Digital Research Services Specialist - Nursing

Competition 2237

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 2 years and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Information Services & Technology (IST)

Information Services & Technology (IST) is the central support group for the university's technological landscape. IST plays a pivotal role in ensuring the evolution and smooth operation of technology for teaching, learning, research and working at the University of Alberta. Beyond having expansive technical expertise, IST fosters a supportive environment where our staff values include compassion, connection, collaboration, creativity and courage. If you are passionate about leveraging technology to empower education, research and to drive institutional excellence, join us and be part of shaping the future of the University of Alberta through innovative IT solutions.

Position Summary

The Digital Research Services Specialist (Nursing) (DRSS) reports into IST and primarily works with Nursing PIs and research teams to assist them in implementing a wide range of IT projects and initiatives, IT enhancements and operational items. Projects include space management system implementation, software implementation, and other IT operations. The DRSS will oversee all aspects of IT projects using planning, monitoring and controlling processes to ensure successful completion of the project on time, on budget, and according to researcher specifications. To this end, the DRSS will perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to: drafting all necessary documents complying with the project management process, coordinating all resources, designing and leading training, liaising with stakeholders, setting deadlines, assigning responsibilities, and monitoring, summarizing and communicating the progress of the project.

The successful candidate is required to work collaboratively with end users, communication colleagues, Information Services & Technology (IST) staff, and external contractors to

successfully implement various projects. Due to the nature of this role, and interaction with IST and other technical colleagues as well as research stakeholders, the incumbent must demonstrate a strong capacity for analysis and demonstrate highly effective problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and comprehension skills, coupled with an energetic, friendly and professional manner is paramount. 

Duties 

1. Research Project Mangement and Technology Consultation
   • Leads consultations with researchers to design effective digital research workflows and solutions, translating their needs into technical strategies spanning hardware, software, and collaboration with technical experts
   • Collaborates with principal investigators, research teams, and stakeholders to develop research technology plans including: budget, data model setup and hardware/software implementation
   • Advises researchers on adapting software to integrate with national computing platforms and ensure compliance with cybersecurity requirements.
2. Strategic Research Support
   • Develop and implement local and national strategies to improve the coordination of initiatives, making them accessible and usable by nursing and health science researchers
   • Builds and enchances tools, such as software, help resources, templates, and workflows, to better support researchers
3. Data Management and Security
   • Ensures research and administrative data is secure and properly backed up in accordance with related policies
   • Regularly monitors user access and tests systems such as Citrix, HRDR, and SharePoint to report and address abnormalities
4. Training and Remote Work Support
   • Designs and delivers training programs
   • Collaborates with other research support personnel across institutions to deliver coordinated training efforts 
5. Grant and Proposal Development Support
   • Assists research teams with the development of grant applications, advising on the integration of research computing and technology
6. Client and Stakeholder Relationship Management

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Computing Science is required; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• Qualitative and quantitative data modeling experience and knowledge of relevant statistical analysis software. Combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Minimum 4 years in a project management or IT management/supervisory role
• Experience in project management, change management, risk management, and communication management
• Experience working as a data custodian with the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta, Secure Computing Data Storage, Data Sharing and Collaboration (ShareFile), Data Access Agreement
• Experience in IT projects, including software, applications, as well as infrastructure-related projects
• Competence in Service Management and Business Analysis
• Demonstrated excellence in presentation, training, and communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Ability to work both independently and in a team
• Strong customer service orientation
• Exceptional planning and project implementation skills to achieve goals
• Exceptional analytical and problem solving abilities
• Ability to swap between generalizations/abstractions and details/specifics
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn new digital tools and methods
• Knowledge of multi-platforms (PC, Linux and Mac)
• Completion of IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) – Foundations course is an asset