Director, Research Operations

at  Dalhousie University

JOB SUMMARY

Dalhousie Medical School attracts some of Canada’s top students, physicians, and health researchers. With campuses in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick, and over 100 teaching sites across the Maritimes, we provide aspiring doctors and health researchers with the highest caliber of education. Reporting jointly to the Associate Dean (Research) and the Chief Operating Officer, the primary function of the Research Operations Director is to provide administrative leadership in support of the achievement of the Faculty of Medicine’s research objectives as outlined in the Faculty’s strategic plan.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field plus, a minimum of seven years’ of related experience in senior-level professional administrative/operational position (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Knowledge of the Canadian granting system as it pertains to medical research.
• Experience in managing complex budgets.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal, written and presentation) skills.
• Prior experience managing staff with strong leadership skills.

• Oversees the operationalization of the Faculty’s strategic research plan, building research capacity across all units in the Faculty. Manages approximately 50 Faculty research accounts and budgets, including budget preparation, management, and authorization of expenditures.
• Manages Research Office staff, including recruitment, performance management and development, workload management, leave management, discipline, etc., in accordance with the various collective agreements and handbooks.
• In alignment with the strategic plan, faculty and research needs, and emerging issues, is responsible for identifying, initiating, managing, prioritizing, and completing special projects. Facilitates a collaborative culture that promotes the achievement of research goals and excellence not only within the Faculty but also across Faculties at Dalhousie.
• Responsible for compiling and communicating research information to the faculty, the Associate and Assistant Deans and the Dean. In consultation with the Associate Dean (Research) and Faculty and University Communications, develop internal and external communication strategies and tactics that promote the Faculty’s research.
• Works with departments (heads, administrators, faculty and staff) to ensure comprehensive support systems and resources are available for researchers, including coaching department support staff, identifying and developing educational or training opportunities for faculty, staff, etc.
• In collaboration with FoM Data Analyst, oversees the development of databases and inventories of faculty research data, which are used to prepare reports for the faculty, university, government, and funding agencies. Liaises with the relevant offices (Research – Dal/NSH/IWK) to ensure faculty compliance with procedures and protocols.