Research Compliance Advisor

Job Title

Research Compliance Advisor

About the University

At the University of Lethbridge, we speak in perspectives.

We are located in the heart of traditional Blackfoot Confederacy territory in southern Alberta with campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary. ULethbridge is more than a place to learn — it's a place to build a career and make a lasting impact. We are one of Canada's top universities and leading research institutions with more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. We are an inclusive university that values diverse experiences and backgrounds. Our people are our greatest strength, and we are dedicated to fostering growth and success for all of our people.

Together, we transform lives and communities.

Position Details

Reporting to the Manager, Safety and Research Compliance Services, the Research Compliance Advisor (RCA) plays a central role in supporting safe, ethical, and compliant research practices across campus. The RCA provides advisory, educational, and consultative services to faculty, staff, and students; monitors compliance with applicable legislation and institutional policies; and leads or contributes to the development, implementation, and oversight of biosafety, radiation safety, laser and X-ray safety, and other regulated research programs.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serving in designated regulatory roles (including BSO, RSO, Designated Official for the Controlled Goods Program), participating in committees, and liaising with regulatory agencies.
• Monitoring and interpreting applicable research regulations, ensuring compliance with institutional licenses, registrations, and reporting obligations.
• Conducting inspections, audits, and compliance reviews, documenting non-compliance; preparing reports; and supporting corrective actions.
• Leading and contributing to the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of research safety programs, procedures, and protocols, including biosafety, radiation safety, laser and X-ray safety, and related areas.
• Conducting inspections, audits, and compliance reviews; documenting non-compliance; preparing reports; and supporting corrective actions.
• Providing guidance, training, and support to researchers and research units on regulatory requirements, best practices, and permit applications.
• Demonstrating a thorough understanding of CHEMATIX suite to support effective use of digital compliance systems.

The University of Lethbridge is undertaking a job classification and compensation review for Administrative Professional Officer (APO) positions. As such, the salary range currently assigned for this position may be adjusted as a result of this project.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A 4-year degree in the Natural Sciences, with preference for Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or a related scientific or medical-health field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in research compliance, regulated research environments, or laboratory research requiring regulatory oversight (e.g., biosafety, radiation safety, chemical safety).
• Ability to obtain Biosafety and Radiation Safety certification within 6 months.
• Thorough knowledge and demonstrated application of relevant provincial and federal legislation, regulatory standards, and best practices governing research activities.
• Experience working within organizations of significant size, complexity, and diversity.
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and experience developing or delivering training, workshops, or educational resources.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and faculty on technical research compliance matters.
• Strong conflict-management, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with demonstrated tact and professionalism in high-stakes compliance situations.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
• Proven ability to work independently in a university or similarly complex setting, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency with report writing, documentation, and digital systems used for compliance tracking and research oversight.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in the Natural Sciences, with preference for Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, or related fields.
• 3–5 years of experience in research compliance or regulated research programs.
• Registered Biosafety Officer (RBSO) designation and/or Registered Radiation Safety Professional (RRSP) designation.
• Research compliance experience within a post-secondary institution.
• Experience with specialized research safety procedures and techniques (e.g., biosafety, radiation safety, chemical and lab safety).

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

$65, $81,963.08 annually

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

$65, $98,772.99 annually (APO - Grade 3)

Campus

Lethbridge

Employment Group

APO

Position Category

Other