Description
VP Research invites applications for 2 Research Grants Officers. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.
The Research Services Office (RSO) supports the University of Calgary's research community in advancing the institution's research enterprise. RSO aims to increase sponsored research revenue, mitigate financial, reputational, and operational risk, and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements. With a mandate to provide timely and effective pre- and post-award services, RSO is accountable to the Vice-President (Research) and operates within a complex, competitive environment, serving researchers, faculties, university leadership, and funding agencies.
Within RSO, the Research Grants and Training Programs Division comprises International Research Grants, External Grants, the Postdoctoral Office, and Internal Grants. The International Research Grants team provides application development support, institutional review, and post-award services for a wide range of complex funding programs. These include international government agencies, foundations, charitable and not-for-profit organizations, U.S. federal agencies, and the European Union.
This position has a particular focus on the Horizon Europe program, reflecting Canada's status as an associated country and the resulting increase in institutional engagement. Horizon Europe is the European Union's primary funding program for research and innovation, with a budget of €96 billion, addressing global challenges such as climate change, advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and strengthening competitiveness and economic growth.
As a member of the Research Grants and Training Programs Division, the Research Grants Officer (RGO) reports to the Manager, International Research Grants. The role requires strong independent work skills, as well as excellent time management, organizational, and communication abilities. While the RGO may consult with the Manager on complex matters, the position carries significant autonomy in managing day-to-day responsibilities.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
60%) Pre-award responsibilities include:
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Communicate expert knowledge of Horizon Europe and other international funding opportunities through multiple channels.
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Collaborate with the International Partnerships team and faculty-level partners to design and deliver workshops and information sessions on funding opportunities, proposal development, and application processes.
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Interpret and translate complex policies governing European funding programs (e.g., indirect costs, open science, gender equality, GDPR) for researchers, in collaboration with institutional experts.
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Maintain active connections with peer institutions across Canada to share best practices and emerging developments related to Horizon Europe.
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Build and maintain relationships with European funding agencies and national contact points within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.
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Ensure proposals and grant management arrangements comply with university policies, minimize institutional risk, and meet sponsor requirements.
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Work with the RSO Research Security team to ensure compliance with pre-award research security requirements.
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Develop guidance materials, tools, and resources for researchers in collaboration with RSO colleagues and other support units.
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Review grant applications at various stages of development, applying appropriate levels of analysis and criteria, and provide constructive, strategic feedback to improve competitiveness and ensure compliance with applicable policies and requirements.
Provide ad hoc support to other non-international grant competitions as needed.
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(40%) Post award responsibilities include:
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Liaise with university legal teams to facilitate the negotiation and execution of research agreements.
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Work with the RSO Research Security team to ensure ongoing compliance with post-award research security requirements.
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Ensure that all applicable research activities have current and valid human research ethics, animal care, and biosafety approvals or permits.
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Review and submit post-award documentation to Finance to support project account setup and amendments, as required.
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Communicate with external funding agencies to clarify policies and regulations, and to support researchers in requesting and managing award amendments.
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Review compliance requirements for international funding programs, ensuring alignment with funding agency policies, university requirements, and relevant legislation, and supporting the development of appropriate compliance frameworks, particularly for Horizon Europe and related programs.
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Identify and implement improvements to processes and procedures related to international research funding administration.
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As file owner, ensure that the Research Management System is up to date, with accurate application and award data, and that all electronic grant records are maintained in a complete and current state
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Provide ad hoc support to non-international awards.
Qualifications / Requirements:
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Graduate degree required (or undergraduate degree with an additional two years of relevant experience), preferably in research administration, policy, or a related field.
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Demonstrated knowledge of the international research funding landscape, including key funding agencies and emerging trends affecting Canadian universities.
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Strong understanding of university administration and research-related policies.
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Proven adaptability and ability to manage shifting priorities and workloads.
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Ability to provide accurate, timely, and professional guidance while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
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Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
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Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and teamwork skills, with sound judgment
Assets:
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Experience in a research-intensive university environment.
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Familiarity with European research funding programs, particularly Horizon Europe.
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Experience supporting multidisciplinary and/or multi-institutional proposals.
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Ability to design and deliver workshops or training sessions.
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Experience developing grant support tools, resources, or service models.
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Project management experience in coordinating complex application processes, milestone tracking and managing multiple priorities.
Application Deadline: July 21, 2026
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.
This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, 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 academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
