Indigenous Research Specialist

**Classification & Regular Hours**:
Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 15

Please note, this is a 2-year grant-funded role.

**Secondments are Welcome**:
Click here for more details on secondment opportunities.

**About Western**:
**About Us**:
Western ranks as one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities. With contributions that range from fundamental research to applied discovery, its researchers advance knowledge and provide tangible benefits for the economic, social, health and cultural development of citizens in London, in Canada, and around the world. Western Research provides strategic and comprehensive support to foster a culture of research excellence that enhances Western University's profile on the global stage.

**Responsibilities**:
**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Undergraduate Degree in a relevant area of study (e.g., Indigenous studies, diversity and equity, etc.)
- Courses related to Indigenous peoples/studies
- Graduate degree or equivalent professional designation in a relevant area of study is preferred
- Thesis based area of study preferred
- OCAP Certification and/or cultural competency and safety training is preferred

**Experience**:

- 5 years’ experience working in the area of Indigenous research within a post-secondary environment
- 1 year of experience supporting grant proposals
- Strong connections to communities in close proximity to Western/London, ON is preferred
- Experience building relationships with and/or working with Indigenous communities and organizations in research is preferred
- Proven experience writing successful proposals and working with major government research programs preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

- Knowledge of Indigenous communities including First Nations’ governance structures and processes, and of Indigenous ways of knowing and perspectives
- Knowledge of culturally responsive and appropriate research methods and relationship building practices that are mutually beneficial, respectful, and based in reciprocity
- Indigenous cultural competency with an ability to interact and collaborate respectfully with people from different cultures and backgrounds
- Familiarity and/or proficiency in Indigenous language(s) is an asset
- Ability to motivate diverse stakeholders to increase their awareness of and advance Indigenous research best practices
- Compelling and persuasive verbal and written communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University
- Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Proven ability to build both formal and informal professional relationships within, across, and external to organizational boundaries
- Ability to assess situations using sound judgement and navigate sensitive and sometimes difficult conversations that can be emotionally charged
- Proven ability to track performance measures and create summary reports to support decision-making
- In-depth understanding of complex issues, policies and best practices related to Indigenous research
- Ability to work independently, handle details with a high degree of accuracy and to organize and prioritize a high volume of work to meet deadlines
- Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate University guidelines, policies and practices to key stakeholders
- A desire to grow and advance skills, which is demonstrated by attending conferences, workshops and other professional developmental opportunities to enhance performance
- Ability to research new avenues of funding from federal granting agencies, industry and other funding sources
- Strong editing and proofreading abilities with attention to detail with emphasis on requirements for proposal development, reports and presentations

**Western Values Diversity**:
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

**Please Note**:
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.