Research Data Management Implementation Specialist Full-time

Research Data Management (RDM) Implementation Specialist

This position has a term length of 2 years from the date of hire.

Location – This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Director, Research Ethics and Integrity, the Research Data Management (RDM) Implementation Specialist provides senior-level leadership for the operationalization, execution, and continuous evaluation of the University of Alberta Institutional Research Data Management Strategy. Co-led by the Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio and the University of Alberta Library, this key strategic initiative advances institutional RDM capacity, service pathways, and responsible data stewardship across campus.

The Implementation Specialist translates high-level institutional strategy into actionable operational plans, priorities, metrics, and coordinated activities across RIS, the Library, Information Services & Technology (IST), Colleges, Faculties, and the broader research community. Exercising significant independent judgment, the incumbent evaluates institutional RDM readiness, identifies gaps, and leads the development and execution of tailored implementation frameworks.

By aligning U of A practices with evolving Tri-Agency mandates, funder and journal expectations, Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles (CARE/OCAP®), privacy requirements, and FAIR data standards, the RDM Implementation Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting research excellence, integrity, and innovation across the institution.

Responsibilities

Implementation of Institutional RDM Services, Supports & Capacity-Building (45%)

• Strategy Execution: As part of the Institutional RDM Steering Committee, lead institutional RDM initiatives arising from the U of A RDM Strategy, including awareness campaigns, tool development, service pathways, and policy/process enhancements.
• Project & Action Planning: Develop detailed implementation plans defining scope, deliverables, timelines, stakeholder roles, communication needs, and effectiveness metrics.
• Needs & Gap Assessments: Conduct institutional assessments regarding RDM services, researcher needs, Data Management Plans (DMPs), data deposit, sensitive data, and Indigenous data governance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Design engagement processes with researchers, Associate Deans of Research (ADRs), graduate students, research administrators, Indigenous partners, and core central units (Library, IST, Ethics, Privacy, Records Management).
• Resource Development: Design and adapt RDM guidance, templates, decision aids, training resources, and service pathways for diverse research disciplines.
• Community Building: Support and sustain an institutional RDM Community of Practice for continuous engagement, knowledge exchange, and discipline-specific implementation.
• Horizon Scanning: Monitor local, national, and international RDM trends, including Tri-Agency policies, publisher requirements, FAIR principles, CARE principles, OCAP®, and Indigenous Data Sovereignty to inform local strategy.

RDM Strategy Implementation Planning, Governance & Evaluation (35%)

• Strategic Advisory: Provide strategic advice, risk analysis, and actionable recommendations to the AVP RIS, Director of RDM Strategies, and the Steering Committee regarding implementation priorities and barriers.
• Framework Evaluation: Evaluate the U of A Institutional RDM Strategy and implementation framework to determine required resources, tools, policies, and governance structures.
• Tracking & Reporting: Maintain mechanisms to track progress, evaluate metrics, identify under-resourced activities, and recommend corrective action.
• Briefings & Governance: Lead the preparation of high-level briefing materials, decision documents, environmental scans, and progress reports for senior leadership and governance committees.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate institutional risks related to funder compliance, research competitiveness, privacy, ethics, and long-term research integrity.

Stakeholder Engagement, Consultation & Capacity Building (20%)

• Consultation & Advice: Provide practical advice and guidance to researchers and administrators on RDM requirements, DMPs, data deposit, and responsible data stewardship.
• Education & Outreach: Design and deliver engaging RDM workshops, information sessions, and consultation events in collaboration with institutional partners.
• National & Regional Engagement: Participate in internal, regional, and national RDM forums, including the Digital Research Alliance of Canada Network of Experts.
• Policy Responses: Coordinate institutional responses to Tri-Agency and funder consultations related to evolving RDM requirements.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• A graduate degree in a relevant discipline is required. An undergraduate degree with substantial directly related experience in research data management, research administration, library or information services, policy implementation, or institutional program delivery may be considered. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Data Principles & Sovereignty: Deep understanding of FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable); practical application experience is a strong asset. Understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty, including the First Nations Principles of OCAP® and CARE principles. Experience supporting Indigenous-engaged research is highly valued.
• Project Management: Proven ability to apply project management strategies to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept to execution.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Advanced analytical skills with demonstrated judgment in assessing system gaps, evaluating risks, and developing policy or workflow recommendations.
• Communication & Facilitation: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to translate complex compliance/technical topics for diverse academic audiences.
• Relationship Building: Highly developed interpersonal skills with a collaborative, diplomatic approach to building bridges across faculties, central units, and external networks.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with collaborative tools including Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Sheets), MS Office, Zoom, and remote collaboration platforms.