Senior Research Grants Officer, Office of Research Services, VP Research

Position Overview

The Department of Research Services  within VP Research invites applications for a Senior Research Grants Officer. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Research Services Office (RSO) works with the University of Calgary's research community to advance the research enterprise. RSO aims to increase sponsored research revenue, reduce financial, reputational and market risk and manage compliance for the University. With a mandate to provide timely, effective pre- and post-award services, RSO is accountable to the Vice-President (Research) and operates in a complex and competitive environment serving researchers, faculties, trainees, University leadership, and funders.

The Senior Research Grants Officer is a member of the Internal Grants and Training Programs team in RSO's Grants and Awards Division, and reports to the Specialist, Internal Grants and Training Programs. This team administers a variety of intramural research grant and research training programs, as well as training award applications to external funding agencies. The Senior Research Grants Officer is responsible for a variety of training award and research internship programs with a high volume of work, and works with the Specialist, Internal Grants and Training Programs to provide leadership to the Internal Grants team. The position is driven by constant, multiple and simultaneous deadlines, continuous change and shifting priorities. The work environment is fast-paced, service-oriented and highly computerized.

This position requires knowledge of common research administration processes as well as knowledge of issues related to the delivery of granting programs. This position also requires the ability to work independently, very strong time management skills, and superior organizational and communication skills. The position may consult with and seek advice from the Specialist, Internal Grants and Training Programs on complex issues, but carries out day-to-day operational responsibilities with independence and latitude.

 

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Supports all aspects of RSO-administered research studentship programs, including:
  • Design and development of application processes, in conjunction with collaborating offices as needed
  • Responding to queries from stakeholders, such as applicants, supervisors, administrators, and referees, in a timely manner
  • Intake and administrative review of applications
  • Managing selection committee membership
  • Serving as secretary to the selection committee: scheduling the selection committee meetings; distributing applications and relevant documentation; collating committee members scoring of applications; recording deliberations; working closely with committee Chair to ensure adherence to committee terms of reference and program guidelines; advising on program guidelines
  • Communication of the results of the competitions, including issuing award letters
  • Budgets for eligible costs within program funding envelope
• Supports all aspects of externally funded fellowship and research internship training programs
• Educates researchers and trainees with regard to timelines, submission procedures, and guidelines related to grant, trainee, internship, and fellowship applications
• Reviews applications for research training programs and ensures compliance with sponsor guidelines on eligibility and program requirements
• Implements other activities as required to meet the recruitment objectives of training award programs, including the coordination of events and information sessions
• Provides an administrative review of trainee applications to external funding programs, primarily studentship and fellowship programs for which undergraduates and postdoctoral researchers are eligible, to ensure compliance with granting agency and University requirements
• Promotes all research training programs, with particular emphasis on studentship programs and externally funded fellowships
• Anticipates current and future trends in funding opportunities in what continues to be a rapidly expanding and complex array of programs
• Advises research trainees and supervisors concerning program and submission requirements, sponsor policies, and University procedures, and responds to queries in a timely manner
• Communicates and liaises with numerous student-facing offices and academic units outside Research Services, as well as legal units, groups and teams within Finance, the VPR and Postdoctoral Offices, and academic leads, to inform and advise on program requirements and sponsor policies
• Understands and interprets changes in the legal and policy environment and how they may impact the design and administration of research training programs at the University of Calgary
• Ensures our research community is kept informed, in a timely manner, of emerging opportunities and program changes
• Prepares information for Finance to initiate project creation
• Ensures that Research Services record contains current application and award data for programs of responsibility, and that all records are kept current
• Completes additional post-award duties for RSO-administered trainee programs, including but not limited to:
  • Informing hiring departments and administrators of financial information required to issue payments to trainees
  • Monitoring expenditures in program accounts against budgets and approved awards, and liaising with financial administrators in Research Accounting and other offices to obtain and validate information on project standing
  • Ensuring that final reports are submitted by awardees and supervisors
  • Preparing institutional reports to external sponsors

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A research-based graduate degree is required.
• Sound decision-making capabilities are required.
• Strong time management and organizational skills are required.
• Knowledge of University policies relating to research and training is required, along with understanding of federal and provincial policies governing the administration of grants and training awards at post-secondary institutions.
• Good working knowledge of University business systems, including PeopleSoft, as well as Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and SharePoint), is required.
• Demonstrable experience or interest in supporting research, training-related activities, and students is a strong asset.
• Several years of demonstrated experience in a research environment, preferably at a major university or a research funding agency, and experience with administrative procedures related to research would be considered a strong asset.
• Ability to organize and lead effective workshops and information sessions would be considered a strong asset.
• Experience in the design, management, and evaluation of application and selection processes would be considered a strong asset.
• High level of flexibility and ability to adapt to changing workloads and priorities.
• Ability to provide accurate information in a professional, courteous, and timely manner, respecting appropriate confidentialities.
• Knowledge of the University of Calgary's governance model and the distribution of responsibilities is an asset in the coordination of university-wide programs with senior leadership and staff in other offices.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be able to communicate in different modes as necessitated by the situation and audience, including external stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Experience working with minors is an asset.
• Must be a fast learner, able to work independently and with minimal supervision, given appropriate instruction.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with offices operating under different leadership and priorities.
• Successful police record check needed for programs involving minors as research trainees.
   

Application Deadline:  December 3, 2021

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist Job Family, Phase III.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.