Clinical Research Onboarding

General Considerations

By now you have likely accepted your position and signed your appointment letter. Consider these in preparing to start in your new position.

• Review the definitions and categories of academic staff.
• Look over your benefits and total compensation , including relocation expense eligibility and the Collective Agreement for your position.
• Plan your commute: check parking , Edmonton Transit Service , bike options, and the campus map .
• If also contracted by Alberta Health Services (AHS), review the AHS new employee checklist (pre-hire to first 20 days) and steps to obtain an AHS ID badge and access card.
• Explore childcare options (including UAlberta-affiliated day care centres ).

Navigating your first week can be a bit confusing. These points will provide some guidance on what to do first.

General Considerations

• Review your Department's and the  University of Alberta's Onboarding Program of academic staff.
• Confirm your CCID is active (created upon hire) and log into Email .
• Obtain your ONEcard (UAlberta ID) for building access, library services, and on-campus purchases (bring government photo ID).
• Work with your supervisor or Academic Department Manager to obtain keys/keycard access to offices, labs, and clinical spaces.
• Request IST support if needed for computer setup.
• Review the Employment Information, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest & Conflict of Commitment procedures and complete any required disclosure forms.
• Complete required Security & Privacy training modules (UAlberta and, if applicable, AHS).
• Bookmark key mental health and wellbeing supports ( FoMD Office of Advocacy & Wellbeing, FoMD Well , Employee + Family Assistance Program , and Safe Disclosure & Human Rights ).

Clinical Research Considerations

• Request your AHS research-level access (if applicable), including Netcare and Connect Care access for research.
• Complete required AHS Information & Privacy training for anyone handling identifiable patient-level health data.
• Confirm access to AHS Insite , AHS email (if dual-appointed), and facility-level policies related to research in clinical environments.

General Considerations

FoMD is equipped with research administrative experts to help you every step of the way.

• Familiarize yourself with the Research Admin Services (RAS) for funding applications and management, and the Research Ethics Office (REO) for human and animal ethics.
• Learn how to use the Researcher Home Page to apply for and manage existing funds.
• Read about and understand what Indirect Costs of Research are and how they impact budgeting in your funding proposals.
• Connect with your assigned Research Partner to ask questions about approvals, funding, and processes.
• Review graduate supervision policies (e.g., FGSR Adjunct Academic Appointment, Graduate Student Supervision policies) and register for supervisory development training if you plan to supervise graduate students.
• Clarify your eligibility to hold research funding based on your appointment type with your Department Chair.
• Review the Faculty Council schedule and note upcoming meetings where new faculty are often introduced and key decisions are made.

Clinical Research Considerations

• Meet with FoMD clinical research support teams (Office of Research, Clinical Research Specialist & CHS Research Partner's) to understand available infrastructure, funding, staff support, and analytics resources.
• Determine whether your work requires Health Research Ethics Board (HREB) or other REB pathways (Biomedical, Health, REB 2, etc.).
• Learn the difference between Quality Improvement (QI) vs. Research and when each requires AHS approval or REB review.
• Set up your REDCap account (via WCHRI, CRINA, AHS, or departmental access) for clinical data collection.
• Review FoMD or institute-specific resources for clinical trials, patient recruitment, and participant reimbursement.
• Review and understand the role of NACTRC to understand processes for clinical trial startup, contract negotiation, and budget development, even if you are not yet launching a study.

General Considerations

Understanding Faculty Governance structures and processes are critical to your success!

• Obtain the most recent Faculty Evaluation Committee (FEC) Standards document relevant to your department.
• Log into MyFoMD to access the Annual Report Online (ARO), update your profile, and grant permission for your professional page on the FoMD website.
• Update your information in UAlberta’s “Find a Person” (include courses taught, ORCID id, biography, CV, publications, and scholarly activity).
• Note UAlberta statutory holidays and closures .
• Visit the FoMD Social Accountability pages and enroll in relevant EDI training (e.g., anti-racism resources).
• Complete any outstanding Environment & Safety training modules and review incident reporting processes.
• Explore HRHSE resources (benefits, vacation and leave policies, employment information) and learn how to view your paycheque.
• Start using UAlberta Library resources (online collections, subject librarians) to support your teaching and research.

Clinical Research Considerations

• Outline which AHS Operational + Administrative Approvals are required for your upcoming studies (e.g., clinic leadership, site directors, nursing).
• Review requirements for Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) when your research introduces new workflows, data systems, or recruitment methods.
• Identify what clinical space, equipment, or staff your research may need in the next 6–12 months and consult NACTRC or clinic managers for planning.

General Considerations

Determining how your research aligns with existing structures and resources will help you grow your program.

• Read the FoMD Strategic Plan to see how your work aligns.
• Learn about recent institutional changes via U of A for Tomorrow and The Quad newsletter.
• Explore the FoMD Faculty Development website for support with teaching, research, and leadership roles.
• Discuss mentorship with your Department Chair or designate; many departments offer formal mentoring for new faculty.
• Read and reflect on the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and consider how they intersect with your academic role.

Clinical Research Considerations

• Familiarize yourself with the FoMD Research Institutes and Hubs to align your research and find out about additional support.
• Clarify protected research time expectations and how clinical workload impacts your research deliverables and funding eligibility.
• Explore patient recruitment pathways (clinic-based, EMR-based, registry-based, social media exemptions) and understand consent requirements.
• Start drafting a multi-year clinical research plan, focusing on pilot studies, early-career grants, and building a sustainable clinical research team.

General Considerations

Keeping the momentum involves careful consideration and planning.

• Regularly check UAlberta Learning & Development and FoMD Office of Lifelong Learning for workshops and programs.
• Engage with FoMD institutes that align with your research and become an active member.
• Attend research days and departmental events to build relationships and understand governance.
• Review your first year with your Department Chair, clarifying expectations and plans for the next review cycle.
• Continue to refine your research program, clinical role, and teaching portfolio with support from the FoMD Office of Research , mentorship, and peers.

Clinical Research Considerations

• Develop or adopt clinical research SOPs (consent, screening logs, delegation logs, AE reporting, source documentation templates).
• Register any interventional clinical trials with ClinicalTrials.gov or appropriate registries.
• Familiarize yourself with NACTRC, AHS Research Administration, and institute staff to plan scale-up for upcoming or expanding studies.
• Ensure timely completion of annual ethics renewals , AHS audit requirements, and sponsor obligations (if applicable).
• Join FoMD clinical research communities, working groups, and research days to strengthen your network and find collaborators.