Job Description

Description

The

Department of Earth, Energy & Environment

within the

Faculty of Science

invites applications for a

Senior Research Associate, CERC in Indigenous Planetary Well-Being

. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 24 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.


The Senior Research Associate supports the implementation of the Canada Excellence Research in Indigenous Planetary Well-Being Chair. Reporting directly to the CERC Chair, the Research Associate will play a key role in supporting the successful implementation of CERC projects. This newly established CERC program seeks to inform how humanity can reconcile its relationships with the Earth by learning from Indigenous peoples and acting on their knowledge, advice and experience. The goal is to identify what it means to "heal" and "live well" with the Earth in the face of a climate and ecological crisis.


The role involves collaboration with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, students, Indigenous communities and external partners, and includes contributing to research development, data analysis, and dissemination of results. Occasional travel to national or international field work may be required and the incumbent may represent the research at international conferences and collaborator meetings.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):


Program Development and Strategic Input

Support the Research Chair's vision by contributing to and advancing all ongoing research initiatives. Collaborate closely with team members on all scientific aspects of the program, including conceptualizing, designing, and implementing research projects. Contribute to the long-term vision and strategic planning of the program, particularly regarding Indigenous research priorities within planetary well being initiatives. Provide input on potential new areas of research, collaborations, and funding aligned with the Chair's goals. Help identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.

Dissemination, Training, and Outreach

Actively participate in dissemination and outreach efforts with Indigenous communities, including academic, governmental, and community partners. Assist in planning, organizing, and conducting gatherings or workshops or trainings relating to Indigenous climate, water or health priorities. Contribute to Indigenous and community outreach activities, providing Indigenous perspective in discussions, presentations, and educational sessions. Collaborate in the development of communication materials (e.g., policy briefs, infographics, newsletters) translating research findings for Indigenous peoples and the public. Represent the program at conferences, symposia, and professional meetings to share results and strengthen partnerships. Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows by fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive research environment.

Indigenous Engagement

Serve as a liaison between the CERC program and Indigenous communities and organizations, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities. Strengthen ties with research and educational initiatives relating to planetary well being. Identify opportunities for joint initiatives, training, and advocacy.

Research

Engage and collaborate with Indigenous communities, Elders and knowledge holders as well as with Western scientists and policy makers. Prepare and submit ethics board applications. Conduct primary research and conduct data analysis to support research objectives. Design and implement pilot projects, conferences and gatherings. Develop new programs and learning institutes in support of the CERC program. Coordinate and assist with multi-media knowledge mobilization. Requires exceptional cross-cultural communication skills, including the proven ability to facilitate collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives and agencies. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare and deliver presentations and facilitate meetings and workshops in cross-cultural settings, write concise briefings and research reports, and assist publishing research findings. Ability to travel off-site to as needed (own vehicle preferred)

Administrative Duties

In collaboration with the Chair and CERC Project Manager, schedule and coordinate project-related meetings, including preparing agendas, organizing logistics, and sending calendar invites to participants. Maintain well-organized project documentation and records, including tracking deliverables, timelines, and correspondence, in close collaboration with PI & the Project Manager. Provide regular updates and reports to the PI, and Project Manager on meeting outcomes, progress on communications, and documentation status to support informed decision-making and project continuity. Assist in the preparation of research proposals, progress reports, and facility documentation, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Qualifications / Requirements:

PhD or Masters level training Indigenous climate or environmental-related field, leadership, or research discipline. A minimum of five years of experience in action-oriented research and/or project implementation involving Indigenous leaders or collaborators. Extensive knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies, approaches to community engagement, and conducting research with diverse groups. Demonstrated leadership experience directing project teams and mentoring research staff. Experience with ethics protocols, database development, and report generation. Record of publishing presenting at community based and scholarly forums. Experience with grant writing. Experience collaborating with Indigenous partners and developing academic-Indigenous partnerships is an asset. Strategic leadership and project management skills, with ability to mentor and develop research staff. Strong collaborative and problem-solving abilities with capacity to manage complex and sensitive negotiations. Ability to work independently, make discretionary decisions, and accept responsibility for outcomes that impact research implementation. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in environments of continuous change, ambiguity, and shifting priorities. Proven experience in Indigenous-led project design and implementation, workshop and conference facilitation, and cross-cultural knowledge mobilizations. Highly self-motivated with exceptional time management skills and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Application Deadline:

November 26, 2025

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 3.


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 universitys 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 (

oic@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

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.