Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor

The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office (PDRI Office) serves as a centralized resource to all members of the university community and the central point of contact for dealing with protected disclosures and research integrity issues. 

The University of Calgary is accepting applications for a full time position (40 hours) academic appointment as a Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor. This position is in the Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Office. The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor reports to the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor.

This is a five (5) year Limited-term position with the possibility of extension.

Primary Responsibilities
The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor's primary responsibilities include:

Protected Disclosure
A protected disclosure is an allegation, by a member of the university community, of a breach by faculty or staff of a university policy (other than the Research Integrity Policy).  

1. In consultation with the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor, responding to protected disclosures in accordance with the:
        a.    Procedure for Protected Disclosure, and
        b.    Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act (PIDA).
2. Consulting with the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor on complex or high-risk disclosures requiring the involvement of General Counsel and on matters related to policy and procedure.
3. Collaborating with the Sexual Violence Response Office in responding to disclosures of sexual violence.
4. Developing and implementing standardized processes and templates in managing investigations, including contacting potential external investigators, appointing them, executing related contracts, creating terms of reference, providing instructions on process to investigators, communicating with relevant parties during the various stages of the investigation and following up with appropriate parties in accordance with the related procedure upon receipt of the final report.
5. Assessing allegations made in protected disclosures, requesting, and reviewing materials, making assessments under relevant policies, and drafting investigation outcome communications.
6. Maintaining all records related to protected disclosure investigations, including the final reports resulting from any investigations.
7. Debriefing with the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor after each investigation to learn from experience and determine if policies, procedures, practices, templates, and instructions to investigators, etc. are effective or can be improved.
8. Respecting confidentiality, providing summary reports on the protected disclosure files to the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor when requested.
9. Collaborating with the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor to promote understanding of relevant policies and procedures, including the PIDA, Procedure for Protected Disclosures, Code of Conduct and Harassment Policy through educational workshops, websites, and other media as appropriate.
10. Responding to individual requests for educational workshops on matters relating to protected disclosure, tailoring the workshop to the particular unit and constituent group.
11. Staying current on best practices, nationally and internationally, on all policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines influencing issues related to protected disclosures and the PIDA and recommending changes to policies, procedures, and practices to ensure the university is one of “best in class”.
12. Acting as a resource to the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor in all matters delegated by the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor.

Research Integrity
In consultation with the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor:

1. To serve as the university’s central point of contact for receiving and managing disclosures of research misconduct in accordance with the:
        a.    Research Integrity Policy
        b.    Procedure for Investigating a Breach of Research Integrity.
2. To ensure compliance with the Federal Tri-Agency regulations for the handling and reporting of research misconduct.
3. To serve as the central point of contact with and for the Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research (SRCR).
4. To provide consultation, information, support, training, and assistance to scholars in fulfilling all obligations related to principles governing the responsible and ethical conduct of research.
5. Respecting confidentiality requirements, to provide summary reports on the Research Integrity files to the Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor when requested.

Complexity
The position is complex in nature, involving sensitive, confidential, and diverse issues that can significantly affect an individual's career or education. The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor is required to work collaboratively at all levels across the university, to exercise considerable discretion and judgment in dealing with allegations of a wide range of misconduct, making referrals, liaising, and consulting with appropriate personnel as required in the circumstances and implementing the university's policies and procedures on breaches of research integrity and protected disclosures. The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor must be empathetic and non-judgmental, possess excellent listening and time management skills, and be able to develop creative approaches to resolve difficult situations. The successful incumbent must be able to establish and maintain very effective relationships with all members of the university community.  The Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor needs to be credible, trustworthy, fair, and impartial and to be perceived so by all university constituencies at all levels. The language of work is English.

Qualifications/Expertise

• A minimum of a Masters degree is required
• PhD is preferred, preferably in social sciences or scientific discipline, conflict resolution or dispute management, law, human resources, or labour relations.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conflict and dispute management.
• Knowledge of investigation best practices. Prior workplace investigations training and experience desired.
• Trauma informed investigation training is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including Public Interest Disclosure (Whistleblower Protection) Act, human rights, occupational health & safety and privacy/FOIP.
• Knowledge of research integrity requirements, including federal regulatory requirements and related institutional policies and procedures.
• Experience in an academic research and unionized environment.
• Ability to negotiate and resolve difficult situations and build positive relations with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to manage a caseload of sensitive and complex investigations.
• Experience handling highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Experience in developing and facilitating related training is an asset.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with close attention to detail.

For more information and to apply: https://careers.ucalgary.ca/jobs/12693280-protected-disclosure-and-research-integrity-advisor-pdri-office

Application deadline: June 14, 2023

To apply, please submit the following:

• Letter of interest which provides an overview of your interest in this position and evidence of your qualifications and expertise.
• A curriculum vitae.

Applications should be addressed to Anne Wigham, Senior Protected Disclosure and Research Integrity Advisor submitted online via the ‘Apply Now’ link. Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments, (which may require you to merge documents). 

Further information about the position can be addressed to disclose@ucalgary.ca

The University of Calgary’s comprehensive benefits and pension program is designed to promote a productive level of health and well-being to staff members through coverage for health, dental, life insurance, income protection for disability, and retirement income planning. To learn about our comprehensive benefits package please visit: www.ucalgary.ca/hr/academic_benefits_pension.

The salary range for this position is $82,174 to $133,532 per annum and will be negotiated based on the candidate’s skills and experience.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, 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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

To view a listing of all available academic opportunities and to find out more about what the University of Calgary has to offer, please visit our Academic Careers website.

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.