Director, Responsible Conduct of Research

at  University of Saskatchewan

DIRECTOR, RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) main campus is located in the vibrant city of Saskatoon on Treaty 6 territory and the traditional homeland of the Métis. USask is one of the top research-intensive, medical doctoral universities in Canada, and is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security and infectious diseases.
The Office of the Vice-President Research (OVPR) provides visionary leadership and strategic direction to the university’s research, scholarly, and artistic works (RSAW) ecosystem/community. This is achieved by creating strategic partnerships, plans, and policies that together create a supportive research environment indicative of a world-class research-intensive university.
Primary Purpose: The Director, Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) develops strong relationships with leadership across the University to advance a culture of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR); provides leadership to define, develop and implement institutional strategy to support RCR; leads the refinement and management of RCR policies and procedures, as informed by national and global trends; advises the designated Associate Vice President Research (AVPR), the Research Integrity Officer (RIO), Deans, Associate/Vice-Deans Research and Directors; and works with stakeholders to design, develop and deliver education, resources and tools to support RCR for all University members.
Nature of Work: Reporting to the Associate Vice President Research, the Director, RCR works collaboratively with the Associate Vice President Research, the Office of the Provost, Legal Office, Deans, A/VDRs and Directors. The work is challenging, evolving, complex and unstructured. Processes are time and topic sensitive, and require expert understanding of research and research compliance along with prioritizing and reconciling multiple priorities and competing interests. Professionalism, emotional intelligence, confidentiality, significant attention to detail, and ongoing interaction with senior administration is required, without deviation or disappointment. The ability and capability to effectively and positively interact with and influence people and their behaviors is essential. A highly developed awareness of and appreciation for research norms and ethics, publishing ethics, collective agreements and mediation is imperative.
This position mandates vision, objectivity, accountability, and enthusiasm. The expertise and capabilities to influence and define institutional RCR culture for faculty, students and staff engaged in research is essential. The successful candidate needs an exceptional collaborative ability to build superior working relationships with various campus stakeholders [e.g. Deans, Associate Deans of Research, Centre Directors, members of research teams and group leaders, research chairs, OVPR units as well as other units including the Vice-Provost Faculty Relations, Finance and Resources, General Counsel and USask Legal Office, Chief Governance Officer and office, Vice-Provost Indigenous Engagement, University Relations, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Institutional Planning and Assessment], and international, national, and provincial stakeholders. This position must create and earn/hold a high level of influence with the various campus stakeholders.

EXPERIENCE:

• At minimum ten years’ experience in a university research environment;
• Experience in responsible conduct of research and/or research ethics;
• Experience working in and positively affecting a diverse and inclusive environment;
• Experience working with senior leaders, administrators, boards, committees and working groups.

SKILLS:

• Complete understanding of applicable federal and Tri-Agency regulations including the RCR Framework, human research ethics, animal use and care, and research financial administration.
• In depth understanding of the University’s structure and processes including university policies, procedures, administrative processes and faculty governance.
• Analytical, critical thinking, decision-making skills, and leadership expertise when working with a range of stakeholders. Exceptional attention to detail.
• Motivated, organized, self-directed, possessing high standards of professional integrity and judgment including the ability to maintain confidentiality, and handle sensitive matters discretely and with diplomacy and tact. Commitment to working with shared leadership.
• Ability to manage a fluctuating and high workload of complex and sensitive projects.
• Ability to work with senior administrators, faculty, staff, students and diverse constituents both on and off campus.
• Strong time management, organizational, mediation, interpersonal communication, presentation, written and verbal communication skills;
  Department: Vice-President (Research)
  Status: Permanent
  Employment Group: Exempt
  Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
  Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $118,954.00 - 199,130.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.