Indigenous Research and Engagement Specialist

The Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research’s vision is working together for a healthier Saskatchewan through patient-oriented research (POR). POR brings patients and those around them (family, friends, and community) together as partners in research, along with health professionals, administrators and researchers; Patient Partners bring their expertise gained from life experience to this research. SCPOR is comprised of partners that include patients, academic institutions, government agencies and health organizations. Together, SCPOR’s partners focus on the advancement of Learning Health Systems (LHS), which incorporate learnings from health-related information to achieve system improvement and support SCPOR’s desired outcomes of improved patient and provider care experiences, population health and lower health system costs. SCPOR’s commitment to including patient voices and experiences along with health system leaders and experts in POR will allow SCPOR to reach its goals of improving the health of people in Saskatchewan and increasing the value of health services.

SCPOR has led the way in creating a dedicated Indigenous Research and Engagement (IRE) component to engage in meaningful relationship building with valued Indigenous partners and communities in a good way. IRE supports SCPOR’s commitment to ensuring Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, priorities and protocols are integrated across research platforms and projects. IRE’s mandate includes building relationships with Indigenous communities and governance bodies, developing and delivering Indigenous research training modules, building tools and strategies for ensuring meaningful Indigenous representation in research and collaboratively engaging with SCPOR and patient partners.

Primary Purpose:
The Indigenous Research and Engagement (IRE) Specialist will work with SCPOR staff and teams to support SCPOR’s vision, mission and core values. Reporting to the Executive Director of SCPOR, the IRE Specialist will support the delivery of Indigenous research training modules, build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, patient partners, knowledge keepers and researchers, and ensure that Indigenous perspectives, knowledges, priorities and protocols are integrated across SCPOR’s work.  The IRE Specialist is part of an IRE team which includes full time staff and in-kind support housed at First Nations University of Canada, and a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan.

Nature of Work:
The IRE Specialist will create strong relationships with Indigenous communities, patient partners, knowledge keepers and researchers and with team members across SCPOR’s areas of work. Building and maintaining strong working relationships with all current and potential future provincial partners is essential to fulfilling SCPOR’s mandate. The IRE Specialist position carries out responsibilities within highly nuanced interpersonal situations and requires comfort and dexterity in managing interpersonal relationships.

The IRE Specialist will have experience working with Indigenous communities and have a working knowledge of the steps of the research process specific to Indigenous health research, including relational accountability, ethics, knowledge mobilization and Indigenous research methodologies.

This position is based in Saskatoon.

Duties or Accountabilities:

• Facilitate Indigenous research training modules
• Support the work and membership of the Indigenous Health Advisory Council, and its connection to SCPOR
• Build and maintain relationships with First Nations and Métis communities, researchers, patient partners, knowledge keepers and organizations
• Broker relationships and build partnerships between First Nations and Métis communities, patient partners, researchers and SCPOR partners
• Support the use of the Health Research Data Platform – Saskatchewan (HRDP-SK) by First Nations and Métis communities and researchers
• Support the HRDP-SK’s adherence to Indigenous data sovereignty principles by reviewing applications and supporting policy and project development
• Work closely with the Learning Health System, Training and Capacity Development and Patient Engagement component areas to support their work and identify opportunities for expanded engagement with First Nations and Métis communities and patient partners
• Support communication activities including enhancing the IRE component of SCPOR’s website
• Support knowledge mobilization of research
• Facilitate activities and events in collaboration with SCPOR staff
• Develop and maintain positive internal working relationships with SCPOR leadership and staff
• Represent SCPOR at different forums, events, or committees to advance the understanding and goals of SCPOR at provincial and national levels
• Work with SCPOR partners and staff to ensure appropriate individuals are engaged in relevant activities that positively influence outcomes and impacts
• Manage project timelines, repositories, tracking tools and measures relevant to SCPOR’s priorities
• Other duties as assigned based on SCPOR priorities

Education: Graduate degree in health or other relevant discipline. 

Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the use and application of Indigenous research methodologies and/or Community-Based Research (CBR) is required. A suitable combination of significant experience and education may be considered.

Extensive experience working with Indigenous people and communities with a proven track record of building positive relationships.

Experience facilitating workshops and/or courses.

Experience designing research projects using Indigenous research methodologies and in organizing, analyzing, interpreting and managing research data.

Experience preparing and presenting policy papers, publications, and reports; and the ability to prepare written reports and display data in a concise and easy-to-understand manner;

Experience with project management.

Skills:

• Ability to work independently and as an engaged team member
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and professionalism
• Organized and able to multitask and manage priorities
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Dexterity to effectively maneuver difficult situations with competing interests
• Ability to maintain attention to detail and apply critical thinking skills
• Ability to manage deadlines, multiple demands and frequently shifting priorities
• Ability to organize, track and follow up on action items
• Must be trained in OCAP and TCPS 2: CORE-2022
• Familiarity with and comfort using online meeting software and online learning platforms, such Canvas
• Ability to utilize software, websites and resources in offering online events (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Eventbrite, Mural, etc.)
• Exceptional efficiency with Microsoft Office Software including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language is an asset

Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. SCPOR may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Department: Saskatchewan Centre for Patient Oriented Research
Status: Term until March 31, 2027 with the possibility of extension with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 2/3/2026
Closing Date: 3/2/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.