Associate Director Indigenous Health Research

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Position Summary:

“DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-based RNA Therapeutics” (D2R) is an ambitious new research initiative led by McGill University supported by the Government of Canada Canadian First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) program and multiple other organizations. Launched in 2023 for seven years, D2R integrates complementary Canadian and international research strengths at McGill and partner sites into a unified program designed to make D2R a global leader in the discovery, development and delivery of genomics-based RNA therapeutics. The initiative focuses on health outcomes for overlooked or marginalized populations and developing inclusive dialogue processes with these populations.  D2R is deeply committed to fostering Indigenous leadership within the realms of genomic medicine, RNA therapeutics and health equity. It prioritizes the integration of Indigenous knowledge by actively promoting co-creation and ensuring that all engagements are culturally safe and respectful.

The Associate Director, Indigenous Health Research, is responsible for developing and implementing the D2R Indigenous Strategy and Research Plan, including supporting Indigenous health research in culturally safe ways and ensuring that Indigenous knowledge is integrated in all aspects of research and training.

Reporting to the Director of Administration, D2R, the Associate Director supports D2R’s Research Steering Committee (RSC), its Indigenous health working groups and the External Indigenous Advisory Council in delivering on the Indigenous Strategy and Research Plan. The role also includes managing D2R funding programs related to Indigenous health research, collaborating with Indigenous partner organizations and communities, developing training activities in Indigenous Health and staying updated on evolving priorities of Indigenous health both locally and internationally.

Primary Responsibilities:

• In close collaboration with the Indigenous health working groups, develop and implement the D2R Indigenous Strategy and Research Plan.
• Develop procedures and guidelines for the implementation of D2R’s Indigenous Strategy and Research Plan.
• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of D2R’s Indigenous Health funding initiatives, including research and talent development.

• Develop, implement and monitor training initiatives for faculty, staff and trainees to ensure a culturally safe environment for collaboration with Indigenous partners.
• Liaise with university research and Indigenous community ethics boards/research authority organizations to ensure awareness of the procedures and assess if D2R can facilitate the approval process for D2R-funded projects with Indigenous communities.
• Develop and implement recommendations to address systems, barriers and other impediments that limit the effectiveness and outcomes of Indigenous-led health research within D2R.

Partner & Community Relations

• Lead Indigenous research outreach, including connecting researchers within and outside of Indigenous communities, and delivering sessions that help improve research project preparation.
• Liaise with D2R’s External Indigenous Advisory Council, RSC working groups, Indigenous partners and communities, and external funding organizations, including the federal and provincial governments.
• Perform benchmarking and share best practices with other CFREF-funded initiatives across Canada to foster collaboration.

Operations & Project Management

• Develop project plans, deliverables, and milestones for monitoring of D2R’s Indigenous Health Research action plan.
• Manage a team of up to four Indigenous Research Liaison personnel (McGill-based or community-based) supporting community engagement and individual research projects co-led with Indigenous communities and training initiatives.
• Lead internal and external strategic and operational meetings, make recommendations and provide solutions related to D2R’s Indigenous Strategy and action plan.
• Develop key communications, reports, presentations, and other project documents as required.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Knowledge and experience of Indigenous culture, traditions and values, as well as knowledge of Indigenous-led research processes.
• Strong knowledge of the university research funding environment (with a strong awareness of Indigenous research funding programs), research funding agencies and practices, and functions related to research administration.
• Knowledge of cultural protocols to appropriately engage and foster respectful, reciprocal, ongoing relationships with Indigenous persons in a large, decentralized, and complex university or similar institution.
• Thorough understanding of human research ethics and governance in the context of Indigenous research.
• Established ability to gather, analyze and make recommendations to facilitate Indigenous partner engagement and create opportunities to support Indigenous researchers and Indigenous research.
• Proven track record in liaising and working with Indigenous organizations and communities, government agencies, researchers, and post-secondary organization officials.
• Pertinent skills and knowledge of Indigenous practices.
• Proven teamwork, project management, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in English as well as French or an Indigenous language.
• Familiarity with the diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Candidates are welcome to include a statement in their cover letter to outline their experience of Indigenous worldviews, cultures, values, or ties to an Indigenous community(ies).

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 08) $100,980.00 - $126,230.00 - $151,480.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-ADM3B - Research Administration - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Director Administration

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-04-04

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].