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Position Summary:
The Data Manager will lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of research data management practices supporting the Clinical, Biospecimen, Imaging and Genetic (C-BIG) repository research initiatives focused on neurological diseases.
Reporting to the Senior Software Developer, the incumbent will provide leadership in the design, governance, and optimization of data management frameworks, standards, and operational workflows that support high-quality, secure, and accessible research data across multidisciplinary projects and collaborating institutions.
The Data Manager will act as a key resource for researchers, technical teams, and institutional stakeholders by promoting best practices in research data management, supporting interoperability between systems and platforms, and ensuring alignment with institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and strategic research priorities.
The role requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, as well as the ability to exercise independent judgment, lead cross-functional initiatives, and manage complex data operations in a dynamic research environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of research data management practices, standards, and operational workflows supporting repository and research activities
- Establish and oversee processes related to data governance, quality assurance, metadata standards, documentation practices, and lifecycle management for complex clinical and research datasets
- Engage researchers, technical teams, institutional stakeholders, and external collaborators to assess data management needs and identify opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness and data-sharing practices
- Identify, evaluate, and implement tools, platforms, and best practices that support secure, efficient, and scalable research data management workflows
- Promote the use of institutional platforms, shared resources, and standardized practices that support data accessibility, interoperability, and long-term sustainability
- Collaborate with software developers and research teams to support interoperability between new and existing systems, tools, databases, and repository infrastructure
- Ensure compliance with institutional policies, ethical requirements, privacy regulations, and applicable research data management guidelines
- Independently analyze and resolve complex data management and workflow issues while recommending and implementing sustainable process improvements
- Lead data validation, auditing, and quality monitoring activities to ensure data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity across multiple research initiatives
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), metadata documentation, data dictionaries, workflow documentation, and operational guidance materials
- Develop toolkits, training materials, and user resources that support researchers and staff in adopting effective data management and data-sharing practices
- Provide subject matter expertise and strategic guidance on research data management practices, repository operations, and data-sharing processes
- Collaborate with internal committees, working groups, and institutional partners on initiatives that support research data management priorities and operational objectives
- Foster collaborative relationships and communities of practice that promote knowledge sharing, continuous improvement, and alignment of data management approaches across teams
- Contribute to reports, operational analyses, presentations, and metrics used to support strategic planning, evaluation activities, and stakeholder communications
- Support onboarding, training, and guidance of students, trainees, and staff involved in repository data management activities
- Prepare meeting materials, take minutes, and follow up on action items
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities
- Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a research environment
- Clear written and verbal communication skills French and English
- Proficiency with common productivity tools (e.g., spreadsheets, document management systems, Github projects)
- Previous experience in a research, clinical, or academic setting
- Familiarity with neurological or neurodegenerative disease research
- Experience working with research databases or data capture tools
- Knowledge of data privacy, research ethics, or clinical study workflows
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Adaptability and willingness to learn new tools and processes
- Professional discretion when handling sensitive research data
- Experience with mySQL preferred
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
- Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
- Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
- Competitive vacation policy
- Two (2) personal days
- Two (2) floating holidays
- Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
- Paid time off over the December holiday period
- Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
- Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Annual Salary:
Job Profile:
MPEX-IST2J - IT Analytics & Planning - Professional 2Hours per Week:
Supervisor:
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Minimum 3 years related experience
- Authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec
- Clear written and verbal communication skills in French and English
- Proficiency with spreadsheets
- Proficiency with document management systems
- Experience with GitHub projects
- Previous experience in a research, clinical, or academic setting
- Familiarity with neurological or neurodegenerative disease research
- Experience working with research databases or data capture tools
- Knowledge of data privacy, research ethics, and clinical study workflows
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a research environment
- Professional discretion when handling sensitive research data
- Experience with MySQL
What We Do
McGill University is a public research university with extensive research activities across various engineering disciplines, including civil and materials engineering, focusing on areas like construction materials and advanced manufacturing.
