Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.
We are seeking a creative, committed, and solution-oriented Senior Research Partner (SRP) individual to join the Research Partners Network, a college/faculty-based extension of the Vice President (Research) portfolio. The network is comprised of a diverse team of skilled professionals embedded within the colleges/faculties, working as part of an institution-wide network to provide essential hands-on support designed to enable research application success and reduce the administrative load on researchers.
Reporting to the Director, Research Partner Network and working closely with 2 other SRPs and the Manager, Research Administration Support Services this role will help lead a close-knit team of highly skilled professionals that provide institution-wide, portfolio-focused research development and administrative support to researchers. This SRP position will be assigned to the College of Health Sciences and will lead a team of Research partners. Working closely with the college/faculty Associate Deans (Research) the SRPs are responsible for supporting college/faculties with strategic cross-college/faculty and interdisciplinary initiatives and supporting college/faculty-specific research opportunities, either directly or through the mobilization of the research partners. Working with the Director, SRPs are also responsible for identifying opportunities for streamlining, policy and procedure improvement, meeting strategic research goals, through consultation, advising, guiding, and knowledge exchange and working with other administrators (including, but not limited to college/faculty general managers, other partner networks, and center of expertise staff) to develop and implement effective solutions designed to provide researcher-focused support, programs and services.
Drawing on a deep understanding of the research development and administration continuum and of the University, its research operations and challenges, the incumbent will act as a go-to resource for researchers, senior academic leaders, and administrators in the college and faculties within for both strategic advice and hands-on research development and administrative support. The successful candidate will contribute to a new approach to research support and be accountable for implementing efficient standards that foster the development and growth of an environment that helps researchers and innovators do their best work.
The Research Partner Network provides comprehensive research lifecycle support, assisting with the Research Application process, offering expertise in Grant Management, and supporting both Pre- and Post-award activities.
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Providing professional-level advice to college/faculty deans and vice/associate deans research, college/ faculty general/academic department managers, other senior administrators (e.g. chairs, centre and institute directors, etc.), researchers and their staff, within assigned areas on a variety of research-related matters.
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Supporting college/faculty deans and vice/associate deans (research) with strategic cross-college/faculty and interdisciplinary initiatives and college/faculty-specific research opportunities.
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Actively engaged in research-related strategic planning and implementation within assigned areas, bringing the institutional-level perspective to the process and subsequently supporting the achievement of collective research goals.
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Supporting and contributing to institutional research priorities set by VPR.
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Builds and strengthens the Partnership team by leveraging diverse capabilities of staff.
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Sets and communicates clear performance expectations for Partners. Removes barriers to staff achieving goals.
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Working with college/faculty associate deans of research (and other college/faculty staff involved in research), other senior research partners, and centers of expertise within the VPR portfolio, assuming a lead role in organizing and providing research development support for interdisciplinary funding opportunities.
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Providing research proposal development and administrative support to researchers within the college/faculties, either directly or through interactions with other areas of the research partner network.
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Working with college/faculty associate deans of research to identify and implement strategies to increase grant success. Identifying roles for the research partner network and Centres of Expertise within the VPR portfolio to play in supporting these strategies.
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Participating in college/faculty-level research committees, where applicable.
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Providing analysis and recommendations on a wide range of potential funding developments and/or project opportunities relevant to the disciplines within assigned areas and connecting faculties into institution-wide activities being led out of other areas across the institution including the Office of the Vice President (Research) and/or other colleges/faculties.
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Identifying and actively supporting opportunities for collaboration, multidisciplinary and sometimes multi-institutional research initiatives, and funding applications.
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VPR portfolio’s primary point of contact for the college/stand-alone faculties, including the associate dean of research and faculty general managers.
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Acting as a main conduit of information from the VPR portfolio to the college/faculties and bringing college/faculty perspectives to COEs in the VPR responsible for research-related policies and strategic decision making.
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Raising awareness of potential operational barriers and helping to develop and implement effective solutions.
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Advocating for assigned areas with research leadership, by listening carefully to needs and concerns, sharing this information, researching best practices, and offering options for leaders to consider in addressing area-specific needs and concerns.
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Involvement in the development and implementation of consistent research administration processes and procedures within and across assigned areas that are in alignment with institution-wide approaches.
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Contributing to an environment that removes barriers to staff achieving goals, that supports their development and allows the team to build capacity and capability.
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Contributing to an environment where ideas and achievements are recognized, rewarded, and celebrated.
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Working with the Director, other SRPs, and manager supporting the team in the development and management of all client relationships including developing the trust of senior leaders, researchers, and their staff within the client group.
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A Graduate degree, ideally in a health-related discipline, is required.
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A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience, ideally in an academic research environment.
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At least 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience; proven ability to lead teams and inspire optimal team performance.
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A detailed knowledge of the integrated research and innovation enterprise and research administration continuum, from grant development to project conclusion.
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Superior writing and verbal communication skills, including an ability to understand at a conceptual level a wide range of research work in various disciplines and report on it to a variety of stakeholders, including partners, funders, and the public.
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Experience developing, writing, and/or editing research funding applications/proposals and a solid understanding of the Canadian research funding ecosystem and funding agency mandates, culture, opportunities, and guidelines.
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Computer/IT skills relevant to today’s work environment (e.g. Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft, Google Suite, Zoom).
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Excellent motivator and enthusiastic team leader.
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Excellent active listening, oral and written communication skills.
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Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and competing deadlines; comfortable in coping with constant pressure and owning numerous objectives to achieve.
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Ability to apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, assess consequences of proposed actions, choose the most appropriate solution and implement successfully; ability to act decisively and to exercise initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues.
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Experience working independently within a large institutional environment and demonstrating effective collaboration with various individuals and groups.
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.
This position is excluded from the bargaining unit.
In accordance with the Handbook of Employment for Management and Professional Staff (Excluded), this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary which will be commensurate with qualifications.
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
