Description
The Research Services Team in the Office of VP Research invites applications for an Indigenous Research Coordinator (Grants). This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months/year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Research Services Office (RSO) works with the University of Calgary's research community to advance the research enterprise. The Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST) was launched within RSO to address identified challenges being overcome by the Indigenous faculty members at the University of Calgary as well as challenges associated with research being carried out in Indigenous communities, with Indigenous peoples, or on Indigenous lands. It is widely recognized that Indigenous peoples have a deep, inherent sense of communal responsibility and relational accountability to families, communities, and the land. The overarching intention of the project is to strengthen and identify existing resources for Indigenous communities and stakeholders, university researchers, and other affiliated partners in order to promote ethical, collaborative, reciprocal, and culturally responsive research. IRST affirms the University of Calgary's Indigenous Strategy, ii' taa'poh'to'p, which seeks to implement and communicate a commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and to provide pathways for transformation that advance the deep learning required for meaningful reconciliation. The University of Calgary is committed to establishing a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally competent campus community that respects, includes, and promotes Indigenous ways of knowing, teaching, learning, and research.
The Indigenous Research Coordinator (Grants) supports Indigenous faculty members and faculty members involved in Indigenous research with their research aspirations and community-centred projects alongside the Indigenous Research Advisor, under the leadership of the Manager, Indigenous Research Support Team. The Research Coordinator position aims to reduce institutional barriers to Indigenous research, contribute to the retention and advancement of Indigenous scholars, and promote Indigenous ways of being, connecting, knowing, and doing across the university.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
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Facilitate one-on-one IRST consultations with UCalgary researchers pursuing Indigenous research projects. Provide support for developing and submitting Indigenous research funding and grant applications.
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Facilitate one-on-one consultations with researchers to discuss the basics of Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles, frameworks, and wise practices.
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Provide support for the preliminary review of Indigenous research funding applications, working closely with the Indigenous Research Advisor.
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Assist in developing IDS-related guidance documents, resources, and communications in collaboration with the Indigenous Data Specialist.
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Provide administrative and logistical support for IDS projects, workshops, and community consultations.
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Organize and facilitate monthly Indigenous Research Community of Practice and drop-in sessions for Indigenous leadership, scholars, and staff to better connect with one another and IRST.
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Provide IRST communications support, such as working to ensure the IRST website is up to date.
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Work with IRST, RSO teams, and external UCalgary teams to develop, facilitate, and deliver intercultural capacity presentations, events, and ceremonies that increase understanding of Indigenous research-wise practices.
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Support the development of IRST projects and goals.
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Assist in building positive and trusting relationships with Indigenous faculty members on campus and identifying additional areas of support.
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Administrative duties including, but not limited to, creating and submitting expense reports, hybrid meeting management, assistance with resource document development, and IRST reporting.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Minimum of an undergraduate degree is required.
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Minimum 2-3 years of related experience supporting or conducting research activities.
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It is considered an asset to have an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
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Strong understanding of oral practices, Indigenous research methodologies, community based/community driven research, intellectual property, and cultural protocols.
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Experience supporting researchers, grants, or project leaders in an academic, industrial, or community setting is considered an asset.
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Knowledge in local, national, and international guidelines, recommendations, and legislation relating to Indigenous research.
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Experience in research collaborations with Indigenous communities and leadership. The incumbent will have strong understanding and experience in navigating complex and competing priorities within Indigenous contexts.
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Demonstrated cultural competencies that affirm Indigenous ways of being, connecting, knowing and doing, and incumbent is recognized by Indigenous communities as a trusted and respectful colleague.
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Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and confidentiality in dealing with external agencies and researchers.
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High-level concentration, resourcefulness, and creativity.
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Strong communication, team, and interpersonal skills.
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Resourceful, innovative, and creative problem solving.
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Conduct and oversee technical procedures, work independently and with broad directives with minimal direction.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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Experience with public and private grant writing and reporting an asset.
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Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of initiative and sound judgment coupled with related experience in an administrative supports.
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Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing workloads and priorities is required.
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Ability to work independently and be a strong team player is required.
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Ability to use tact, good judgement, and discretion in dealing with sensitive and confidential situations is required.
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Ability to build supportive, trusting, and productive relationships internal and external to the unit is required.
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Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with management and other leaders is required.
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Strong customer service skills, with demonstrated problem-solving ability and a keen eye for detail is required.
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Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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Experience working Microsoft applications.
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Knowledge of University of Calgary core business systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, IRISS, RMS) an asset.
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Indigenous candidates preferred (self-identifying as Indigenous and or experience living/working with Indigenous peoples and/or communities).
Application Deadline: June 23, 2026
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 part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.
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 ii' taa'poh'to'p 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.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
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 ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
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.
