Indigenous Data Governance Lead (Research in Residence)

Posted date
Deadline
Start date
To be determined
Job type
Contract
Work hours
Full-Time
Competition number
RTF2615
Salary
$90,000 - $125,000 (prorated to $29,700 – $41,250 for a four (4) month contract)
Supervision
ARCHIMEDES Co-Chairs
Unit/Department
Data Science Centre

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute does not use artificial intelligence (AI) in its recruitment process. All hiring decisions are made through human review and evaluation.

Term

Four (4) month contract.

About ARCHIMEDES

ARCHIMEDES (Advanced Research Collaboration for Health Integration, Medical Exploration, and Data Synthesis) is a multi-institutional health data platform developed under the Brain-Heart Interconnectome (BHI) program, a $109M initiative funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF).

ARCHIMEDES is committed to secure, ethical, and user‑centred access to high‑quality health data and analytic tools. Central to this commitment is the recognition that Indigenous Peoples’ rights, knowledge systems, and governance principles must be meaningfully inform how health data are stewarded, governed, and used. 

Job summary

The Indigenous Data Governance Lead will work in partnership with ARCHIMEDES to support the integration of Indigenous data governance, sovereignty, and ethical principles into a national health data platform.

This role is intended for an Indigenous expert with deep knowledge of Indigenous governance and data stewardship who is motivated by purpose‑driven, systems‑level impact. Working alongside Indigenous communities, Knowledge Keepers, researchers, and program partners, the Indigenous Data Governance Lead will help shape governance frameworks, policies, and a practical implementation roadmap that will inform ARCHIMEDES governance decisions now and into the future.

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and implement Indigenous data principles within the ARCHIMEDES Data Governance Framework.
  • Develop policies, procedures, and guidance that translate Indigenous data sovereignty principles into operational practice.
  • Engage and consult with Indigenous communities, leaders, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and other stakeholders to identify appropriate protocols, rights-based considerations, data expectations.
  • Provide actionable, implementation‑ready recommendations that will shape ARCHIMEDES governance structures going forward.
  • Collaborate with Indigenous cross‑cutting leads across the BHI program to support alignment, continuity, and long‑term impact.

Deliverables for end of term

  • A practical, implementation-ready roadmap outlining next steps, governance, and operational considerations for embedding Indigenous data governance throughout ARCHIMEDES.

Required qualifications

  • Master’s degree or higher in Law, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline, with a specialization in Indigenous governance or Indigenous data sovereignty.
  • Specialized training or certification in Indigenous Data Sovereignty frameworks (ex: OCAP, CARE, Indigenous research ethics).
  • Extensive knowledge of Indigenous data governance in the Canadian context (First Nations, Inuit, Métis).
  • Demonstrated experience developing, advising on, or implementing governance frameworks, policies, or ethical guidance.
  • Strong collaborative and relationship-based working style.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Preferred qualifications

  • Lived experience related to Indigenous cultures, communities, or wellness practices.
  • Bilingualism (English/French) is preferred.
  • Knowledge of one or more indigenous languages is considered an asset.

Working conditions

  • This position is hybrid, with a combination of on-site and remote work.

To apply

Please email your cover letter and CV in PDF format to jobpostings@ottawaheart.ca.

Include the competition number in the email subject line and clearly state the position you are applying for.  Applications missing the competition number may be delayed in processing.

File names:

  1. Lastname_Firstname_CoverLetter.pdf and
  2. Lastname_Firstname_CV.pdf

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted. 

Applications from Indigenous persons, members of racialized minorities, persons with disabilities, women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with equitable, diverse and inclusive communities are strongly encouraged.

According to government policy, all qualified candidates are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadians and permanent residents. When submitting your application, please indicate if you are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is committed to ensuring barrier-free selection processes and work environments. Accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process relating to any specialty requirements. Please notify us of any accommodations that you require – any information you provide will be handled respectfully and in complete confidence.

The successful candidate will be required, prior to the start of employment, to complete mandatory organizational training available online, and provide the following: an official piece of photo identification and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check and proof of COVID-19 vaccine.