Job Summary

The Senior Consultant: Workplace Investigations & Research Integrity at the University of Calgary is a specialized, high-level role within the People & Culture (Human Resources) and Research Services portfolios. Functioning as an “Ethical Architect,” you are responsible for maintaining the university’s commitment to a safe, respectful, and honest environment. This role requires the “wit” to navigate complex legal and academic policies and the “grit” to manage high-stakes, sensitive investigations involving diverse campus stakeholders.

Job Details

Employer: University of Calgary.
Location: Calgary, AB (Main Campus).
Position Type: Full-time.
Core Function: Investigations, Compliance, and Policy Stewardship.

Key Responsibilities: The Investigative Lifecycle

You will lead neutral, third-party investigations into workplace conduct and research ethics, ensuring every process is defensible and fair.

Workplace Investigations: Conduct end-to-end objective investigations into complaints of harassment, discrimination, or professional misconduct.
Research Integrity Oversight: Investigate allegations of research misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, data falsification) in alignment with Tri-Agency requirements and university policy.
Legislative Compliance: Ensure all processes adhere to the Alberta Human Rights Act, the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act.
Complex Case Management: Support team members and leadership in triaging and managing high-sensitivity complaints that may involve multiple departments or legal complexities.
Report Writing & Recommendations: Draft comprehensive investigative reports that outline findings of fact and provide strategic recommendations for remediation or disciplinary action.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

The “Objective Neutral”: An undergraduate degree (Law, HR, or Social Sciences preferred) with 5–7 years of progressive experience in workplace investigations or labor relations.
Analytical Wit: Exceptional ability to synthesize large volumes of evidence, conduct trauma-informed interviews, and apply policy with precision.
Interpersonal Grit: High emotional intelligence and the ability to remain calm and professional while interacting with individuals in high-stress situations.
Communication Mastery: Superior written skills are required for drafting legally sound reports that can withstand external judicial review.

Technical Insights: The Dual Mandate

This role is unique because it bridges the gap between traditional HR workplace issues and specialized Academic Research Integrity.

Tri-Agency Framework: You will ensure the university remains compliant with the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research, which is mandatory for maintaining federal research funding.
Administrative Fairness: Your work must uphold the principles of “Natural Justice,” ensuring that respondents are fully informed of allegations and have a meaningful opportunity to respond.
The “Bystander” Intervention: You may develop training programs to help the campus community identify and report research or workplace infractions before they escalate.

Diversity and Statistics at UCalgary

The University of Calgary is a leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and views investigative integrity as a cornerstone of an inclusive workplace.

Safe Disclosure: UCalgary provides protected disclosure mechanisms (Whistleblower protection). Investigations often center on removing barriers for underrepresented groups who may face systemic bias or harassment.
Indigenous Strategy (ii’ taa’poh’to’p): With 18 Elders serving as advisors, the university ensures that investigative processes are culturally competent and respect Indigenous perspectives on restorative justice and community harm.
The “Confidence Gap”: UCalgary research shows that women and racialized minorities are less likely to report workplace issues due to fear of retaliation. Your role is to build the institutional trust necessary for these individuals to come forward.
National Ranking: As one of Canada’s top 5 research-intensive universities, the stakes for “Research Integrity” are incredibly high; a single major infraction can impact millions of dollars in institutional funding.

Job Description

Do you believe that a healthy organization is one where the truth is valued above all else? The University of Calgary is seeking a Senior Consultant: Workplace Investigations & Research Integrity. We aren’t just “checking boxes”; we are the guardians of the university’s reputation and the protectors of its people. If you have the “grit” to conduct difficult interviews and the “wit” to write flawless investigative reports, you belong in our team.

In this role, you are a “Process Steward.” You understand that a fair investigation is the only way to restore trust in a workplace. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Ethical Oversight,” ensuring that UCalgary remains a safe, compliant, and entrepreneurial environment. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are courageous, objective, and ready to contribute to Canada’s most enterprising university.

Joining UCalgary means joining a world-class institution in one of the world’s most livable cities. We offer a high-stakes, professional environment where your expertise in conflict resolution and investigative law will protect the integrity of our 36,000 students and thousands of staff. If you are a consultant with a commitment to “Justice and Institutional Accountability,” we invite you to apply and help us start something today.

University of Calgary: Daring to Imagine “Ahead of Tomorrow”

The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is defined by a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, audacity, and “can-do” Western energy. As one of Canada’s top five research universities, its mission—codified in the “Ahead of Tomorrow” strategic plan—is to tackle “wicked” societal challenges through transdisciplinary innovation. The workplace culture is rooted in collegiality and respect, emphasizing that “curiosity-driven investigation” thrives best in an inclusive environment. UCalgary moves with the speed of a startup but the responsibility of a public institution, fostering a “Living Lab” ecosystem where students and faculty are encouraged to be “pioneers at heart.”

The UCalgary footprint is a massive, multi-campus network that mirrors the diversity of the Alberta landscape:

Main Campus (NW Calgary): Spanning over 200 hectares, this is the university’s vibrant heart. It features the Taylor Family Digital Library, one of North America’s most technology-rich hubs, and the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning, a pioneer in pedagogical research.
The Olympic Oval: A legacy of the 1988 Winter Games, this iconic facility is known for having the “Fastest Ice on Earth” and serves as a premier high-performance training center for athletes globally.
Foothills Campus: Located south of the main site, this is the epicenter of health innovation, home to the Cumming School of Medicine and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, adjacent to the Foothills Medical Centre.
Downtown Campus: Situated in the heart of Calgary’s business district, this campus connects the university with industry leaders, offering professional programs and hosting the Haskayne School of Business executive education.
Spy Hill Campus: Located in northwest Calgary, this campus supports specialized research and clinical training for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Working or studying here means being part of a top 100 global university for entrepreneurs. Whether you are engaging with Calgary’s business core or conducting genomics research, the experience is defined by the university’s commitment to “ii’ taa’poh’to’p”—its Indigenous Strategy—walking a parallel path toward truth and reconciliation while building a sustainable future.

To apply for this job please visit careers.ucalgary.ca.