issues that require the Director’s attention or decision-making, fostering a responsive and agile approach to research security management. Managerial responsibilities include employee orientation, mentorship, setting and tracking of performance objectives and employee learning and development plans, in consultation with the Director, Research Security.
• Review Risk Assessment Forms before submission to the Director, Research Security for decision.
• Ensure ongoing tracking of key performance indicators to support reporting and ensure efficiency, effectiveness and responsible stewardship of resources.
• Maintain awareness of federal and provincial research security requirements and application to specific research funding opportunities.
• Establish strong relationships with partners in the Research Partner Network (RPN), Research Administrative Services (RAS), Information Services and Technology (IST), University Services, Operations and Facilities (USOF), and the U of A Library in order to support the SRO in the fulfillment of responsibilities relating to risk identification, risk mitigation, and compliance with applicable federal and provincial requirements.
• Provide advice to the SRS and ISL staff with regard to engagement with the U of A research community to ensure effective engagement, collaboration, communications and conflict resolution.
• Provide support for conflict resolution within the SRS and ISL teams, and ensure strong communication and collaboration between these teams and other components of SRO and VPRI.

Daily Oversight of Contract Security Program (CSP) and Controlled Goods Program (CGP)

• Obtain and hold Designated Official status under the Controlled Goods Program and support implementation of the program.
• Obtain and hold Alternate Company Security Officer status under the Contract Security Program and support implementation of the program.
• Provide strategic support to the Implementation Support Lead(s) in ongoing management and coordination of the Contract Security Program and Controlled Goods Program through the provision of supervisory oversight, advice, support and guidance.
• Consult with members of the academic communities of practice for the CSP and the CGP to ensure adherence to best practices.
• Consult internally and with other U15 universities, as appropriate, to support the operation of the Travel Security program.

Provision of Strategic Advice and Engagement

• Contribute strategic insights to the Director of Research Security to support the development and implementation of performance assessment frameworks and metrics. This collaborative effort will enhance the organization’s ability to evaluate effectiveness, drive accountability, and align security initiatives with broader organizational goals.
• Support the Director, Research Security upon request in the development of strategic advice and briefing materials for the Associate Vice President Research Integrity Support and/or the Vice-President (Research and Innovation).
• Support the Director, Research Security as needed in providing secretarial support to the Research Security Impacts Committee.
• Support the Director, Research Security as needed in representing the University of Alberta in the Alberta Research Security Community of Practice and the associated Executive Committee.
• Support the Director, Research Security as needed in representing the University of Alberta in the ‘Team Canada’ national community of practice of research security directors and leads.

Qualifications

Education:

• A University undergraduate degree is required; a University graduate degree is preferred; a combination of relevant experience and education may be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of related, progressively responsible experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues to non-experts.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Diplomatic and tactful, capable of engaging with diverse stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experience in strategy development and implementation.
• Knowledge of defense procurement, export controls, controlled goods, and sanctions is an asset.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and managing complex relationships.
• Familiarity with national security or geopolitical issues is an asset.
• Experience working with neuro-divergent individuals or teams, as well as implementing EDIA or GBA+ considerations, is an asset.
• Familiarity with the University of Alberta or experience in a postsecondary institution is an asset.

The successful candidate must be willing to undergo personnel security screening and able to successfully attain the requested clearance level (see https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/esc-src/personnel/information-eng.html).

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 inclusivity 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 ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

Note: This opportunity will be available until midnight August 6, 2025, Edmonton, Alberta local time.