Description
The Department of Clinical Neurosciences in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Director, Calgary Neuromuscular Clinical Trials. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 36 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to the Principal Investigator.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Accountability for Calgary Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Group scientific review/editing/writing may include, but not be limited to
- Journal manuscript contribution, journal abstract development or review, poster presentations and disseminating findings from Investigator Initiated trials
- Study protocol development for Investigator Initiated trials
- Create charters for the group and for Data Safety Monitoring Boards for Investigator Initiated trials
- Funder/grant submissions and annual reports
- Accountable for team engagement to communicate timelines and due dates as well as provide updates on all work to the group's Principal Investigators during quarterly and ad hoc meetings
- Anticipates internal/external scientific integrity issues and serves as a key resource interpreting, developing and applying appropriate measures
- Assignment of and support for cross-functional team member responsibilities to drive program's output while mentoring and supporting team member career development and personal wellness
Communication and Relationship Development
- Provide expert recommendations and solutions related to research strategy and partnerships, ensuring consistency throughout the research group's practices
- Work through complex university issues and challenging interpersonal interactions with composure and diplomacy
- Provide credible expert advice and consultation, education, and support to the Calgary Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Group Governance Committee, industry partners and stakeholders
- Develop and maintain productive working relationships with existing and potential pharma/industry sponsors and non-profit support groups
- As needed, represent the Calgary Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Group Principal Investigators at meetings with internal and external partners to develop and maintain relationships with key pharma partners, stakeholders, and funding organizations
- Lead the development and maintenance of memoranda of understanding, collaboration agreements, and other formal documents with external partners
Leadership
- Oversees delivery of multiple Clinical Trials within the Neuromuscular Clinical Trials program at a high level while defining objectives and performance expectations for the team to which the role oversees
- Lead core operational and administrative team, working closely to develop and grow the team's technical and related skills
- Foster development of knowledge and skills among staff based on best practices, coordinate workflow and workloads, and review work to ensure consistency of practices
- Exercise discretion for recruitment, hiring, performance management, and discipline, up to and including termination
- Act as a coach/mentor in the training and development of the core team, ensuring staff develop collegial, positive, high trust working relationships with each other and other key stakeholders, both internal and external
Staff Management
- Full managerial authority over the staff in the Calgary Neuromuscular Clinical Trials Group (Clinical Research Coordinators, Research Assistants, other support staff)
- Defines roles and responsibilities of staff, based on project requirements and individual ability levels
- Plans strategically for and defines the organizational structure of the program including the work assignments, duties and responsibilities of positions and the classifications and qualification of positions as well as other management rights contained in appropriate collective agreements
- Recommends training courses, seminars and conferences for staff to update and enhance their skills and knowledge
- Manages the creation of job profiles, job posting, hiring, onboarding/offboarding of staff
- Performs and engages staff in performance reviews to provide feedback and address performance related issues as part of the employee development process. Will evaluate employee performance based on assessment of individual's work and achievement of performance goals
Risk Management
- Ensures legal documentation is in place as appropriate for clinical trials
- Liaises with ethical and legal consultants as required to ensure project risks are well managed
- Provides Quality Assurance checks as appropriate on group Clinical Trials to confirm essential documents and regulatory documents are appropriately maintained
- Able to create Standard Operating Procedures and review on a biennial basis
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a relevant field
- Minimum 15 years experience in Health Canada and/or FDA regulated trials across a range of research disciplines
- Experience in innovation, commercialization or entrepreneurship roles
- Experience consulting, advising on and implementing research ethics processes and regulatory compliance
- 7-10 years of experience in health-related research leadership and knowledge translation is an asset
- Experience with strategic planning, developing and executing research priorities, managing research projects, and managing research budgets and personnel
- Has developed a strong national and international network that stands to positively influence the research group's reputation and performance
- Has a solid understanding of the full research value chain from bench to human trials to business
- Proven success in increasing financial health and stability of clinical research program
- Demonstrated analytical skills with ability to develop quality assurance requirements and assimilate complex information relating to clinical trial reviews
- Required to be task and detail oriented and efficient with strong time management and multi-tasking skills
- Required to have strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact effectively with stakeholders in multiple domains (scientists, clinicians, trainees, administrative support, patient support organizations, and donors) to enable a collaborative and goal-oriented research program
- Strong leadership skills, including a demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities and the ability to motivate, inspire and build confidence in others to achieve common goals
- Previous technical experience with Electronic Data Capture systems is required
- Previous experience with regulatory inspections such as Health Canada and/or the FDA is an asset
- Previous program management of national multi-site clinical trials is highly desirable
- Data Safety Monitor Board or Committee charter development and involvement is an asset
- Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, email, Internet, Microsoft Office, Zoom, MS Teams, and online ethics submission software
Application Deadline: May 23, 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 classified in the Research Career Band, Level 5 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
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 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.
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(equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (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.
