| Job Description |
Working in a team environment within the Office of Research & Graduate Studies (ORGS), the Research Administration Officer (RAO) supports Cape Breton University’s Strategic Research Plan primarily by working with faculty to identify, facilitate and develop research grants and nominations for major external awards. The RAO also assists with special institutional projects related to major research grants and the implementation of the University’s Strategic Research Plan. In collaboration with the ORGS team, this position provides support and administrative services to assist faculty and student researchers, including helping to identify research funding opportunities and assisting with the development of successful applications for research grants. The RAO provides pre-award and some post-award administrative services, identifies new opportunities for research partnerships (internal and external), and develops strategies for the advancement of faculty research programs and portfolios. Additionally, this position leads and assists the institution’s identification and nomination process for prestigious external research awards and prizes. The RAO and other ORGS staff will help identify funding opportunities, establish appropriate research teams, develop successful applications for research funding, and provide some post-award support for the successful grant applications in their portfolio. This position is pending budgetary approval.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Research administration such as, but not limited to:
- Facilitate, NSERC grant applications including Discovery grants, NSERC team applications, Institutional grant applications, and other research projects including CIHR and SSHRC applications as determined by the Associate Vice President (AVP), Academic and Research.
- Advise faculty on funding application strategies to generate high quality proposals and grow their research portfolios.
- Plan and estimate the budgets for resources required for research projects.
- Administer and/or assist with the administration of applications for CIHR and NSERC team research grants; and Government of Canada and Research Nova Scotia funding opportunities.
- Within the first six months, must acquire an excellent understanding of the regulations of external sponsors including but not limited to NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, CFI, CRC and Research Nova Scotia (RNS).
- Develop institutional research grants, nominations, and reports such as those required for RNS, SSHRC ASU, SSHRC SIG; career research award nominations (various agencies); as determined by the AVP, Academic and Research.
- Provide post-award support to major research projects by filing reports and generally ensuring that projects are meeting the expectations of funders.
- Assist in monitoring and reporting on activities that advance research infrastructure and funding goals.
- Research and recommend new opportunities for external collaborations and partnerships.
- Lead and assist an initiative to increase faculty research recognition, locally, nationally and internationally by developing and implementing a strategy to increase research awards and prizes successes
- Conduct research to identify suitable external faculty and student awards.
- Develop internal processes to identify internal nominees.
- Lead and assist in preparation and submission of nomination packages.
- Develop award succession processes to assist researchers in progressing from internal to regional, national, and international awards.
- Stay updated on best practices for nominations and submissions and lead and assist with the drafting, development, and implementation of policies and procedures for administering award competitions.
- Maintain an Awards and Prizes Database, including comprehensive lists of past and potential candidates, and an online listing of current opportunities
- Participate, as appropriate, in research- and awards-relevant ORGS and University wide committees, task forces, and working groups
- Design and deliver training and programming for students and researchers focused on the preparation of grant applications and award nomination packages for in-person and online delivery.
- Work closely and collaboratively with members of the ORGS team to build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders and partners of strategic importance.
- Working on behalf of ORGS and with other university stakeholders, assist with developing an institutional research data management strategy.
- Conduct detailed data analysis and interpretation to inform management planning and decision-making and assist managers in presenting these developments to stakeholders.
- Attend appropriate regional and national conferences and build relationships with other institutions for the purposes of research collaborations.
- Liaise with faculty and other researchers by establishing and maintaining regular contact.
- Collaborate with the ORGS team on community research outreach initiatives.
- Provide support for research communication by contributing to the development of promotional campaigns and products for ORGS.
- Working collaboratively with the ORGS team, ensure that SOPs and internal operating procedures (IOPs) are reviewed periodically and advise on required updates to ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and other relevant frameworks.
Other related duties as assigned. |
| Required Qualifications |
- Master’s degree (research-based) required. PhD preferred. High Priority given to applicants with a science-based graduate degree.
- Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in an academic or research environment.
- Experience delivering and developing teaching/training/facilitation/coaching programming in either formal or informal educational contexts.
- Experience overseeing and coordinating complex collaborative projects.
- Project management experience.
- Must be team-player and work cross-functionally with internal and external groups.
- The ability to adapt to shifting priorities and work under pressure in a high-volume environment, execute multiple projects while meeting strict deadlines.
- Operational understanding of the regulations of external sponsors including but not limited to SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR, CFI, and Research Nova Scotia.
- Understanding of the research lifecycle and importance of EDI, training HQP, and knowledge mobilization therein.
- Demonstrated proficiency in use of SharePoint, MS Office, and social media platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube).
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to communicate complex ideas to different audiences.
- High literacy skills
- Presentation skills (develop and deliver written and oral presentations).
- Ability to create and lead professional development sessions for faculty on topics related to grant writing and research funding.
- Demonstrated excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, detail oriented.
- Demonstrated data analysis and interpretation skills.
- Direct experience in a research setting.
- Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal office hours for special events and during grant application submission periods.
- Evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful workplace.
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