Project Coordinator, Animal Use Program

Competition 2397

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

This position has a term length of one year plus one day from the date of hire and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - Work primarily takes place 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 First Peoples 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 Research Integrity Support (RIS)

The Research Integrity Support (RIS) portfolio supports the institution and its researchers by ensuring effective, ethical, and compliant oversight of research involving human participants, animals, and safeguarding-related initiatives. Within RIS, the University’s Animal Care and Use Program supports multiple Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (ACUCs) through a team that delivers comprehensive services, including researcher training, protocol review coordination, policy development, and facilitation of triennial accreditation by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC).

Position

The University uses ARISE as its enterprise platform for ethics applications. As part of an institution-wide initiative to improve researcher experience and align with CCAC guidelines, the University is undertaking a revision of its animal use protocol form and related processes (AUP 2.0). Reporting to the Senior Officer, Animal Care and Use, the Project Coordinator, Animal Use Program (AUP) will support this transition by assisting researchers and ACUC team members with the implementation and operationalization of the revised AUP form. The position plays a key role in preparing user-friendly guidance materials, templates, and communication tools, and in coordinating one-on-one support and training for researchers using the ARISE platform.

Duties

Application/Researcher Support (50%)

• Provide administrative support for the AUP 2.0 rollout by assisting researchers with understanding revised forms, navigating the online system, and ensuring submissions meet updated requirements.
• Conduct independent pre-reviews of applications, communicate necessary revisions, and advise on accepted practices to support successful submissions.
• Coordinate and schedule one-on-one sessions with researchers to address application questions, interpret new form content, and support completion of submissions.
• Take proactive steps to advance applications stalled due to missing information, unclear responses, or technical issues, referring to specialists as needed.
• Develop and maintain researcher-facing support materials, including FAQs, templates, guidance documents, and training content on ARISE and the REO website.
• Provide administrative coordination for training sessions, workshops, and help-desk support related to AUP 2.0 implementation.
• Monitor researcher and ACUC Specialist feedback, compile common questions and challenges, and relay findings to the implementation team to inform ongoing improvements.
• Track engagement and support metrics (e.g., number of consultations held, common issues, resolution timelines) to contribute to reporting on AUP 2.0 transition progress.
• Initiate and support auxiliary internal and external reviews when required (e.g., pedagogical or scientific merit, health and safety, animal service unit review).

Reviewer, Committee & Meeting Support (30%)

• Support follow-up processes by tracking reviewer conditions, protocol transfers, and pending application actions, and ensuring timely communication to researchers.
• Assist researchers post-review by coordinating one-on-one guidance to address committee feedback and ensure responses align with institutional and CCAC standards.
• Act as a liaison between researchers and ACUC Specialists to clarify review requirements and improve turnaround on protocol modifications.
• Share updated guidelines, communications, and training materials with Committee members; support consistent messaging and knowledge sharing.
• Participate in ACUC meetings, contributing informed discussion based on applicable CCAC guidelines, institutional policies, and animal research best practices.
• Identify and support the ongoing education needs of ACUCs.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the Research Ethics Office newsletter and website content.

Support for Animal Care and Use Program within the RIS portfolio (20%)

• Contribute to institutional initiatives like AUP 2.0 by supporting change management, researcher communications, document updates, and coordination of internal workflows.
• Escalate researcher issues and recurring challenges identified during consultations to ACUC Specialists, ACUC Chairs and the Senior Officer as appropriate.
• Support researcher education and training efforts, including coordination of the Institutional Animal User Training Program (registration, tracking completion, and e-class requirements).
• Assist in preparing documentation and logistical support for CCAC pre-assessments, accreditation visits, and external reviews of ACUC processes.
• Participate in working groups such as the ACUC Specialists Working Group to identify process improvements.
• Provide coverage for ACUC Specialists during absences or peak workload periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree required, preferably in biological, agricultural or general sciences and/or animal health technician certification. Must have technical knowledge of common animal use models in research and associated technical procedures.
• Working knowledge of Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines and other relevant standards (e.g., CALAS, Codes of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farm Animals, Canadian Biosafety Standards, Aquatic Pathogen Containment Standards).
• Excellent critical thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex procedural requirements in a clear, supportive, and user-friendly manner.
• Experience developing or maintaining user support materials (e.g., FAQs, templates, guidance docs) is an asset.
• Familiarity with institutional change processes, digital system transitions, or research compliance platform enhancements is an asset.
• Ability to track milestones, compile feedback, and support smooth implementation across multiple stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and University business systems (PeopleSoft, ARISE, Zoom, SharePoint etc.), and internet applications is essential.
• Self-starter with initiative, adaptability, and a positive, solutions-focused approach to supporting researchers and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team is required.