Indigenous Research Specialist

at  Western University

ABOUT US

Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. With contributions that range from fundamental research to applied discovery, its researchers advance knowledge and provide tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London, in Canada, and around the world. Western Research provides strategic and comprehensive support to foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University’s profile on the global stage.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., Indigenous studies, diversity and equity, etc.)
• Courses related to Indigenous peoples/studies
• Graduate degree or equivalent professional designation in a relevant area of study is preferred
• Thesis based area of study preferred
• OCAP Certification and/or cultural competency and safety training is preferred

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience working in the area of Indigenous research within a post-secondary environment
• 1 year of experience supporting grant proposals
• Strong connections to communities in close proximity to Western/London, ON is preferred
• Experience building relationships with and/or working with Indigenous communities and organizations in research is preferred
• Proven experience writing successful proposals and working with major government research programs preferred
• Preference will be given to candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) with lived experience

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of Indigenous communities including First Nations’ governance structures and processes, and of Indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives
• Knowledge of culturally responsive and appropriate research methods and relationship building practices that are mutually beneficial, respectful, and based in reciprocity
• Indigenous cultural competency with an ability to interact and collaborate respectfully with people from different cultures and backgrounds
• Familiarity and/or proficiency in Indigenous language(s) is an asset
• Ability to motivate diverse stakeholders to increase their awareness of and advance Indigenous research best practices
• Compelling and persuasive verbal and written communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability to build both formal and informal professional relationships within, across, and external to organizational boundaries
• Ability to assess situations using sound judgement and navigate sensitive and sometimes difficult conversations that can be emotionally charged
• Proven ability to track performance measures and create summary reports to support decision-making
• In-depth understanding of complex issues, policies and best practices related to Indigenous research
• Ability to work independently, handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
• A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
• Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry and other funding sources
• Strong editing and proofreading abilities with attention to detail with emphasis on requirements for proposal development, reports and presentations

The Indigenous Research Specialist will work in collaboration to advance the respectful inclusion of, and capacity for, Indigenous research, methods, data and/or research involving Indigenous people, communities, and organizations across campus. This role will provide professional guidance both internally (to Western Research) and externally (wider Western community and Indigenous communities working with Western), and critically examine Western’s research administrative practices for doing Indigenous research and implement strategic initiatives to reduce systemic barriers. In addition, the Specialist will work in collaboration with other staff to identify internal and external funding opportunities related to Indigenous research, assess funding criteria and success factors, organize funding launches, support implementation and adjudication activities, and support Indigenous and allied faculty, postdoctoral fellows/associates, staff and students. The role will facilitate the completion of research applications and proposals, ensuring they are completed in a respectful way, honouring Indigenous voices, peoples and perspectives. Taking an equitable approach, the role will prioritize support for Indigenous faculty, postdocs and students at Western. The role will also support relationship development to elevate Indigenous voices in research, develop and disseminate resources, and lead training and workshops that foster a culture of ethical research, partnering with Indigenous people, communities, and organizations while ensuring Indigenous worldviews, Western and funding requirements are met.