Senior Coordinator, Integrated Services (HDRN Canada)
University of British Columbia View all jobs
- Vancouver, BC
- $5,365-7,710 per month
- Permanent
- Full-time
Population Data BC is a data and education resource facilitating interdisciplinary research on the determinants of human health, well-being and development.We support secure research access to individual-level, de-identified longitudinal data on 5.6 million residents living in British Columbia, linking data across various sectors such as health, education, early childhood development, workplace and the environment.Key objectives of Population Data BC are to:Make more data sets available for researchFacilitate cross-linkages among the data sets in a privacy sensitive mannerProvide strategic leadership to ensure streamlined access to these dataProvide educational and other opportunities to ensure full and best use of those dataPopulation Data BC is also one of 14 centres that comprise Health Data Research Network Canada (HDRN Canada), a research-enabling, distributed network that supports multi-regional, person-focused research. The work of HDRN Canada is supported by a seven-year, $39M grant awarded by the CIHR under its Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), and has in-kind contributions from network member organizations across Canada. The network is comprised of every national, provincial, and territorial centre that holds population-wide health data. As HDRN Canada, our 14 centres work together and share resources to support researchers in using over 550 health and social datasets that our centres hold.The Senior Coordinator will contribute to the development of HDRN Canada’s Integrated Services (Data Access Support Hub and pan-CANadian data Analytic Service for Knowledge users), and oversee activities related to the provision of research data. The work of the Senior Coordinator is focused on managing the operations of data applications from development to project closure for cross-jurisdictional projects; and leading, identifying and progressing initiatives to support increased efficiencies within the network.Organizational Status
Population Data BC is a part of the Office of Research at the Faculty of Medicine. PopData consists of professionals and specialists providing services to academic researchers, government, and data providers/stewards. We are a key member of the International Population Data Linkage Network, through which we have promoted international research collaborations and fostered working groups on privacy and access to data.The Senior Coordinator reports to the Lead, Data Partnerships. The candidate will also take direction from the Program Lead for the Data Access Support Hub of HDRN Canada, and work closely with researchers, programmers, faculty and staff across the HDRN Canada network. This contact will often be related to the use of confidential data files, requiring diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.Work PerformedProject WorkOversees query intake and request processes from initial inquiry through to project closureLeads the preparation and provision of data to applicants in accordance with applicable legislation and privacy policiesProvides expert guidance and recommendations to applicants on data access processesReviews and triages incoming queries and request forms using advanced subject matter expertiseLiaises with researchers to clarify requirements and provide guidance on eligibility, data availability, and next stepsPerforms duties related to data access requests, including, but not limited to the following:Reviews requests prior to submission, providing strategic advice and support to applicantsEnsures all data request documentation is complete, current, and compliant with legislative and policy requirementsCommunicates directly with researchers via email and meetings, ensuring timely, accurate, and well-documented interactionsActs as a primary liaison with HDRN Canada member representatives to support coordinated service deliveryFacilitates project closure and data archival processesPromotes consistent communication and process alignment across partnersMaintains thorough documentation and prepares reports as requiredOversees data entry and quality assurance within project tracking systems and metadata repositoriesEnsures project compliance with legal agreements and associated requirementsMonitors and tracks research requests to ensure adherence to service standards and timelinesIdentifies and escalates privacy-related concerns, providing context for incident reportingInfrastructure and Operational InitiativesProcess Improvement and Systems DevelopmentContributes to system enhancement initiatives, including requirements gathering, specification development, testing, and user feedbackIdentifies opportunities to improve researcher experience, operational efficiency, and process claritySupports the development of operational plans and budgetsEnsures alignment with HDRN Canada policies, governance frameworks, and internal proceduresDevelops, maintains, and updates standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and related documentationDevelops and implements improvements to data access, data preparation, and researcher engagement processesPartnership and Stakeholder EngagementBuilds and strengthens relationships across HDRN Canada network membersServes as a key liaison to support coordinated service delivery across partnersFacilitates effective information sharing and promotes consistency in processes and communicationsCollaborates with external data providers and data linkage centres across provinces to advance harmonized data access processes and shared resourcesPerforms other related duties as required.Consequence of Error/Judgement
This is a position in an organization responsible for providing services to our funders and the greater research community. Judgement within established guidelines is required with regards to the management of project priorities, schedules, and resource requirements.This role will work under strict confidentiality because of the nature of the data holdings. Any breach in data security would place the future of Population Data BC as well as its partner organisations at risk.Creative problem solving is required as tasks do not have standard solutions and must be approached as unique problems of logic. The role requires an in-depth understanding of complex and large data holdings, programming tasks and researcher needs. A lack of understanding could impede processes required for the continuation of research projects and could negatively impact the organization’s reputation.Accuracy is extremely important because errors in the Senior Coordinator’s work will have a significant effect on the reliability of information released by PopData. The release of erroneous information may have implications that affect the organization, the research community, stakeholders and public bodies.Supervision Received
Normal work activities are carried out with little direct work supervision. Infrastructure work is determined in consultation with supervisors and carried out independently. The incumbent must be able to identify circumstances that require consultation with other staff, and be able to seek out that consultation.Supervision Given
Training and supervision of staff involved with data access and documentation. Provides cohort development, linkage and data extraction assignments to programming staff for approved projects. Plays a leadership role in progressing communications related to core tasks.Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusionPreferred QualificationsEducation: University degree in a health or data-related program or other related discipline with experience in a research environment.Experience: Experience with and knowledge of data, particularly linked and linkable data, and how they can be used for research. Experience in working within a statutorily-regulated or a privacy-sensitive environment is highly desirable. Work with sensitive information or complex data systems also a significant asset.Skills and Qualities:Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing timelinesExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear emails, summaries, meeting notes, and operational documentationStrong interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, technical staff, senior government officials, and community partnersDemonstrated ability to exercise tact, discretion, and sound judgment in sensitive or complex situationsProven analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess issues and recommend practical solutionsAbility to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and procedural guidelines to ensure compliance in daily operationsCapacity to understand technical or quantitative information and translate it into clear, accessible language for non-technical audiencesExperience supporting stakeholder engagement activities, including meeting coordination and facilitationStrong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy and completenessDemonstrated leadership and supervisory capabilitiesProficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Project); experience with tracking tools or workflow systems is an assetKnowledge of the Canadian healthcare system is an assetExperience in health research or data access environments is an assetAbility to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environmentundefinedPositive, professional attitude with a strong commitment to teamwork